Did Kadarius Toney Curse Sharpshooters?

Since Kadarius Toney singlehandedly delivered me the worst beat of my life, nothing has gone right.

Later that night, the Eagles got the shit kicked out of them by their biggest rival. I lost all five of my favorite plays yesterday, while Ani lost both of his.

0-7… all thanks to Mr. Toney.

To give a quick recap, I texted Ani last night at halftime of most of the games that most of our picks were pacing well. I joked, despite how it looked at halftime, that only two of our bets would hit. And that’s exactly what happened. 0-7 on our favorites, 2-9 overall.

Jayson Taum (over 26.5 PTS, 30+ and 35+) had 17 points at halftime. He finished with 25.

Nikola Jokic (triple-double) had four points, eight rebounds, and four assists… after the first quarter. He was ejected right before halftime for “calling the ref a bad word.” On Serbian Heritage Night in Chicago, no less. Shame.

Anthony Davis (over 13.5 REB, 16+), against one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, decided to grab the fewest boards he’s had in a game in nearly a month. He finished with 11.

DeMar DeRozan (over 29.5 PTS + AST) had 12 at halftime. Not that crazy to think he could put up another 18 combined points and assists in the second half of a tight game. Well, he went 1-6 from the field, adding just four more points and three more assists. Another loss.

Shoutout to the unrelated White brothers, Derrick and Coby, for saving our asses last night.

It’s a new night and a new slate. Let’s ride.

Record Tracker 📉

*If you have a weak stomach, do not read this next part.

Mitch’s Favorites: 26-34 (-5.1 units) 🤮

Ani’s Favorites: 25-29 (+1.6 units) ❄️

All Other Picks: 42-45 (+0.9 units) 🤨

Overall: 93-108 (-2.6 units) 😒

Mitch’s Favorite Picks 🔒

Buddy Hield, over 14.5 PTS (+104 / FanDuel) — 1.5 units

Pacers @ Bucks, 8 PM EST

While Hield has only hit this mark twice in the past five games, I still really love this play — all for the matchup.

These are two of the fastest-paced offenses in the league. The Pacers are first, while the Bucks are fifth. They’re also two of the worst defenses in the league, with the Pacers entering tonight 28th in defensive rating and the Bucks 22nd.

The total tonight is 258.5, which is the highest total since 1991. Plus, the Bucks allow the second-most points per game to opposing shooting guards, so Hield should have plenty of chances to get his tonight. I would also sprinkle a little on him to score 20+ at +380.

Ani’s Favorite Picks 🔒

Jonas Valanciunas, over 12.5 REB (+105 / FanDuel) — 1.5 units | 14+ Rebounds (+140 / FanDuel) — 0.75 units

Pelicans @ Wizards, 7 PM EST

For our regular readers, you know why I like this prop tonight against the Wizards. New subscribers, it’s because the Wizards stink. And they especially stink against opposing centers.

Daniel Gafford is back tonight for the Wizards, and that makes me like this prop even more because it will force Valanciunas to stay in the paint on defense. Against stretch fives, he’s more likely to miss out on rebounding opportunities.

The Wizards are the worst rebounding team in the league averaging only 38.8 rebounds per game so Valanciunas might hit this on offensive rebounds alone (which would be ridiculous).

Pascal Siakam, over 23.5 PTS (-118 / FanDuel)  — 1 unit

Hawks @ Raptors, 7:30 PM EST

The Hawks/Raptors game total is one of the highest on the slate tonight at 241.5, and I expect it to be a fast paced game as well. Siakam is averaging 20.7 points per game this season but has a great matchup tonight against a Hawks team that struggles to defend the power forward position.

Jalen Johnson is the best wing defender the Hawks have and he is still sidelined with an injury. Siakam should have success against DeAndre Hunter and Saddiq Bey tonight in this high-scoring affair.

Victor Wembenyama, over 12.5 REB (+104 / FanDuel) — 1 unit

Lakers @ Spurs, 8 PM EST

The number one overall pick from this year’s NBA draft has been a rebounding machine lately, totaling 38 rebounds in his last two games. I expect either Anthony Davis or LeBron James to be out for the Lakers tonight because they are only favored by 3.5 points which is usually a telling sign.

If Davis is absent for LA, Wemby should easily dominate the glass. Even if Davis plays, there will be plenty of opportunities for him to grab rebounds as long as he stays out of foul trouble. I’m more concerned about foul trouble tonight for Wemby than his ability to grab boards.

Other Plays We Like

Terry Rozier, over 29.5 PTS + AST (-115 / FanDuel) — 0.75 units

Hornets @ Heat, 7:30 PM EST

De’Anthony Melton, 3+ 3PM (+110 / FanDuel) — 0.75 units

Sixers @ Pistons, 7 PM EST

Trae Young, over 9.5 AST (-125 / FanDuel) — 0.75 units

Hawks @ Raptors, 7:30 PM EST