NBA restart opening lines: Lakers, Clippers trending under
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It's been roughly four months since an NBA game was played. Mercifully, that's about to change.
The league will resume July 30 after its coronavirus-imposed hiatus. The first weekend features plenty of high-profile matchups, with lines and totals already available.
With bettors itching to finally place some wagers, let's dive into the opening weekend's biggest games and touch on the betting odds.
Thursday
Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans (-1.5), 220.5
I'm surprised this total isn't a bit higher. The Jazz and Pelicans played three times during the regular season and cashed all three overs, averaging 257.3 points.
Not one total was close - all three flew over by at least 20 points.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers (-1), 219
The Lakers lost the first two meetings during the regular season but beat their crosstown rivals 112-102 days before the hiatus.
Despite averaging 114.3 points per game this season, the Lakers have only mustered 106.7 in three against the Clippers. This could be a spot to bet the under.
Friday
Brooklyn Nets vs. Orlando Magic (-1.5), 212.5
The Magic thumped the Nets by 12 at home in January, then edged them out by two in Brooklyn as 4.5-points underdogs a month later. Orlando was on a bit of a heater before the layoff, winning six of nine games while trying to fend off the Wizards for the final playoff spot in the East.
Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks (-5.5), 218.5
Need a 'dog to bet? Look no further. The Celtics have been great when getting points in 2019-20, covering 14 of their 18 tries.
Health will be a significant factor for Boston down the stretch. The club has lost 10.59 games due to injury this season, which trails only the Raptors.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets (-1.5), 226
This total might be a couple points too low. It opened 225.5 and saw a slight bump, but don't be surprised if it keeps climbing. The Rockets and Mavericks cruised past the totals earlier in the year, combining to average 254.5 points per contest.
Saturday
Miami Heat vs. Denver Nuggets (-1), 212.5
The Nuggets made quick work of the Heat in their only previous meeting this season, 109-89. However, Denver might be a team to fade down the stretch; the club owns a minus-3 discrepancy between actual (43) and expected wins (40) this season. The Nuggets have overachieved to this point.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz (-1.5), 211
The Thunder are the league's best team against the spread this season at 40-24 (62.5%). They covered both their games against the Jazz and are a scorching-hot 25-10 ATS as underdogs in 2019-20.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Clippers (-5.5), 226.5
The Clippers and Pelicans own one of the highest totals of the weekend at 226.5. These clubs had no problem lighting up the scoreboard in their three prior meetings, combining to average a whopping 255 points.
Indiana Pacers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (-4.5), 210.5
This is the lowest total. Neither offense minds taking its time up the court. The 76ers rank No. 19 in the NBA in pace, while the Pacers sit No. 23. After sailing over their total in the first meeting of the season, the two clubs went under in consecutive matchups.
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers (-3.5), 213.5
After hitting the Lakers-Clippers under on Thursday, I'd come back and bet it again Saturday when L.A. takes on the Raptors. While this one has potential for fireworks, both franchises are currently top-three in defensive efficiency. Expect a low-scoring affair.
(Odds source: theScore Bet)
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.