A Saturday Double Feature: Side And Total
Feb 4th, 2012 by PJ LaFerla
Betting Line:
Oklahoma City Thunder (+2.5)
San Antonio Spurs (-2.5)
Total 195
Game Time 8:35 EST
On this Saturday evening, I will be providing you all with two predictions, but they come from the same matchup, as the Oklahoma City Thunder visit Texas to take on the San Antonio Spurs. I see tremendous value to make a play on a team and a nice spot to make a little extra money by wagering on the final score total as well…
Game Analysis:
With an 18-4 record, the Thunder have been brilliant, holding top honors in the Western Conference thus far. They do everything right – on the offensive end, it is a guarantee that they will score 100 points every outing. Defensively, they give up fewer than 95 points per game, but in crunch time they have proven to be a bit stingier. They get it done on the road too – winning nine of twelve straight up away from Chesapeake Energy Arena. They are even producing a winning record against the spread on the road, covering seven of twelve. They have been a road underdog of three points or less two times in the early going and have come away with two victories and point-spread covers in those matchups. In tonight’s game they are a road underdog of 2.5 points.
The Spurs own a 15-9 record – sitting in first place in the Southwest Division… albeit it is the slimmest of margins, as the Dallas Mavericks are right on their heals. Typically known as a low scoring defensive minded team, this season they are producing about 97 points per game on the offensive end and giving up fewer than 94 points per game on the defensive side of the ball. They boast a sterling 12-1 record at home, coming away with nine point spread covers (69.2%) in the process. You want more? How bout they are a perfect 2-0 (ATS) when they are a home favorite of 3 points or less. In tonight’s game they are a home favorite of 2.5 points.
WHO TO BE ON?
Something has to give here as the numbers stack up favorably for both sides. But for me, the Thunder are the more athletic team with much younger talent that will prove to be too fast for the Spurs to handle. Look for the Thunder to continue their dominance, as they are on a one way trip to the NBA finals this season.
THE TOTAL?
The total is sitting at 195 and seems a bit high involving a matchup with the Spurs, but as I mentioned earlier their scoring is up from recent years and you add to that fact they are facing a quick release opponent and you have the makings of a high-scoring affair.
Make you play on the Oklahoma City Thunder to cover the point-spread and OVER the 195 and you will have two winners.
PREDICTION:
Thunder 111, Spurs 101
PJ Laferla is a practicing freelance writer, professional handicapper, and the founder of SportsInput.com. If you are interested in hiring PJ Laferla for freelance writing or for winning picks against the spread, please submit all inquires to PJ@sportsinput.com.