Thursday is always one of the best days of the NBA week and this is no exception. With 11 games on today’s slate, there’s plenty of value to be had in both conferences. Let’s take a look at our 4 best bets of the day, plus our favourite multi of the week so far.
Miami Heat
The Heat enter this one 1-2 after a disappointing home loss the Hornets. It was their usually strong defense that struggled, allowing 39 points to Charlotte PG Kemba Walker. Miami is still riddled with injuries; with Wayne Ellington, James Johnson, Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow all in question for this one. That said, the Heat do still have quite a strong rotation. One that should be more than capable of handling the hapless Knicks at home.
New York Knicks
The 1-3 Knicks travel to Miami after a trio of consecutive losses. Their defence really let them down on Tuesday, allowing 124 points to the high-flying Bucks. Guard Tim Hardaway continued his strong start to the season with 24 points, whilst Center Enes “Twitter Fingers” Kanter added another double-double. With star big man Kristaps Porzingis still recovering from injury, this has been billed as yet another rebuilding campaign for New York
Prediction: Under 224.5
The high-scoring start to the NBA has started to inflate totals far too much. Miami is a gritty hard-working team that specialises in grinding out games like these. I expect them to control the pace in this one and stifle the Knicks offense, with the final total falling around 10 points below this line.
Houston Rockets
The 1-2 Houston Rockets return home after a surprisingly poor start to the season. James Harden led the way with 31 points and 14 assists against the Clippers, but it just wasn’t enough in Monday’s defeat. New acquisitions Carmelo Anthony and Michael Carter-Williams are starting to offer up weak spots in a previously strong Houston rotation. With the absence of Chris “Worst Teammate in the NBA” Paul, the Rockets face a tough challenge here in the form of a gritty Jazz side.
Utah Jazz
After losing at the buzzer to Golden State on Saturday, the 1-2 Jazz laid an egg at home to the Grizzlies on Tuesday. Shooting Guard Donovan Mitchell hasn’t continued his strong form from last season, shooting just 34% from the field on 20 attempts per game so far. Center Rudy Gobert continues to be an interior force, with 3 consecutive double doubles to open the season. Shooting only 35% against Memphis, I have faith that this Utah team will bounce back here.
Prediction: Jazz +3
The Jazz have all the motivation in the world in this one. Not only did they lose to this Houston team in last season’s Conference Semis, they’ve just come off 2 very frustrating losses. Without Chris Paul, I think the Jazz have every chance of taking this one in Houston. The 3 points are also great insurance if it’s a close one.
Sacramento Kings
The 1-3 Kings return home after a tough loss in Denver last night. Rookie Power Forward Marvin Bagley was a bright spot, putting up an impressive 20 points and 9 rebounds. Whilst their defence has been dreadful, the Kings offense has been surprisingly effective so far this season. They’ve scored at least 112 points in every game and are playing with great energy. The first game home after a road trip is never easy and I think they’re in a tough spot here against Memphis.
Memphis Grizzlies
After a disastrous opening night loss in Indiana, the Grizzlies have rebounded with consecutive wins over the Hawks and Jazz. Their defence in Utah on Tuesday was incredibly impressive, limiting the Jazz to just 84 points on 35% from the field and 25% from 3. It’s the 2018 season and Gasol and Conley are still leading the way for the Grizzlies. Whilst both could stand to improve their field goal percentage, they offer so much to a roster that is made up primarily of role players.
Prediction: Grizzlies 1st Half -1
The late-night travel from Denver to Sacramento won’t prove easy for the Kings here. I expect the Grizzlies to ultimately win this one but think a bet on the first half represents even better value. I’m never a fan of huge public plays, but this is one that both the numbers and eye test supports.
Phoenix Suns
After a strong opening win over Dallas, the Suns have struggled in consecutive losses to Golden State and Denver. Shooting Guard Devin Booker has unsurprisingly been a bright spot for Phoenix this year. The recently extended star is averaging 29.3 points and 6.7 assists, shooting 50% from the field and 40% from 3. Phoenix has been a difficult team to gauge so far this season, but a home tilt with the Lakers will give us a stronger insight as to their level in 2018/19.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers travel to Phoenix off the back of a disastrous 0-3 start. Aussie Point Guard Patty Mills sank LeBron and the Lakers with a clutch game winner in Monday’s Overtime thriller. Despite 37 from Kyle Kuzma and 32 from LeBron James, the Lakers poor outside shooting and defence has continued to cost them. Without Brandon Ingram and Rajon Rondo both off with suspension, it won’t be easy for the Lakers, but they have to find a way in this front end of a back-to-back.
Prediction: Lakers Moneyline @ $1.70
The Lakers surely can’t go to 0-4 in Phoenix… or can they? Honestly, I expect a desperate and urgent performance in this one. LA are the more talented team and simply have to pull this one out. If it’s close at the end, I’d also be confident that the referees will have some LA bias.
This is the multi opportunity I’ve been waiting all week for. 3 home teams with the significant talent edge over their opponents at a great price. I expect each of these teams to pull off comfortable wins here and believe the $1.92 price tag represents immense value.