NBA Mid-Way Review

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Developing Stories 📰

We've crossed the midway point of the 2023-24 NBA season, and the playoff picture is coming along with less than 30 games remaining for each team.

Out west, the race for the top seed remains wide open. The Timberwolves and Thunder lead the charge, fending off challenges from the Clippers and defending champion Nuggets. The Suns, Pelicans, Mavericks, Kings, Lakers, and Warriors are all fighting to avoid the Play-In Tournament. The Timberwolves are currently leading the West have the best defensive rating in the league but face stiff competition for the No. 1 seed. The Thunder, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-level performance, are on an accelerated championship path, backed by a solid defensive unit. Both teams, however, face pressure from the surging Clippers and consistent contender Nuggets.

The Clippers, rebounding from early struggles post-James Harden trade, are only two games behind the leaders. With Kawhi Leonard making an MVP case, Paul George's two-way prowess, and a well-rounded roster, they pose a significant threat if they can maintain their health. The Nuggets, quietly positioned three games back from the top, rely on Nikola Jokic's stellar play. Managing injuries to key players like Jamal Murray, their focus is on a healthy lineup for the crucial stretch. Even with a slightly depleted roster, they remain a force to be reckoned with in the West.

In the Eastern Conference, the Celtics firmly hold the No. 1 seed with a substantial six-game lead over the nearest competitor. However, the battle for the final secured playoff spot is shaping up to be a dynamic struggle among the Pacers, Heat, and Magic. The Eastern Conference playoff picture seems more settled with the Celtics leading and the Cavaliers, Bucks, Knicks, and 76ers appearing secure in the top six. This leaves one playoff spot up for grabs, and the Pacers, Heat, and Magic are all in contention.

Indiana holds a slim half-game lead over Miami and Orlando, having made a win-now move by acquiring Pascal Siakam. Although the initial results are mixed, the Pacers, especially with Tyrese Haliburton returning from injury, aim to solidify their position.

The Magic have slightly cooled but remain a potential playoff team with stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner leading the charge. Their top-five defense and scrappy play make them a challenging matchup.

The Heat, known for their playoff prowess, feel like a sleeping giant ready to awaken. Bam Adebayo's two-way excellence, combined with offensive sparks from Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier, adds potency to their roster. Despite Rozier's injury, a versatile supporting cast and the looming presence of Jimmy Butler make the Heat a formidable playoff contender.

As the season resumes post-All-Star break, the NBA playoff picture promises intense competition and last minute entries.

Headlines 🚨

On This Day in Sport History: 1968 Wilt Chamberlain becomes 1^st NBAer to score 25,000 points.

The NFL will raise the cap $30.6 million equaling a total of $255.4 million per team.

The Miami Dolphins are planning to release Emmanuel Ogbah clearing up $14 million in cap space.

The New Orleans Saints restructure quarterback Derek Carr’s contract that frees up $23 million in salary cap.

The University of Texas approves a raise and contract extension for Steve Sarkisian guaranteeing $10.9 million by 2030.

CFP officials are discussing a 14-team playoff expansion by 2026.

Nikola Jokic became the 4^th player in NBA history to record a triple-double against every opponent in the league.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed RH pitcher Mitch Keller to a 5 year extension worth $77 million.

Trends 📈📉 via Oddsshark

🏀 Raptors at Hawks

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road

• The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto

• Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

🏀 Clippers at Grizzlies

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games on the road

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

🏀 Wizards at Thunder

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City

• The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games

🏀 Suns at Rockets

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing Houston

🏀 Spurs at Lakers

• LA Lakers is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio

• LA Lakers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

🏒 Sabres at Blue Jackets

• The total has gone OVER in 6 of Columbus's last 7 games when playing at home against Buffalo

• The total has gone OVER in 7 of Columbus's last 9 games when playing Buffalo

🏒 Jets at Blackhawks

• Winnipeg is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Chicago

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Winnipeg

• The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Chicago's last 21 games

🏒 Wild at Oilers

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games

🏒 Blues at Red Wings

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis

Public Money 🤑 via VSiN at 9AMCT

🏀 NBA

41% of bets and 61% of money is on UNDER 229.5 CLE at PHI

62% of bets and 86% of money is on OVER 232.5 PHX at HOU

33% of bets and 70% of money is on UNDER 223 LAC at MEM

39% of bets and 74% of money is on UNDER 218.5 MIA at NO

23% of bets and 52% of money is on UNDER 218.5 DEN at POR

57% of bets and 75% of money is on CHA +12.5

11% of bets and 35% of money is on CHA +575

58% of bets and 73% of money is on LAL -10

🏒 NHL

43% of bets and 64% of money is on BUF -1.5 (+150)

49% of bets and 73% of money is on UNDER 5.5 WPG at CHI

62% of bets and 85% of money is on EDM -1.5 (+125)

Future Odds 🔮 via Bovada Sportsbook

Weekend Picks 🔒

Cavaliers -4.5 | The Cavaliers are 17-8 on the road this season and face an injured Philly team.

Minnesota -4.5 | The Bucks are 3-7 under Doc Rivers and have dropped to 2^nd in the Central division. The Timberwolves are playing well and they should keep their momentum going at home.

Cornell -130 | Cornell is 9-0 at home and they should remain undefeated here. Cornells offense is very efficient and their defense will be tighter this game.