After yesterday’s brief hiatus, the NBA is back with a bang here on an excellent Saturday of action. There are 14 games across the Association today in what is the largest slate of the season so far. Some of the headline games include the Grizzlies travelling to face the Clippers and the Raptors looking to extend their winning ways against Washington. Golden State vs Portland and the Lakers vs Utah are also two excellent late-night tip-offs. On a jam-packed day of NBA action, let’s take a look at our 3 best spread bets and favourite daily multi on the board.
Brooklyn Nets
The 8-11 Nets return home after 5 losses in their past 7. Point Guard D’Angelo Russell has noticeably stepped up of late, eclipsing 20 points in 3 of his last 4 games. Forgotten Shooting Guard Allen Crabbe also went off last time out in Dallas, pouring in 27 points and 7 made three-pointers. Spencer Dinwiddie continues to be one of the premier reserve playmakers in the NBA, averaging just a touch under 15 points and 5 assists so far this season. Big man Ed Davis has also been crucial off the bench, providing some much-needed rebounding and interior scoring
Minnesota Timberwolves
After a long home stand that saw them get somewhat back on track, the Timberwolves travel to Brooklyn looking to improve on their 0-8 road record so far this season. Center Karl Anthony Towns has been very strong of late, averaging 20 points and 14 boards in his last 5 games, including a ferocious poster dunk on Paul Millsap against Denver. Point Guard Derrick Rose has continued his excellent start to the campaign, averaging a shade under 20 points in his last 5. With Robert Covington and Dario Saric having slotted in well so far, the Wolves look to be better equipped for this East coast swing.
Prediction: Timberwolves -2
A large part of the Timberwolves dreadful 0-8 road record was due to the dysfunction that surrounded them before the Jimmy Butler trade. Karl Anthony Towns is by far the best player on the court here and I expect his class to show through. The playmaking abilities of Teague and Rose will also prove handy as the Wolves win and cover here.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder return home having won 11 of their last 13 games, including a thumping win in Golden State on Thursday. Dennis “the German Rondo” Schroder was fantastic off the bench, leading the way with 32 points and 4 assists. Paul George continued his strong start to the season with an efficient 25 points and 9 boards. Point Guard Russell Westbrook also appears to have rebounded nicely from his injury, putting up a triple-double in a +25 performance. In a wide open Western Conference, OKC has every chance of a top 4 seed.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets enter this one at 9-8 after consecutive strong home victories over the Celtics and Pacers. Point Guard Kemba Walker has been fantastic to start this season, enjoying scoring nights of 60 and 43 points in the last week. Shooting Guard Jeremy Lamb has also stepped up of late, scoring at least 18 points in each of his last 4 games. Charlotte has struggled for years now to get a second star to play with Kemba Walker. This struggle has only been exacerbated by the poor play from both Nicholas Batum and Cody Zeller.
Prediction: Hornets +6.5
Having lost 6 games by 4 points or less this season, the Hornets 9-8 record could actually be substantially better. With Kemba Walker in fine form, I think they can hang with OKC at this very generous number. If they can figure out their clutch play, the Hornets are also excellent value on the moneyline here.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors enter this one with a relatively poor 12-7 record, losing 6 of their last 8 games in the process. The offence has struggled majorly in the last few games, failing to top 95 points in 3 of their last 4. Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson are still managing to put up points, however the rest of the roster lacks any offensive punch. The absences of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have been very much felt so far. With Steph already ruled out here, I can see the Warriors struggling against this upstart Portland squad.
Portland Trail Blazers
Even after an annihilation against Milwaukee on Thursday, the Blazers travel to Oakland after an impressive 12-6 start. Point Guard Damian Lillard has again been excellent so far, averaging 26 points and 6 assists on the season. He’s been capably supported by running mate C.J. McCollum, who has put up at least 22 points in 4 of his last 5 games. Bosnian big man Jusuf Nurkic provides a solid interior presence, averaging 15 points and 10 boards per game so far.
Prediction: Trail Blazers +3
With Golden State’s horrific form of late, I didn’t expect to be getting this many point with the Blazers here. The rotation is threadbare without Steph and Draymond and can’t seem to generate reliable offence. I expect Dame Lillard to come back to his home town and get the outright win here.
One of the benefits of such a large NBA slate is that it also presents plenty of multi opportunities. I’m expecting the Celtics, Pelicans and Bucks to each get wins against 3 of the worst teams in the NBA here. Similarly, I think Denver are strong value at $1.30 to win against Orlando with their excellent homecourt advantage. Whilst I’m sticking with just 4 today, the 76ers and Raptors both represent excellent additions if you’re after a 6-fold.