There's not a whole lot going on in the NBA tonight from a game quantity standpoint. And to be honest, the betting market isn't offering a ton of exciting action, either. There is, however, one game that has sharps in one-sided agreement, and it's one that should have the attention of NBA fans as well.
Kemba Walker is making his return to Charlotte tonight for the first time in a Celtics uniform, and while sharps couldn't care less about that storyline, they are finding plenty of value on the over/under.
Odds as of Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET and via PointsBet, where Action Network users can access an exclusive promotion to get a 200% deposit match (deposit $50, bet with $150).
Celtics vs. Hornets
8 p.m. ET | TNT
The Celtics opened as 6-point favorites in this matchup, and have been pushed up to -7 behind 69% of bets and 64% of money. But as mentioned, it's been the total that's seen more of an effect from professional money.
The first indication of that comes from the direction of the line movement. Whereas the spread has moved toward the popular side, the total has actually dropped despite 57% of bettors taking the over.
In this case, part of the reason for the drop may be the fact that the 43% backing of the under has generated 58% of actual money. But while there may be a slight monetary liability, that bet-vs.-money discrepancy is more telling in that it reveals how bigger bettors — the ones more likely to be sharps – – are seeing this game.
Sports Insights' Bet Signals — which track and record instances of professional action causing line movement — have been triggered twice on the under, confirming that the bigger bets have, in fact, come from sharps.
As for the movement itself, it's been significant. The opening number of 219 is now down to 215, a drop that isn't likely to happen without some help from wiseguys.
Sharp angle: Under (moved from 219 to 215) [In New Jersey? Bet now at PointsBet]
