Another huge day of NBA action awaits us this Saturday, with 9 games to be played across the Association. This is headlined in Denver, as the West-leading Nuggets play host to the 2nd place Thunder. Indiana travelling to Philadelphia and Toronto making the trip to Portland represent two more very intriguing matchups. As always, let’s take a look at our 3 best spread bets and favourite daily multi on today’s card.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics enter this one at 17-10 off the back of 7 consecutive wins. This included an outstanding overtime road win in Boston last time out. Kyrie Irving led the way, pouring in 38 points and 7 assists. Marcus Morris has also been fantastic since being thrust into the starting five, adding 27 points and 9 boards of his own. Small Forward Jayson Tatum is also showing promise after a slow start, averaging 17.5 points and 7 rebounds over his last 5 games. With Hayward and Horford both likely out for this one, the Celtics get a brief reprieve against the lowly Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have struggled mightily all season and make the trip to Boston sporting a 6-21 record. Whilst Rookie Point Guard Trae Young has been inefficient, he is still enjoying impressive averages of 15.7 points and 7.3 assists per game. Sophomore Power Forward John Collins has given Atalanta a noticeable boost since his return, averaging 18.3 points and 9 rebounds per game on 60% shooting. Small Forward Taurean Prince is another important piece of the Hawks young core, averaging 15 points of his own. In another long season, the Hawks appear to be playing for draft position.
Prediction: Under 224.5 points
I think the smothering Celtics defence will be able to really limit an inefficient Hawks offence here. With Hayward and Horford likely still out, expect more of a slow-paced and methodical offence that takes this under the relatively high total.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings enter this Pacific division matchup at a very impressive 15-12, winning 5 of their last 6 games. Point Guard De’Aaron Fox has been at the centre of this recent run, averaging 20.4 points and 7.8 assists over his last 5. Power Forward Nemanja Bjelica has also provided Sacramento with a solid stretch four option, pouring in 25 points last time out against Minnesota. Bogdan Bogdanovic looks like a potential 6th Man of the Year contender, averaging 15.4 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds of his own. In front of a raucous home crowd, expect the Kings to be well up for this one.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State enter this one at 19-10 after suffering a brutal 20-point home loss to the Kawhi-less Raptors. This was in spite of another strong performance from Small Forward Kevin Durant, who poured in an efficient 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Stephen Curry is also looking like an MVP frontrunner, averaging 29 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds on the campaign. Both Draymond Green and Klay Thompson have had relatively down seasons so far and will be looking to get back on track here.
Prediction: Kings +8
With how well the Kings have been playing of late, I think there is definite line value on them here. They are a young and athletic team who will play hard in front of a fantastic home crowd. Getting 8 points, I expect Sacramento to at least keep this one competitive.
Denver Nuggets
Despite a host of injuries, the Denver Nuggets currently lead the western conference with an impressive 18-9 record. Center Nikola Jokic has been excellent all season, averaging an impressive 17.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 7.6 assists. Point Guard Jamal Murray is also carrying a lot of the offensive load, averaging 17.5 points and 5 assists this season. With Gary Harris and Paul Millsap out for an extended period, a lot is riding on the Nuggets bench players. Forward Juan Hernangomez has answered the call, averaging 13.6 points and 6.8 rebounds over his last 5.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have bounced back from an 0-4 start to currently sit second in the West with a 17-9 record. Paul George has been OKC’s best player this season, averaging 24.3 points and 8 boards per night. Russell Westbrook has been back to his best since returning from injury, now averaging a triple-double on the campaign. OKC also have one of the NBA’s premier Centers in Steven Adams, who is currently averaging 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds. Dennis Schroder has provided much-needed offence off the bench, averaging 17 points and 5 assists off the bench.
Prediction: Thunder -2
I’ve been fading the Nuggets of late and plan to continue that trend for the foreseeable future. With injuries to Millsap, Harris, and Barton, I think their rotation is too decimated to hang with teams like OKC. I think Steven Adams can contain Jokic here, whilst Westbrook and George dominate offensively.
There are definitely a few options for the daily multi today. Against 3 of the worst teams in the NBA, the Celtics, Hornets, and Bucks should have no trouble getting over the line. The Grizzlies are a somewhat risky play, but I expect their homecourt to prove too much for the visiting Heat. At $2.09, this is a multi I’m very comfortable playing.