Tiny Nick’s Gambling Picks: 07/18 – Zone Coverage

Locks

No locks today.

Degenerates

NBA Summer League LA Lakers/Cleveland Cavaliers Over 178.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 8:00 PM CT on ESPN

It was a rough start in Summer League for Bronny James and his Lakers team as a result, with a couple lopsided losses where the offense looked lost. But things seemed to turn around a bit last night against the Hawks, and if any of that carries into today they’ll have a decent night offensively. That will be made easier by this Cavaliers defense that has been torched for 94.3 PPG this week.

The Cavs are also on a back-to-back here after playing last night, so defenses for both teams might not be putting forth their best efforts. This is a total that early in the week would’ve definitely been in the 180’s but lower scoring has depressed totals across the board. That puts it in a very reachable range that I think poor defense and improved offense can help to clear tonight.

NBA Summer League LA Clippers -4.5 vs Utah Jazz (-110; Odds via Fanduel): 8:00 PM CT on NBA TV

What I’ve seen out of the Clippers so far in Summer League has impressed me, and while this game will probably be their toughest test, I think they’re up to the challenge. With Cam Christie and RayJ Dennis, LA has a dynamic backcourt for this level of basketball, and that gives them a significant edge over just about any other team.

It’s kept them very consistent over the course of this week, which is something that can’t be said for Utah. The Jazz have been very inconsistent from long range, and could easily be 0-3 this week if a couple bounces hadn’t gone their way. So I’m going to roll with the team that has rolled all their competition so far, at a shorter number than what’s been the typical margin this week.

Tiny Nick is 2381-2193 ATS (+88.7 Units) on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage. 

Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games he’s confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.