Locks

NBA (0.5 Unit) New Orleans Pelicans Team Total Under 108.5 (-110): 6:30 PM CT on TNT

Keep an eye on the injury report for this game because the play here is heavily dependent on several players being out for New Orleans. This exciting Pelicans team got hit hard by the injury bug in their overtime loss to the Utah Jazz on Sunday. The result is that Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Herb Jones are likely to miss tonight’s game. Not having Ingram and Williamson’s scoring is the biggest key here, as they go up against a strong Dallas defense.

It’s early in the season, but the Mavericks have picked up where they left off on the defensive end. They’re second-best in the NBA for points allowed, defensive efficiency, and opponent floor percentage. The Mavs have already held two excellent offensive teams below this number to start the season, and I like their chances to do it again here. If you can verify that Ingram and Williamson are out tonight, I see a low output from the wounded Pelicans.

Bonus Bet (0.5 Unit): Luka Doncic Over 47.5 Points+Rebounds+Assists (-110)

While Ingram and Williamson’s absence makes it tough for the Pels offensively, Jones’ potential absence will make their defense suffer as well. But with the way Doncic has started this season, it might not matter who is guarding him. The Dallas point guard has put up 49 and 50 on this prop so far, and should look to show out on national TV for this one. Doncic has been unstoppable in all phases offensively, so I’m counting on him stuffing the stat sheet again.

Degenerates

No degenerates today.

Tiny Nick is 910-756 ATS (+83.5 Units) on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage. 

Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games he’s confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.