Giannis Antetokounmpo
(Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)

The NBA was busy and high scoring on Wednesday as Overs cashed in 9 of 10 games. The night began with the Milwaukee Bucks extending their Eastern Conference lead and covering a 4.5-point spread by beating the Indiana Pacers 106-98, and the night ended with the Portland Trail Blazers (+145 ) throttling the Golden State Warriors 129-106. Here’s the full sports betting recap and a Thursday lookahead.

It’s the last day before the All-Star Break, but the matchups Thursday make it feel like it’s already here. Five of the six teams playing Thursday night have losing records, with the Oklahoma City Thunder being the one team above .500.

Thunder in New Orleans

Paul George and Russell Westbrook hope to win their fifth straight after becoming the first teammates in NBA history to each record a triple-double and score 20+ points in the same game. The Thunder opened as 3.5-point favorites (Over/Under 237) as they roll into New Orleans to face the Pelicans. The Thunder have won 12 of their last 15, covering the spread in 11 of those, and are 33-23 ATS overall (17-12 ATS on the road). 

The Pelicans are coming off an embarrassing 118-88 loss to the Orlando Magic. Anthony Davis scored just three points in 24 minutes of play. 

Davis is one of the best players in the league but considering the situation between him and the front office, it’s unclear whether he’ll play at the level we’re used – or if the Pelicans will even allow him to. Breakfast Lean: Oklahoma City ML -160, Under 237

Red Raiders Wreck Cowboys

No. 15 Texas Tech Red Raiders (-6.5, Over/Under 128) wrecked the Oklahoma State Cowboys 78-50 in Stillwater Wednesday night. NBA prospect Jarrett Culver lead the game with 19 points, as all 12 Red Raiders saw at least four minutes on the floor. Texas Tech is now 10-14-1 ATS, and the Over/Under 8-16-1 in their contests. Texas Tech is one of the best defensive teams in the nation but tends to struggle offensively, explaining why the Under is hitting at a 66% rate[. Tech is no. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency (83.7) according to Ken Pom, 2.2 points ahead Michigan’s no. 2 defense. The difference between the no. 1 and no. 2 defense is the same difference between the no. 2 and no. 6 defense. Tech’s offense on the other hand is no. 88 in adjusted offensive efficiency.

Something to be cognizant of going forward is just how thin Oklahoma State’s bench is. After trailing 44-23 at halftime, the Cowboys were -2 for the second half. Texas Tech covered the second half spread by 5 points despite giving their most inexperienced players minutes in garbage time. As the season comes to an end, be sure to keep an eye on the Unders in Texas Tech games and fading Oklahoma State in the second half when their opponents have deep benches. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch in Lubbock on February 27th.

Prop Shop: Over/Under 32.5 Paul George Points

Paul George
(USA Today Sports Images)

In his last two games, Paul George has combined for 92 points while shooting over 50% from both the field and the three-point line. Since the start of the new year, the Over on George’s point totals are 13-7. Oddsmakers have gradually increased the line over the last month, but I’m not fading George anytime soon. Breakfast Pick: Over 32.5

Temperature Check: It’s Hot and It’s Cold

The Colonial Athletic Association gives us a matchup between two teams who have been polar opposites throughout conference play, when Northeastern takes on NC-Wilmington (+7, Over/Under 153.5) Thursday. In their last 10, Northeastern is 8-2 ATS and SU while NC-Wilmington is 2-7-1 ATS and 2-7 SU. 

Cougars to Meet Huskies 

No. 9 Houston makes the long trip to Connecticut to take on the Huskies Thursday. Houston opened at -8 (Over/Under 140) after beat two of the best teams in the conference last week. Houston is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 (16-7 ATS overall) and has had little trouble covering on the road this season (6-1). The Huskies are 7-3 ATS in their last 10, and 10-4 ATS at home. Breakfast Lean: Huskies +8

Injury Report

Jason Smith and Elfrid Payton are listed as day-to-day for the Pelicans heading into Thursday.

Lines reference herein come from FanDuel Sportsbook unless otherwise indicated.

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