For the second of these two semi-final matchups, we have two half unit bets. The first one is on the Lakers to cover the -2 spread. The other is on the under. For the first bet, we like the Lakers in what should be a playoff atmosphere tonight in LA. In the tournament games, the Lakers have outperformed their averages by a remarkable amount, in nearly every stat. They average 8 more points on almost 50% from the field. The Lakers are shooting 44% from three, which is an 11% increase. The Pelicans may have a slight offensive edge in this matchup, but the Lakers defense matches up very well against them. We will also be making a separate half unit bet on the under of 231 in this game. With the level of competition being raised tonight, we could see a slower pace, and in-turn heighten the level of defense played by both teams. If the last game from either of these two teams gives us any indication, this will be a close and competitive matchup. The Lakers’ game against the Suns came down to the wire at barely above 100 points a piece. The Pelicans, when playing teams in the bottom 5 of pace this year have only had a 231+ point game one time. Lakers -2 and the under are our wagers.

Our bet in this NBA Cup semi-finals is a half-unit on less than 257.5 points to be scored in the Pacers-Bucks game. This is the highest total there has been in the NBA since 1991. 257 points is an extremely high number. Any game that would combine for almost 260 points on a normal night would either be an OT+, or a game where both teams have scorching hot offensive performances. We know these two teams are capable of doing this, especially if this game is played like the rest of the In Season Tournament (with no defense). Every single NBA model we have looked at projects this game going under. However, that has been the case with many Pacers games this season. Even with the high pace and scoring averages of these two teams, this total is too high for us to pass up. Our wager is a half unit on less than 257.5 points to be scored.