After a small Monday slate, the basketball Gods have blessed us with 11 exciting games on this action-packed NBA Tuesday. This is headlined in Oklahoma City, as the Thunder play host to Utah in a 2018 playoff matchup. Boston playing host to New Orleans and Memphis travelling to Denver are two other exciting matchups on today’s card. As always, let’s take a look at our 3 best bets and favourite daily multi on the board.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have done a solid job of steadying the ship, managing 3 straight victories without Victor Oladipo. Power Forward Thaddeus Young had one of his better performances of the season against Sacramento, registering 20 points and 9 rebounds. Backup big Domantas Sabonis has been exceptional off the bench this season, averaging a double-double with 64% shooting from the field. With the stellar play of both Darren Collison and Cory Joseph, the Pacers are also now getting 48 quality minutes from their Point Guards each night.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards have looked somewhat improved of late, winning 3 of their last 4 games to sit 11-15. Shooting Guard Bradley Beal is having a very impressive run, averaging 26 points, 4.5 assists, and 4 rebounds over his last 5. Big man Markieff Morris has continued to provide buckets off the bench, averaging 12.5 points and 5.5 boards over his last 5. With John Wall questionable in this one, a ton of Washington’s offensive load is likely to fall on Beal’s shoulders.
Prediction: Wizards +6.5
Getting 6.5 points, I think the value is on Washington whether Wall plays or not. Indiana are still without Victor Oladipo and are struggling to generate reliable offence in his absence. Expect Washington to keep this one close and potentially even cause a late upset.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls appear to be in turmoil, having a player’s only meeting yesterday after being thumped by 60 against the Celtics last time out. Despite that horrific showing, there are some Bulls that have shown promise this season. Shooting Guard Zach LaVine is averaging an impressive 24 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists since his lucrative off-season contract extension. Rookie Wendell Carter Junior also looks promising, averaging 11 points and 7 rebounds as part of the starting lineup. Reserve Point Guard Shaquille Harrison enters this one off probably the best game of his career, pouring in 20 off the bench against Boston.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings have kept up their surprisingly impressive start to the season, winning 3 of their last 4 games to sit 13-12. Point Guard De’Aaron Fox has continued his excellent start to the campaign, averaging 19 points and 8 assists on 46% shooting from 3. Shooting Guard Buddy Hield has also had a strong first quarter of the season, averaging a shade under 19 points and 5.5 boards per game so far. Center Willie Cauley-Stein also looks like a candidate to get paid this off-season. The athletic big man is averaging 14 points and 8 boards per game, still leading the league in 3-point percentage (on his 1 attempt).
Prediction: Kings -2.5
After an embarrassing display like the Bulls had against the Celtics, teams either come out with a sense of urgency or deliver another flat performance. Already showing signs they don’t want to play for their new coach, I just don’t see how Chicago gets up for this one. Sacramento have played hard all year and I expect them to come into Chicago and pull out both a win and cover.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets return home after consecutive losses to sit 17-9. They haven’t been helped by injuries, with Gary Harris and Paul Millsap joining Will Barton on the long-term injury list. Even Point Guard Jamal Murray is in doubt for this one. Nikola Jokic has picked up the slack of late, averaging a shade under an 18-point triple-double over his last 5 games. Juan Hernangomez has been a revelation as part of the starting lineup, averaging 14 points and 8 boards on excellent outside shooting over his last 5 games. Coming off a ton of injuries, the Grizzlies definitely aren’t the ideal team to face.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis make the trip to Denver at 15-10 after getting crushed against the Lakers last time out. Point Guard Mike Conley looks to be well in contention for his first All-Star nod. The 31-year-old has played every game this season, averaging 20 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Center Marc Gasol has also been outstanding this season and looks on pace to make an All-NBA team. Not only is he averaging 17 points and 9 boards per game, he is also shooting a very impressive 40% from 3. Whilst the Grizzlies don’t have too many stars, they have excellent complementary players that work together and play hard on both ends.
Prediction: Grizzlies +4
With the Nuggets suffering from a ton of injuries and playing their first game back home after a long road trip, I think the Grizzlies are incredible value here. I expect their defence to prove too much here as they not only cover but register an outright road win.
Coming off a road win in Detroit without Joel Embiid, the Sixers should prove too much for the Pistons at home. Similarly, the Bucks beating Cleveland at home and the Clippers beating Phoenix on the road appear all but locks. Buoyed by Draymond Green’s return, I also expect a home win for Golden State over Minnesota. At $1.86, I think this is a very solid value play.