Two quick, open NBA games with different shapes. In one, an away side with the better defence and more three-point volume meets a home team that gives up a lot of points. In the other, a team with a hot perimeter offence hosts the weakest defence in the sample.
Atlanta at New Orleans: the Pelicans have allowed about 122 a game while Atlanta allows about 114 and shoots better from three. Atlanta has won the last four meetings. New Orleans' route is turnovers and bench scoring, as in its win over Sacramento, but that came against a side on a back-to-back. I am siding with Atlanta to win.
Memphis against Sacramento: Memphis scores about 118 a game and has shot close to 40 percent from three. Sacramento scores about 103 but concedes about 118, and four of its last five games went well over the number. Memphis already won 123-112 over this opponent. I expect enough scoring for the game to go over the total.
That is why I'm on Atlanta and on the points in the Memphis game.
