With no games on Friday due to Thanksgiving, this impressive NBA Thursday slate is the deepest we’ve had so far this season. There are 13 games in the association tonight, headlined by LeBron’s return to Cleveland. Portland travels to Milwaukee, whilst the Timberwolves play host to the slumping Nuggets in two other intriguing fixtures. KD and Westbrook also face off again in our late game, as the struggling Warriors welcome OKC to town. In a jam-packed day of NBA action, let’s take a look at our 3 best spread bets and favourite 4-fold daily multi on the board.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves enter this one with a 7-10 record, winning 3 of their last 4 since the infamous Jimmy Butler trade. They did just have a disappointing loss to Memphis however, where they were held to just 87 points. Center Karl-Anthony Towns still put up an impressive stat line in the defeat, putting up 15 points to go along with his 20 rebounds. New Small Forward Robert Covington has been consistent since joining the team, scoring at least 13 points and registering at least 3 three-pointers in each of his games so far. I’d be remiss not to mention the impressive Derrick Rose resurrection that is taking place, with the former MVP averaging 19 points on 47% shooting from 3 this season.
Denver Nuggets
The 10-7 Nuggets have tailed off since their very impressive start to the season, losing 6 of their last 7 games. Center Nikola Jokic has still continued to impress, averaging 18 points, 10 boards and 7 assists to start the campaign. Shooting Guard Gary Harris has also had a very consistent year, scoring at least 14 points in all but 2 games so far. Juan Hernangomez has now emerged as a viable option in the starting lineup, pouring in 25 points against Atlanta and a further 20 against New Orleans last week.
Prediction: Nuggets +2
Despite the Nuggets recent struggles, there is definitely strong line value on them here. I believe they have the talent edge in this one and can dominate Minnesota offensively. They’ve got every chance to win outright, but 2 points gives us some wiggle room.
San Antonio Spurs
After an impressive start to the campaign, the Spurs enter this one at 8-8 having lost 4 of their last 5 games. Power Forward LaMarcus Aldridge has tailed off of late, registering 10 points or less in 3 of his last 4 games. Newly acquired Shooting Guard DeMar DeRozan has been relatively efficient to start the season, averaging 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists so far. It was the Spurs usually strong defence that let them down against New Orleans last time out, allowing a whopping 140 points and 59 made field goals.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis make the short trip to San Antonio in first place in the Southwest division, enjoying a somewhat surprising 11-5 start to the season. Their rotation is really starting to take shape and they’ve won 6 of their last 7. Point Guard Mike Conley was excellent last time out against Dallas, putting up an impressive 28 points and 7 assists on 7/11 shooting from 3. He was capably supported by reliable Center Marc Gasol, who added in 17 points, 15 boards and 4 blocks of his own. Rookie big man Jaren Jackson Junior has also shown some strong flashes, pouring in an efficient 27 points last week in Sacramento.
Prediction: Grizzlies +3
With the recent form of these two teams, I’m not really sure why the Spurs are favoured by 3 here. I think Memphis is the better team in this one, playing more cohesive as a unit as well. I’m tipping the Grizz for an outright upset here but am more than happy to take the 3 points on offer.
Golden State Warriors
After an impressive start to the season, the defending champs have struggled immensely of late. They’ve lost 5 of their last 7 games in the worst stretch of basketball in the Steve Kerr era. With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and DeMarcus Cousins all out, this team has struggled to generate reliable offence. Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant are having to put up inefficient isolation shots in each possession, with the Warriors failing to eclipse 92 points in 2 of their last 3. Quinn Cook has performed admirably off the bench, but he just isn’t a 30-minute per game guy in the NBA.
Oklahoma City Thunder
After a shock 0-4 start to the season, the Thunder enter this one having won 10 of their last 12, despite a loss in Sacramento last time out. Small Forward Paul George has had an excellent season so far, averaging 24 points, 8 boards and 4 assists to start the campaign. Center Steven Adams has also stepped up immensely, providing a strong defensive presence whilst averaging an efficient 15 points and 10 boards. Russell Westbrook is also now back and healthy, pouring in 29 points, 13 boards and 7 assists against the Kings.
Prediction: Thunder +1
With Golden State’s rotation absolutely decimated by injuries, I expect OKC to come in and sneak a road win. Knowing Westbrook, he’d love nothing more than to hit a few big shots and stunt on KD after doing so. I expect Golden State’s offensive struggles to continue here, only magnifying the absence of Steph Curry.
With one of the larger slates of the season comes a few very strong candidates for the daily multi. In road games against two of the worst teams in the NBA, I’m expecting relatively comfortable wins for both the Raptors and Lakers here. I expect a comfortable home win for Houston against Detroit and think the Celtics bounce back here as a 14-point favourite. At this $2.21 price, I can’t ignore the value on offer.