NBA weekend betting preview: Incorporating Super Bowl props
The NBA takes a backseat to the NFL's Super Bowl this weekend, but that doesn't mean we have to overlook the Association altogether. In fact, it's the perfect opportunity to incorporate the cross-sport betting market on Sunday, which includes opportunities for the Chiefs-Buccaneers in combination with games on the hardwood.
But first, let's roll into the weekend with Friday's news and notes.
Pelicans @ Pacers (-1, 228.5) Feb. 5, 7:00 p.m. ET
Bettors have already hopped on the over, pushing the number from an opener of 226 to 228.5. That might not be high enough.
The Pelicans have gone over the total in four straight on the road and eight of the last nine overall. New Orleans is just No. 17 in field-goal attempts per game, but the unit's logged at least 90 in each of the last four.
This is a potential shootout against a Pacers team tied for sixth in true shooting percentage and No. 9 in offensive efficiency. Indiana's cashed six of the last seven overs at home and 24 of the last 33 after an outright loss.
Raptors @ Nets (-4, 240) Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. ET
Speaking of totals, there's an awfully high one brewing between the Raptors and Nets on Friday.
The offensive-minded Nets have played a string of track meets. They're 11-1 to the over the last 12 as favorites and 9-1 the last 10 at home.
Toronto's trending over the total as of late, too, hitting four of the last five. However, a couple of key angles support the under.
Head coach Nick Nurse and Co. are solid under bets when getting points, converting 10 of the last 14. The Raptors are also 21-8-1 to the under the last 30 against teams with winning percentages better than .600, while the Nets are 25-9 to the under the last 34 against losing teams.
Nuggets @ Kings (NA) Feb. 6, 5:00 p.m. ET
Can the Nuggets avoid a hangover Saturday in Sacramento after getting embarrassed in the second half of Thursday's loss to the Lakers? Advanced metrics like Denver. The franchise has played the fourth-toughest schedule so far and is deserving of another win on top of its 12-9 record based on point differential.
The Nuggets have scored at least 115 points in three straight meetings against the Kings, who still can't get it together defensively - they're dead last in efficiency and allow the second-most points per game.
LaMelo Ball's points+rebounds+assists (Sunday) vs. Chiefs-Buccaneers first-half points
This is one of the neat cross-sport props that intertwines Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball with the football game on Sunday. Will the rookie have more combined points, rebounds, and assists against the Wizards than there will be first-half points between the Chiefs and Buccaneers? It's a tough call.
Kansas City and Tampa Bay are two of the best in the league at starting fast, ranking No. 3 (15.7) and 4 (15.6) in the NFL in first-half points per game, respectively. That total comes out to 31.3, but the market's expecting roughly 27-28 on Sunday.
Ball's averaging 12.7 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game entering the weekend, which is a shade lower at 24.6. However, Ball has a nice matchup on his hands against the Wizards: they allow the second-most points, seventh-most assists, and eighth-most rebounds to point guards this year.
Ball's been riding a heater lately, averaging an even 32 combined points, rebounds, and assists in each of the last four.
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.