After a surprisingly small slate yesterday, the Saturday NBA slate brings us 10 intriguing contests. The marquee matchup takes place in Boston, where the 21-9 Bucks travel to face Boston in a playoff rematch. Indiana travel to Brooklyn, whilst Portland play host to Utah in two other exciting clashes today. As always, let’s take a look at our 3 best bets and favourite daily multi on the board today.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors enter this at an impressive 24-9, good enough for the best record in the NBA. Kawhi Leonard has been an excellent leader for this team so far, averaging an efficient 26.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per contest. Power Forward Serge Ibaka is having a resurgent season, averaging an impressive 16.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Veteran Point Guard Kyle Lowry has also been a stabilising presence, averaging 14.2 points and 10 assists of his own. Veterans like Fred VanVleet, Danny Green, and Jonas Valanciunas do an excellent job rounding out this rotation.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have struggled so far in the post-LeBron era, winning just 8 of their first 32 contests. That said, there have been a few bright spots with this side of late. Chief among these is Aussie Point Guard Matthew Dellavedova, who is averaging 12 points and 4.8 boards off the bench over his last 5. Despite facing some media criticism, Rookie Guard Collin Sexton has also been solid, averaging 15 points on over 40% shooting from 3. The recent switch to Larry Nance at Center appears to have improved Cleveland, leaving them faster and more versatile on both ends.
Prediction: Cavaliers +12.5
With Kyle Lowry likely out for this one, the Raptors offence probably won’t have its usual efficiency. This is also a trap game for Toronto, with a matchup in Philly on deck tomorrow. Facing a lowly Cleveland side, I just don’t see them being motivated, allowing the Cavs to keep it close.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics enter this one at 18-12, their recent 8-game winning streak snapped by consecutive defeats to the Pistons and Suns. Point Guard Kyrie Irving is having one of the better seasons of his career, averaging a shade under 23 points, 6.5 assists, and 5 boards on very efficient shooting. The move of Marcus Smart to the starting lineup appears to have given Boston some much-needed grit and toughness from the start. Sophomore Forward Jayson Tatum is also delivering some much-improved performances, averaging 18 points and 7.4 boards over his last 5.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks make the trip to Boston at 21-9 off the back of 5 wins in their last 6. Giannis Antetokounmpo has emerged as a frontrunner for MVP, sporting impressive averages of 26.7 points, 12.9 points, and 6.1 assists. 3rd year Guard Malcolm Brogdon is also having a solid campaign, averaging an extremely efficient 15.3 points, 4.5 boards, and 3.4 assists per game. In Brook Lopez, Milwaukee appears to have found the perfect shooting Center to complement Giannis.
Prediction: Bucks +1 (Best Bet)
This is a game the Bucks desperately want to win. After being knocked out by the Celtics in the 2018 playoffs and falling in Boston earlier this year, revenge will no doubt be on their mind. Injuries to both Al Horford and Aron Baynes leave Boston decimated in the frontcourt, which I expect the Bucks to take full advantage of.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland appear to be back on track, winning each of their last 3 to sit 18-13. Point Guard Damian Lillard is having another outstanding campaign, averaging an efficient 27.2 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. Shooting Guard C.J. McCollum has also put up some resurgent performances of late, averaging 23 points and 3 boards over his last 5. Center Jusuf Nurkic also provides a solid presence on the interior, averaging 14.4 points and 10.1 boards per game.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz make the trip to Portland at a disappointing 15-17, a win against Golden State last time out breaking a streak of 4 losses in 5. Shooting Guard Donovan Mitchell is again leading the way, averaging 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per contest. Rudy Gobert provides one of the league’s best interior presences, averaging 14.5 points, 12.5 boards, and 2 blocks per game. Aussie Joe Ingles provides a calming influence to this starting five, averaging a well-rounded 12 points, 4.5 assists, and 4 boards per game.
Prediction: Trail Blazers -2
Off an emotional win against Golden State, this appears to be a bit of a trap game for Utah. They have a back-to-back tomorrow where they face the rival Oklahoma City Thunder. Portland is the team in much better form of late and they’ve got the motivational edge here, making them strong value laying just 2 points.
On such a large slate, there are surprisingly few options for the daily multi. Laying 4 points at home to Detroit, I’m backing a healthy Hornets team to extend their lead in the Southeast here. With Nikola Mirotic out and Anthony Davis questionable, I don’t think New Orleans has the depth to keep up with the Lakers here. At $2.34, this is immensely strong value.