PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NBA Opening Night Big Casher
(NBA) New Orleans vs. Toronto,
Total: 231.00 | -104.00 Over
Result: Loss
Total: 231.00 | -104.00 Over
Result: Loss
Maybe if Zion Williamson and Kawhi Leonard were playing this high of a total might be justified. But they aren't. So Under is the way to go here.
Williamson gave a glimpse of just how good he is during preseason averaging 23.3 points and shooting 71.4 percent from the floor before suffering a knee injury. Now the Pelicans have to figure out their offense and scoring roles with go-to-guy Williamson out. New Orleans is breaking in four new starters. So there's a double adjustment period. Jrue Holiday is an offensive-minded point guard. Brandon Ingram has a hig ceiling. But the Pelicans' three other starters - Lonzo Ball, Derrick Favors and Kenrich Williams - are not big scorers.Â
Toronto had a top-10 defense last season ranking ninth in defensive scoring and fifth in defensive field goal percentage.Â
The Raptors are patient on offense moreso now with Leonard gone and Marc Gasol becoming a large part of the team. Gasol also is a strong defender.Â
Note, too, the teams concluded preseason this past Friday. So there could be a rust factor.Â
Williamson gave a glimpse of just how good he is during preseason averaging 23.3 points and shooting 71.4 percent from the floor before suffering a knee injury. Now the Pelicans have to figure out their offense and scoring roles with go-to-guy Williamson out. New Orleans is breaking in four new starters. So there's a double adjustment period. Jrue Holiday is an offensive-minded point guard. Brandon Ingram has a hig ceiling. But the Pelicans' three other starters - Lonzo Ball, Derrick Favors and Kenrich Williams - are not big scorers.Â
Toronto had a top-10 defense last season ranking ninth in defensive scoring and fifth in defensive field goal percentage.Â
The Raptors are patient on offense moreso now with Leonard gone and Marc Gasol becoming a large part of the team. Gasol also is a strong defender.Â
Note, too, the teams concluded preseason this past Friday. So there could be a rust factor.Â