The Stretch Run Begins

Even before the play-in was introduced, the final 20-something games following the All-Star break typically added some level of drama to the NBA regular season, as a number of teams are still jockeying for playoff and draft position. As things stand currently — in the Western Conference, the 4th-seeded Clippers only lead the 13th-seeded Lakers by four games - a good portion of these last regular season contests will have real stakes. As the association returns tonight, let's focus on the bottleneck currently taking place in the West since the East is more balanced 👇

• First things first, it's pretty shocking to see how different the All-Star game as a product has changed, but since this discussion has been played out, we'll leave you with a short video. This was only a few years ago! Watch this

Back to business though — the Mavs are in luck, considering they have the league's easiest schedule remaining, with 13 of their remaining 22 opponents holding .500 records or worse 😴

• Even though Denver is in prime position to hold onto the one seed (four games ahead of Memphis), it will be interesting to see how much ground Phoenix can make up once KD returns from injury. For what it's worth, the Suns trail the Nuggets by 10 games

• It's looking likely that at least one team from the Pacific Division, which includes the Suns, Clippers, Kings, Warriors and Lakers, will miss the postseason entirely

Pacific Division Winner Betting Preview

While I would highly recommend staying away from the Warriors and the Lakers, the Clippers (+290) and Kings (+480) intrigue me at their current odds, especially the latter. Sacramento holds a three-game lead over both the Clippers and Suns as things stand, and they've been the most consistent team in the division so far 👀

The Kings sport the league's best offense at 119.5 PPG, and De'Aaron Fox has been THE MOST clutch players this season 🦊

A Clash Of Styles

Tonight's matchup against the Cavs will be a true test for the Nuggets, as their potent offense will be tested against Cleveland's league-leading defense (allowing 106.1 PPG). This return to action represents the final portion of another potential MVP season for the Joker, who holds the best odds to complete the near-impossible three consecutive MVP awards in a row 🏆

NBA MVP Odds (subject to change)

• Nikola Jokic: -240 (bet $240, win $100)

• Joel Embiid: +600 (bet $100, win $600)

• Giannis Antetokounmpo: +700

• Jayson Tatum: +1800

• Luka Doncic: +2100

Cleveland has been formidable at home, going 25-6 on the year and are currently riding a four-game win streak at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The Nuggets on the other hand have only gone 14-14 while on the road. Aaron Gordon will also be missing the game due to a rib contusion 🤕

• Denver has been blistering from the outside, shooting 39.2% from three as a team, which is tied for first in the league. Much of this can be attributed to Jokic's playmaking

• Expect a battle of the guards to take place with explosive-scorers on both sides, featuring Jamal Murray and Donovan Mitchell

Nuggets vs. Cavs Betting Preview

• Spread: Cavs -2.5

• Moneyline: Cavs -142, Nuggets +118

• O/U: 223

For My Parlay Gurus

Even though Denver is a sneaky underdog here, I'm going with Cleveland to cover. They've been dominant at home, while the Nuggets have proven to be mortal while on the road. I'm also leaning towards the Lakers in their matchup against the Warriors, considering Curry is still out, and the new-look LAL roster looks like a much better fit 👇

• Cavs -2.5 vs. Nuggets: -110

• Lakers -5.5 vs. Warriors: -110

$100 on this bet would win you $264 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win up to $100*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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