NBA Preview Wednesday 11/13/24

Tonight’s NBA DFS slate is packed with intriguing matchups, varied paces, and standout trends across the league. Let’s dive into each game to identify the overarching themes you can leverage for Betting and DFS lineup construction.

Indiana Pacers @ Orlando Magic

• Vegas Info: Indiana -2.5, Total 226.5
• Implied Totals: Pacers 114.5, Magic 112.0
• Game Time: 7:00 PM ET

This matchup brings together Indiana’s high-paced, offensively-minded team against Orlando’s more methodical approach. Indiana ranks high in pace and offensive rating, consistently pushing the tempo, while Orlando’s defense is middle-tier but has improved at limiting opponents’ 3-point attempts. This slower pace from Orlando may slightly cap Indiana’s upside, but the Pacers’ aggressive offense still stands out.

Boston Celtics @ Brooklyn Nets

• Vegas Info: Boston -8.5, Total 217.0
• Implied Totals: Celtics 112.8, Nets 104.3
• Game Time: 7:30 PM ET

Boston comes in as a heavy favorite with a rock-solid defense. They are methodical on offense (19th in pace), making this a potentially low-scoring affair. Brooklyn, struggling on both ends, may find it challenging to keep up. This game’s slower pace and Boston’s defensive edge likely lower DFS ceilings, but it could offer some value in cash games where consistency is key.

Chicago Bulls @ New York Knicks

• Vegas Info: New York -8.5, Total 228.0
• Implied Totals: Bulls 109.8, Knicks 118.3
• Game Time: 7:30 PM ET

Expect a slightly faster-paced contest, with the Knicks favored to control the tempo. New York’s rebounding dominance (30th in rebounding rate) gives them an edge on second-chance opportunities, making them a solid choice in cash games. Chicago’s defensive metrics are subpar, giving the Knicks’ primary scorers an opportunity to exceed expectations in GPP lineups.

New Orleans Pelicans @ Oklahoma City Thunder

• Vegas Info: Oklahoma City -14.5, Total 223.5
• Implied Totals: Pelicans 104.5, Thunder 119.0
• Game Time: 7:30 PM ET

Oklahoma City is heavily favored here, powered by an efficient offense and a top-five pace of play. New Orleans will struggle to keep up, especially with the Thunder’s ability to force turnovers and dominate in transition. The Thunder’s up-tempo style presents DFS upside, especially given the Pelicans’ defensive struggles, making OKC’s key players prime GPP targets.

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Philadelphia 76ers

• Vegas Info: Cleveland -10.0, Total 218.5
• Implied Totals: Cavaliers 114.3, 76ers 104.3
• Game Time: 7:30 PM ET

This low-paced game is highlighted by Cleveland’s defensive dominance, with a top-ranked defensive rating that may stifle Philadelphia’s offense. Cleveland’s offense has been explosive lately, and Philly’s struggles on the boards further tilt the game in the Cavaliers’ favor. Look for Cleveland’s starters in cash games, as the defensive imbalance could lead to a strong floor performance.

Detroit Pistons @ Milwaukee Bucks

• Vegas Info: Milwaukee -5.5, Total 220.0
• Implied Totals: Pistons 107.3, Bucks 112.8
• Game Time: 8:00 PM ET

Milwaukee’s pace and solid defensive profile make them a consistent team, with the potential for a balanced performance on both ends. Detroit’s low offensive output and rebounding struggles could keep their DFS upside limited, while Milwaukee’s starters offer stability for cash game consideration.

Washington Wizards @ San Antonio Spurs

• Vegas Info: San Antonio -7.5, Total 222.5
• Implied Totals: Wizards 107.5, Spurs 115.0
• Game Time: 8:00 PM ET

In a game with two of the league’s worst defenses, expect a high-scoring matchup. Both teams have low defensive ratings and play with a faster pace, which should create additional scoring opportunities. This game has high GPP appeal, particularly in targeting Spurs’ players against Washington’s struggling defense.

Los Angeles Clippers @ Houston Rockets

• Vegas Info: Houston -5.0, Total 215.0
• Implied Totals: Clippers 105.0, Rockets 110.0
• Game Time: 8:00 PM ET

A slower-paced game between two defensive-oriented teams, both of whom rank low in pace and prioritize defensive pressure. The scoring potential here is low, so consider it a game for cash games, with Houston’s core players providing value against a defense that can be vulnerable in transition.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Lakers

• Vegas Info: Los Angeles -7.0, Total 230.5
• Implied Totals: Grizzlies 111.8, Lakers 118.8
• Game Time: 10:00 PM ET

This high total reflects both teams’ fast pace and Memphis’ defensive struggles. The Lakers’ offense thrives in transition, so expect them to score consistently. This is a prime spot to target both teams in DFS, with potential for high ceilings, especially in GPPs.

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Portland Trail Blazers

• Game Time: 10:00 PM ET

Minnesota’s balanced approach contrasts Portland’s weaknesses, especially defensively. While lacking Vegas information, expect Minnesota’s core players to have a steady floor due to Portland’s vulnerabilities. In GPPs, consider Timberwolves’ players who can exploit these weaknesses for high upside.

Phoenix Suns @ Sacramento Kings

• Vegas Info: Sacramento -6.0, Total 226.0
• Implied Totals: Suns 110.0, Kings 116.0
• Game Time: 10:00 PM ET

Two of the league’s faster-paced teams, Phoenix and Sacramento, promise a high-tempo game with a potential for elevated scoring. Sacramento’s edge in rebounding and Phoenix’s defensive lapses could make Kings’ starters a good target in GPP lineups. The Suns’ shooters will need to be efficient to keep up.

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