After a relatively small night of action last night, the NBA is well and truly back with a bang today. This Thursday slate features 11 games from across the association, highlighted by a potential NBA Finals preview in Oakland as Golden State play host to Toronto. Milwaukee travelling to Indiana and Portland making the trip to Memphis are two other intriguing intra-conference affairs. As always, let’s take a look at our 3 best spread bets and favourite daily multi on the board.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers enter this one at an impressive 17-10, having won 4 straight games in Victor Oladipo’s absence. Center Myles Turner picked up the load against Washington last time out, pouring in 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Point Guard Darren Collison also delivered a very strong performance, registering a double-double that featured 17 assists. I’d be remiss not to mention the stellar contributions of Small Forward Bojan Bogdanovic, who is averaging 21.5 points over his last 5. Currently occupying the 4th spot in a top-heavy Eastern Conference, Indiana definitely has what it takes to make a post-season run.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks make the trip to Indiana at an impressive 18-8 after consecutive wins over the Raptors and Cavs. Giannis Antetokounmpo is having another excellent campaign, averaging 26.5 points, 13.3 boards, and 6 assists per game. After missing the game against Cleveland with a sore neck, he’s expected back for this one. Former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon is having another solid season, averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. In Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe, the Bucks have two other two-way players that make this team a contender out East.
Prediction: Bucks -2
With Giannis expected to be back and Oladipo still out, I think this line just undervalues Milwaukee. They are significantly the better team here and their excellent defence should be enough to shut down Indiana’s makeshift offence.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards have continued their disappointing start to the season, losing consecutive games to sit 11-16. John Wall has been an injury doubt of late with a sore left foot and his status for this one is still in question. Shooting Guard Brad Beal more than carried the load against Indiana, pouring in 30 points on his 27 shot attempts. Kelly Oubre Junior also provided some much-needed offence off the bench, adding in 23 points and 5 rebounds of his own. Against a strong Celtics defence, the Wizards offence will need a better display here.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics appear to have turned their season around of late, entering this one off the back of 6 straight wins to sit 16-10. Point Guard Kyrie Irving is having another very solid offensive season, averaging a shade under 22 points and 6.5 assists per game. Small Forward Jayson Tatum also looks to be coming into his own of late, averaging 17.6 points on 57% shooting over his last 5. Shooting Guard Jaylen Brown also looks to be thriving in more of a bench role, pouring in 23 points in Sunday’s rout of the Chicago Bulls.
Prediction: Celtics -3
Despite a few injury concerns, I think the Celtics are the noticeably better team here. The Wizards are horrible on the defensive boards and have had persistent in-fighting all season. Laying only 3 on the road, I expect Boston to get the job done.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have started the season very strongly and currently enjoy a 15-11 record, good enough for first place in the Southwest division. Point Guard Mike Conley is looking like a potential All-Star, averaging 20.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. He has been capably supported by veteran Center Marc Gasol, who is putting up 16.7 points and 8.8 boards of his own. Rookie big man Jaren Jackson Junior is looking like one for the future, averaging 13 points and 4.5 boards after being thrust into the starting lineup.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland enter this one off a back-to-back, falling by 8 points in Houston last night. Damian Lillard put up some big offensive numbers despite the loss, pouring in 34 points on 12 made field goals. Shooting Guard C.J. McCollum combines with Dame to form one of the league’s better offensive backcourts, averaging 21 points of his own. Veteran Forward Al-Farouq Aminu also continues to be a solid two-way contributor, adding 10 points and 15 boards of his own. If they want another season in the playoffs, Portland will need to improve on their recent performances.
Prediction: Grizzlies -3
I think there is very strong line value on the Grizzlies in this one. Not only are they the better team, they also have the rest advantage and a very strong homecourt. I expect them to avenge their loss to the Nuggets with a comfortable home win and cover here.
Even without Jimmy Butler, I think the 76ers enjoy a significant talent advantage over the struggling Nets. Given their recent form, Dallas look like specials to beat Atlanta at home at $1.22. With their big 4 finally healthy, I expect Golden State to make a statement and defeat Toronto in a nationally-televised game. Enjoying 3 of the better homecourt advantages in the league, each of these 4 teams should prove too much here.