Media by Associated Press – Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (77) and Kyrie Irving (2) celebrate after Irving sunk a three-point shot in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Tuesday, March 7, 2023, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Betting on the road teams in the NBA is always tricky. While some teams may not be playing well overall, many teams can usually find a way to give the home fans a good show. Taking a road favorite is something that always needs to be carefully considered.
Here’s a look at a few games to bet on.
Dallas Mavericks (-2) at New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have lost seven of their past nine games. New Orleans are finally returning home after the Pelicans played seven of those games away from home. With Zion Williamson still sidelined, New Orleans is hoping Brandon Ingram and company can find their rhythm.
The Pelicans are 29-35-1 against the spread this season. Dallas acquired Kyrie Irving in a trade from Brooklyn to save its season and attempt to bring home an NBA title. The Mavericks haven’t quite found their mojo since he came over. Dallas has slid into a spot in the play-in tournament.
Dallas is the worst team in the NBA against the spread, compiling a 23-40-3 record against the spread. The Mavericks will kick off a quick two-game road wing by grabbing its third win in their past four games.
Toronto Raptors at Los Angeles Clippers (-3.5)
The Clippers have had a wild swing over the past few weeks. Los Angeles has had a hard time playing good defense recently. While it may be tough on Clippers coach Ty Lue’s heart, Los Angeles has been involved in a number of high-scoring affairs. Toronto doesn’t necessarily have the team to push the Clippers that way.
Los Angeles had to rally from a 16-point deficit at the end of the third quarter to beat Memphis on Sunday night. The Clippers are 1-5 against the spread in their past six games. Toronto has covered three of its past four games against the spread.
The Raptors have won six of their past ten games to move into ninth place in the Eastern Conference. Los Angeles is hoping to find a way out of the Western Conference play-in tournament. A win over the Raptors will give the Clippers some momentum.
Cleveland Cavaliers (-2.5) at Miami Heat
The Cavaliers will face Miami twice in South Beach over a three-day stretch. Cleveland will want to try and stunt the Heat’s momentum. The Cavaliers enter the game with no major contributors on the injury list. Cleveland star guard Donovan Mitchell, who averages 27.6 points per game, is coming off a 40-point performance in his last game.
As a team, the Cavaliers shoot 36.4 percent from the perimeter and score 112.1 points per game. Miami leans more on its defense.
The Heat average 108.5 points per game. Miami, despite winning six of its past ten games, is just 3-7 against the spread during that stretch.
Cleveland is hoping to maintain its stop in the top six and will look to gain some Miami by defeating a surging Heat team.
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