After a huge NBA Thursday slate, we’ve got a bit of a smaller day of action here. There are four games on this NBA Friday card, highlighted by LeBron and the Lakers travelling to Houston to take on the Rockets. The Clippers also travel to San Antonio, whilst the Mexico City crowd are treated to Orlando vs Chicago. In a daily preview that covers each of today’s games, we’ll look at our 3 best spread bets and favourite daily multi opportunity.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets enter this one at 12-14, beating Portland at home last time out to end a 3-game skid. Despite going only 2-12 from the field, Chris Paul managed to fill up the stat sheet en route to a triple double. Reigning MVP James Harden is having another solid campaign this year, averaging 30 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds per night. What really boosted Houston in their win over Portland was an unusually strong game from the bench. They had 3 double figure scorers that really helped supplement the starting 5. Against a surging Lakers side, things won’t be easy for Houston here.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have been one of the NBA’s form teams of late, winning 6 of their last 7 games to sit 17-10. Power Forward Kyle Kuzma has been fantastic of late, pouring in 33 points and 7 rebounds in Tuesday’s win over the Heat. LeBron has also raised his level recently, averaging 29.5 points, 9.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds over his last 5. In JaVale McGee and Tyson Chandler, the Lakers are now finally getting 48 solid minutes per night from the center position.
Prediction: Lakers +5.5
I’ve had good success fading the Rockets of late and I plan to continue that trend here. The Lakers have been the better team this season and 5.5 points represents immense value in this one. Expect another big night from LeBron as the Lakers keep this one competitive, possibly stealing an outright win.
San Antonio Spurs
After facing a crisis a fortnight ago, the Spurs have rebounded with 3 consecutive double-digit conference wins to sit 14-14. Shooting Guard DeMar DeRozan is having a very solid campaign, putting up season averages of 24.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per night. Power Forward LaMarcus Aldridge has also raised his level of late, enjoying averages of 18.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Point Guard Bryn Forbes provided some much-needed offence against Phoenix last time out, dropping 24 points and 11 boards.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers appear to have regressed from their excellent start, losing 4 of their last 6 to sit 17-10. They were embarrassed by a Toronto team missing Kawhi Leonard last time out, losing by 24 points at home. Small Forward Tobias Harris is having a quietly underrated season, averaging 21 points and 8 boards per game. Not only that, he’s also shooting 50% from the field and 40% from 3. The usually strong second unit has taken a hit with the absence of Shooting Guard Lou Williams, who is out for at least another fortnight with a hamstring injury.
Prediction: Under 223 points
With no Williams here, I expect the usually strong Clippers offence to struggle. They’ve gone under this number in 3 of their last 4 games, with the Spurs having done the same in both of their last 2. This should be more of a slow-paced and defensive game, making under 223 look very appealing.
A note to all bettors that this one takes place on a neutral court in Mexico City.
Orlando Magic
Orlando appear to have regressed slightly of late, losing 3 straight games to sit 12-15. Center Nikola Vucevic has had the best season of his career, averaging 20.4 points and 11.5 boards whilst shooting 40% from 3. Aaron Gordon is beginning to emerge as a very solid young big, averaging 17.5 points and 8.5 boards over his last 5 games. Jonathan Simmons has looked like a very capable wing player for this Magic rotation, however he’s been ruled out for this one with injury.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls enter this one in probably the worst form of any team in the NBA, losing 9 of their last 10 games to sit 6-22. After a strong start against Sacramento last time out, they had a dreadful second half and ended up losing by 19 points. Shooting Guard Zach LaVine has been one of few bright spots for the Bulls this year, averaging a shade under 24 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists. In Lauri Markannen and Wendell Carter, they also have two promising young bigs that should form a nice partnership for years to come.
Prediction: Magic -4.5
This can be a tough game to handicap since it’s on a neutral court. That said, I’ve had success fading the Bulls of late and will continue to do so. Not only are they at a talent disadvantage almost every night, but I think Jim Boylen is one of the worst coaches in the league. Laying less than 5 points, I’m confident in an Orlando win and cover here.
Pretty simple gameplan for today’s daily multi; fade two of the worst teams in the NBA. Phoenix have been in horrendous form of late and I just don’t see how they stand up to the upstart Mavericks without Devin Booker. As touched on earlier, I just can’t back the Bulls right now. Steve Clifford is a very serviceable coach who should lead Orlando to victory here. At combined odds of $2.03, I think this is excellent value.