Another exciting NBA Sunday awaits us, with 7 games taking place across the Association. This is headlined by an exciting contest in OKC as the Thunder play host to the Clippers. The Lakers travelling to Charlotte and Houston paying Memphis a visit represent two more exciting games on the card. Let’s take a look at our 3 best spread bets and favourite daily multi in today’s action.
A note to all bettors that this is another game taking place on a neutral court in Mexico City.
Orlando Magic
Orlando play their second consecutive game in Mexico City here, defeating the Bulls 97-91 on Friday. Center Nikola Vucevic was the main man in this one, pouring in an outstanding 26 points and 10 rebounds. Shooting Guard Evan ‘Don’t Google Me’ Fournier is also having a quietly solid season, averaging 15 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds. In Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac, Orlando has a young and versatile pair of Forwards that should be interesting to watch for years to come.
Utah Jazz
Utah enter this one at a relatively precarious 14-15, finding themselves 4th in the Northwest division. Center Rudy Gobert is having another very solid campaign, averaging 14.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2 blocks per contest. He has been capably supported by frontcourt mate Derrick Favors, who is averaging a shade under 14 points and 7 boards over his last 5. In Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz also have a future offensive star to build around. The Sophomore Shooting Guard is currently averaging 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists this season.
Prediction: Magic +5
Orlando matches up well with Utah in this game. A shooting Center like Vucevic forces Gobert out of the paint and makes the Jazz defence more vulnerable. Orlando are also more adapted to the Mexico City conditions, having played here on Friday. Through the key number of 5, I expect them to at least keep this one close.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets enter this one at 14-13, buoyed by a trio of consecutive wins. Point Guard Kemba Walker was excellent against Detroit last time out, dropping 31 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. Tony Parker is having a resurgent season off the bench for Charlotte, averaging 10.6 points and 4.3 assists per contest. Where the Hornets have struggled is in the frontcourt. Despite their hefty salaries, players like Nic Batum, Marvin Williams, and Cody Zeller just aren’t producing on the court.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers enter this one at 17-11, following a relatively embarrassing road loss in Houston on Friday. LeBron and Kyle Kuzma are continuing to carry the offensive load for this side, combining for 53 in that loss to Houston. JaVale McGee has also continued to provide solid minutes at Center, averaging 11.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. The Lakers defence has struggled of late with no Brandon Ingram in the lineup. They gave up a 50-point triple-double to James Harden on Friday, something that just isn’t acceptable.
Prediction: Hornets -0.5
Despite their middling record this season, the Hornets are a very respectable 10-5 at home. They have several capable wing defenders that can do a job containing LeBron here. Similarly, I expect another huge offensive display from Kemba en route to another home victory.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies enter this one atop the Southwest division after a very solid season so far. Point Guard Mike Conley looks like he could make his debut All-Star appearance, averaging a very respectable 20.3 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. Marc Gasol and rookie Jaren Jackson Junior have also combined to form one of the Association’s premier frontcourts. While the performances from the top 3 have garnered the most attention, the rest of the Grizzlies rotation has been very strong this season. Shelvin Mack, Garrett Temple, JaMychal Green and Marshon Brooks have all been key contributors to this side.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets have largely struggled this season and enter this one with a 13-14 record. James Harden has been one of the only bright spots for this team, dropping an incredible 50-point triple-double against LA on Friday. Despite criticism about his weight, Center Clint Capela is also having another solid season. The Swiss big man is currently putting up 17.4 points and 11.7 rebounds per night on 64% shooting. If the Rockets could get better production from their atrocious bench, they’d definitely be in contention out west.
Prediction: Grizzlies +3
Despite being on a back-to-back, I believe there is strong line value on Memphis here. They have been the better team this season and have a much deeper rotation than Houston. I’ll happily take the 3 points but wouldn’t be surprised if the Grizz take this outright.
Another day, another promising multi opportunity. Facing the lowly Chicago Bulls at home, I expect the Spurs to continue their recent momentum. Similarly, I expect a huge display from Karl-Anthony Towns as the Wolves take one in Phoenix. Despite being on a back-to-back, OKC also have what it takes to beat the struggling Clippers. At $1.94, this is well worth a play.