10 games await us today in another exciting slate of NBA action. This is headlined by an encounter between two East heavyweights as the 20-4 Raptors host Ben Simmons and the Sixers. A somewhat underwhelming Finals rematch also takes place, as Golden State travel to face the lowly Cavaliers. As always, let’s take a look at our 3 best bets and favourite daily multi opportunity on the board.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are a far cry from June’s NBA Finals squad, entering this one with a dismal 5-18 record. That said, a road win in Brooklyn last time out could help them turn the corner. Center Tristan Thompson has had a resurgent season for the Cavs this year, averaging 17 points and 15 rebounds over his last 3. Rookie Colin Sexton has also noticeably improved of late, averaging 14.5 points on 41% shooting from 3 this season. Jordan Clarkson and Alec Burks have begun to form a strong reserve backcourt, combining for 33 points and 18 boards in Tuesday’s win.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have largely struggled of late but enter this one at 16-9 off the back of a thumping win over Atlanta last time out. Stephen Curry looked in mid-season form in his second game back from injury, scoring 30 points and draining 6 three-pointers. Kevin Durant was back to his efficient best, pouring in 28 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds. Klay Thompson rounded out an excellent night for the Dubs ‘big 3’ by totalling 27 points and 8 boards of his own. With the season-ending injury to big man Damian Jones, I actually think the Warriors rotation strengthens.
Prediction: Warriors 1st half -5.5
We had the Warriors 1st half in Atlanta last time out and they didn’t disappoint, racing out to an early 17-point league. Starting Durant at Power Forward with Draymond out, I think the Dubs have an immense talent advantage in the starters. Cleveland has been a house of pleasure for Golden State in recent years, a trend I expect to continue here.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves have rebounded off their poor start to the season and made their way to .500 with Tuesday’s win over the Rockets. Center Karl-Anthony Towns was again the catalyst, dropping 24 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists. Having become more of a well-rounded team since the Jimmy Butler trade, each member of the Wolves starting five scored 13 or more points. A huge area for the Wolves lately has been on defence, where they’ve held 4 of their last 5 opponents under 100 points. In a muddled Western Conference playoff picture, the Wolves will be looking to move to a winning record for the first time this year.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets enter this one off a bit of a dip in form, having lost 4 of their last 5 to sit 11-12. This has coincided with the recent form slump of star Point Guard Kemba Walker, who is averaging 19 points on 34% shooting over his last 5. Center Cody Zeller has been battling an injury of late, providing more opportunities for young big men Willy Hernangomez and Frank Kaminsky. Tony Parker is having a resurgent season as Kemba’s backup, averaging a shade under 13 points and 6 assists this season.
Prediction: Hornets +5
If not for some bad luck in the clutch this season, Charlotte could easily have 5 more wins. This recent dip in form has made the bookies somewhat undervalue them here. Through the key number of 5, I’m very confident taking Charlotte in this one.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have somewhat cooled off after a hot start to the season, suffering losses to the Suns, Hornets and Knicks in their last 5 games. This is despite the excellent performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 31.5 points, 14 boards and 7 assists over his last 5. Shooting Guard Khris Middleton is looking like a potential max contract candidate, averaging 18.5 points, 5.5 boards and 4 assists per contest. Eric Bledsoe is complementing these two nicely from the Point Guard spot, averaging 15.5 points, 6 assists and 4.5 boards.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have been one of the East’s surprise teams this season, winning 5 straight games before a loss to OKC on Tuesday. Power Forward Blake Griffin is looking very much like an All-Star, averaging 24.5 points, 9 boards and 5 assists per game so far. He and Andre Drummond have combined nicely in one of the league’s best frontcourts, the big Center currently averaging 18 points and 16 boards. Point Guard Reggie Jackson is currently Detroit’s major backcourt threat, averaging 16 points and 4 assists this season.
Prediction: Pistons +7.5
With the Bucks poor recent form, I think this number overvalues them here. Detroit’s excellent frontcourt matches up well with Milwaukee and should be enough to keep this competitive. Through the key number of 7, I’m very confident taking Detroit here.
There are a fair few candidates for the daily multi today. I expect another dominant win from the Warriors as they take on the lowly Cavaliers in Cleveland. Similarly, both OKC and Washington should prove too much for the struggling Nets and Hawks. At $2.18, this is an excellent value play.