Saturday night's NBA slate features only three games to choose from. However, I am most interested in the game between the Boston Celtics and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Boston has lost consecutive games against the Atlanta Hawks since its nine-game winning streak. It will take a team effort for the Celtics to beat the Pelicans, who have won 10 of their past 13 games.
Let's take a look at my first recommendation, which comes from this game.
Jayson Tatum over 5.5 assists.
The 6.5-point spread indicates that the game between the Celtics and Pelicans is expected to be competitive. Tatum has excelled as a facilitator recently, surpassing this line in six of his past 10 games and averaging 11.4 potential assists per game during that span. Also, he has also exceeded 5.5 assists in seven of his last 10 road games. The Celtics should be eager to bounce back from their overtime loss to the Hawks on Thursday.
Dejounte Murray over 35.5 points and assists.
He's been phenomenal lately clearing this line in three of his last five games. The Bucks rank 28th in points allowed per game to point guards. Murray has also cleared this line in three of his last four home games. This is a game that should be close since the Hawks are only 3.5 point underdogs.
Clint Capela over 12.5 points and assists.
He's eclipsed this line in nine of his last 10 games. The matchup against the Bucks is a perfect opportunity for Capela to accumulate assists since Milwaukee struggles on the perimeter. The Bucks rank 27st in points allowed per game and 29th in assists allowed per game to centers.
Projections and injury reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com.
Boston Celtics at New Orleans Pelicans5 p.m. Smoothie King Center, New Orleans
Records (Against the Spread)
Celtics: 57-16 (39-31-3)
Pelicans: 45-28 (40-32-1)
Line: Celtics (-6.5) Total: 223.5
Money Line: Celtics (-230), Pelicans (+190)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 8.1, straight up 77%, 236.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Jaden Springer, (OUT - Knee); JD Davison, (OUT - Ankle)
Pelicans: Dyson Daniels, (GTD - Knee); Jose Alvarado, (OUT - Oblique); Brandon Ingram, (OUT - Knee)
Memphis Grizzlies at Orlando Magic7 p.m. Amway Center, Orlando
Records (Against the Spread)
Grizzlies: 24-49 (34-39-0)
Magic: 42-31 (46-27-0)
Line: Magic (-13.5) Total: 205.5
Money Line: Grizzlies (+550), Magic (-900)
BPI Projection: Magic by 9.7, straight up 80%, 221.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Grizzlies: John Konchar, (GTD - Heel); Santi Aldama, (GTD - Illness); Desmond Bane, (OUT - Back); Vince Williams Jr., (OUT - Knee); Yuta Watanabe, (OUT - Personal); Derrick Rose, (OUT - Groin); Marcus Smart, (OUT - Finger); Ziaire Williams, (OUT - Hip); Ja Morant, (OUT - Shoulder)
Magic: Markelle Fultz, (GTD - Knee)
Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks7:30 p.m. State Farm Arena, Atlanta
Records (Against the Spread)
Bucks: 46-27 (32-41-0)
Hawks: 34-39 (27-46-0)
Line: Bucks (-4.5) Total: 223.5
Money Line: Bucks (-165), Hawks (+140)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 2, straight up 57%, 238.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Hamstring); Khris Middleton, (GTD - Ankle); MarJon Beauchamp, (GTD - Back); Patrick Beverley, (GTD - Wrist); Damian Lillard, (OUT - Personal)
Hawks: Jalen Johnson, (GTD - Ankle); AJ Griffin, (OUT - Ankle); Kobe Bufkin, (OUT - Toe); Mouhamed Gueye, (OUT - Elbow); Onyeka Okongwu, (OUT - Toe); Trae Young, (OUT - Finger); Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Knee)