Who's excited the NBA is finally back? This guy

The NBA is back, and we know how many of you have likely been pining for its return. Fret not, as we're heading right to what figures to be a high-scoring game, and there's plenty of value to be had.

The two fastest teams match up tonight

For our regular readers, you likely know that we tend to be a sucker for pace of play when it comes to projecting over/unders and player points. It's typically one of our first stops when exploring the night's action, and it didn't take long for us to find a pairing that we have to listen to.

Golden State tops the NBA in possessions per game this season, and our hope was that whoever they were playing tonight was also near the top. Their opponent this evening is the Los Angeles Lakers, and oh look at that — they rank second in the league in possessions per game.

So yes, tonight we have the two teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in pace squaring up, and that's just something we have to listen to. It's not enough for us to only bet the over (which we are — don't worry), we need to find us some players to back. If that over is to hit as we expect then logically points props stand to benefit. Now sure, there is a case of putting your eggs in one basket at play here, but when you believe in a look, you attack it.

D'Angelo Russell recently joined the Lakers for his second go-around with the franchise, and his last game before the All-Star break was his best performance in the three games he's suited up here. He dropped 21 points to go along with seven assists, and it's his points we're drawn to tonight.

Russell's points are set at 16.5, a number he's exceeded in 15 of his last 21 games. While he went under last game against Golden State, a game that was with the Lakers, the absence of LeBron James has us throwing much of that game out the window. He dropped 29 points in his game prior to last against the Warriors, and on paper, there's reason to expect he can have another big night. Golden State is allowing the ninth-most points to shooting guards this season.

Speaking of struggling to slow down shooting guards, the Lakers have allowed the fourth-most points this season to the position, so one of Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson or Andrew Wiggins feels set for a big night. We're leaning toward Klay Thompson.

Stephen Curry remains out, and when he is, Thompson tends to pick up the bulk of the scoring. He's gone over his 24.5 points line in seven of the last nine games without Curry in the lineup, averaging 30.1 PPG in his last 10 sans Curry. As such, he's our guy tonight in a game where we like scoring.

Betting:

• Over 238 points (-110 DK)
• D'Angelo Russell over 16.5 points (-120 DK)
• Klay Thompson over 24.5 points (-120 DK)

Cheers to points, and here's to the NBA being back!

In the news ...

Kevin Durant set to make Phoenix debut soon — Reports have emerged that Kevin Durant, recently traded to the Phoenix Suns, will be making his return to the court and his Suns debut either this weekend or early next week. Durant has not played since Jan. 8 when he suffered an MCL injury while on the Nets, and he may play Sunday against Milwaukee. The Suns flew up the NBA odds board following the acquisition, and currently sit at +425 to win it all, second behind Boston.
 
Highly anticipated boxing match between Paul and Fury this Sunday — This Sunday, two young, undefeated boxing prospects will square off in the ring in a much-anticipated bout. It's Jake Paul (-155) vs. Tommy Fury (+135). Combat fans have been waiting for this matchup for quite some time, as Paul and Fury have both been racking up the knockout wins and talking trash in anticipation of this weekend. Our friends over at OddsChecker are liking Paul over Fury in this one, but be sure to take in the PPV fight Sunday afternoon!
 
Video emerges from Alvin Kamara battery case — Saints running back Alvin Kamara was indicted by a Clark County grand jury last week over his alleged role in a Las Vegas beating last summer, and a key piece of evidence that will likely be used by prosecutors has surfaced. Surveillance footage was released of Kamara and three others beating a man, and further audio was acquired that has Kamara admitting to punching the man in the jaw. No disciplinary action has been taken yet by the league, but should Kamara be charged, the NFL will likely hand down a suspension.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll