Every NBA team got the night off on Monday, so everyone healthy will be fresh. For a lot of teams, that’s important, as a postseason spot isn’t secured yet. That’s primarily a Western Conference problem, though, and we’ve got a bunch of high-powered offenses in action tonight.
Here’s a parlay featuring Western Conference teams and high-scoring affairs, which will be dubbed “Western Shootouts.”
NBA Parlay Leg #1: Kings @ Pelicans Alternate Total Over 235.0
The Sacramento Kings are on their way to setting the record for the highest single-season offensive rating by a team in NBA history, so it shouldn’t be surprising that most of their games are high-scoring. Especially not when considering that they are only 25th in defensive rating while playing at the 11th-fastest pace. Games with the Kings routinely finish with over 230 total points.
That includes both meetings with the New Orleans Pelicans. The first time these teams met in New Orleans, the game finished with 240 total points. That was with the Pelicans shutting down the NBA’s top offense this season. Expect Sacramento to have more offensive firepower, New Orleans to match them with their postseason spot still in limbo, and this game to finish with more than 235 points.
NBA Parlay Leg #2: Spurs @ Suns Alternate Total Over 237.0
Ever wonder what happens when the worst defensive unit in the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs, meets a team with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker? We’ll find out tonight because that’s the matchup in Phoenix. The Suns, without Kevin Durant, averaged 130.5 points per game in their first two games against the Spurs this season.
Considering San Antonio’s defensive track record this season and surge on the offensive end lately, this game should see plenty of scoring. A Suns win tonight would officially clinch a playoff spot, so they’re going to bring their best. Another 130-point performance from them is likely, and the Spurs are averaging 115.9 points per game over their last 11 games. That would clear this point-total easily.
NBA Parlay Leg #3: Thunder @ Warriors Alternate Total Over 240.0
These teams met thrice in 2023, and the lowest-scoring game ended with 248 combined points. Thunder and Warriors are the top two clubs in pace this season, and both are top-five in points per game as a result. The first game in San Francisco between the Thunder and the Warriors finished with 255 total points.
Health also shouldn’t be a factor for either team’s rotation. The only players ruled out tonight have already missed extended time for various reasons. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 31.5 points per game, has no injury designation after missing some time recently for the Thunder. The same is for Steph Curry, who has put up 29.5 points a night and missed 26 games this season.
Both teams need a win as they jockey for the postseason, so motivation won’t be an issue. Anticipate an explosive game.
