NBA Tuesday trend plays: Bet the total in Trail Blazers-Pelicans
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The final week before the All-Star break is winding down, with just a five-game slate on Tuesday. Here are the best angles to focus on before placing your bets.
Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans (-2.5, 240)
There haven't been many totals in the 240s this season, but this one is certainly warranted. The Trail Blazers and Pelicans rank eighth and sixth in per-game scoring, respectively, and both clubs are averaging north of 118 points per contest over their last three.
The Pelicans have been the league's best "over" team throughout the last six weeks while going 16-3-1. They're also 7-1 to the over during their last eight games as favorites, and 7-2-1 in their last 10 at home. Meanwhile, Portland is on a 9-2-1 run to the over during the team's last 12 games overall, and the Trail Blazers are 6-1-1 in their last eight as an underdog. Expect a boatload of points in this one.
Trend play: Over 240
Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets (-2, 232)
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens seems to prefer being an underdog. His squad is currently on a 6-1 run against the spread as a 'dog, and Boston is 8-2 ATS over its last 10 when getting points away from home.
The Celtics have also been a great bet in general lately, covering in eight of their last 11 games overall. On the other hand, the Rockets - who lost to Utah on Sunday night - are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven matchups following a straight-up loss.
Trend play: Celtics +2
Los Angeles Clippers at Philadelphia 76ers (+1.5, 225)
Philadelphia's offense is struggling to score when the team is an underdog, averaging fewer than 100 points per game over the last six spots. The 76ers are trending under the total as 'dogs, too, cashing eight of their last nine when getting points.
Meanwhile, the Clippers are 7-3 to the under during their last 10 games away from home, and they've cashed four of their last five against teams with winning records.
Trend plays: Under 225, 76ers team total under 111.5
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards (-3, 230)
As crazy as it sounds, this total might be too low for a Wizards game, as just one of Washington's totals over its last eight contests has closed below 230.
Despite the high numbers, going over hasn't been a problem for the Wizards. They're 4-1 to that side of the total in their last five off an ATS loss, 6-2 over their last eight on one day of rest, and Washington is on a blistering 36-16 run following a straight-up defeat.
The Bulls have been just as solid while cashing their last six games as 'dogs, their last five road games, and their last seven overall.
Trend play: Over 230
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.