NBA: On MLK Day, we like Grizz, Nets and points from Rockets-76ers

Pelicans (+3) @ Grizzlies (219) 5:35 pm
Pick: Grizzlies -3
It’s the annual Memphis Grizzlies nationally televised game on Martin Luther King day. To an average sports bettor, this game probably doesn’t have much appeal. It’s two teams below .500 and in the Pelicans’ case, without their best player, Anthony Davis, who is expected to be out 1-2 weeks with a finger sprain. The injury to Davis presents a good chance for Marc Gasol to begin to play his way out of Memphis. The Spanish center could be on the move between now and the trade deadline with his contract set to expire after the season and the Grizzlies not close to contending. We also think the home national audience for a Memphis team that is not often under the bright lights will produce a big effort from the Grizzlies at home. Give us Gasol and company to cover this short number at home.

Kings (+3.5) @ Nets (230.5) 3:35 pm
Pick: Nets -3.5
The Brooklyn Nets keep finding ways to win. They had another come-from-behind victory on Friday night in Orlando. Brooklyn has now won seven of its last nine games and is 7-2 ATS in that stretch as well. Sacramento is in the middle of its longest road trip of the season and it took a late surge from the Kings on Saturday night in Detroit to beat the Pistons. The Pistons won three of the four quarters Saturday, and the Kings opened the road trip with a 19-point loss in Charlotte. It doesn’t seem like a good time to back Sacramento, and considering we only need the Nets to win by two possessions here, that’s the side we’ll take in this one.

Rockets (+4) @ Sixers (233.5) 7 pm
Pick: Over 233.5
Is it possible for this total to be high enough? Even without Clint Capela and Chris Paul, the Rockets have had no problems scoring. I guess having James Harden on your team helps. It also doesn’t seem like an under is ever safe in a Sixers game. The total in Saturday’s game against the Thunder closed at 234.5. After three quarters, the teams had combined for 167 points. But, a 65-point fourth quarter made things interesting and then some, as the total landed at 232 with Oklahoma City winning 117-115 and the under barely cashed. Houston and Philly are fifth and seventh respectively when it comes to the best over success rates. We’d also expect the Sixers to come out hot after letting one slip away Saturday. Rather than play the side in what’s likely a close game, there’s a chance this over is cashed with five minutes left in regulation. More power to you if you go under here.