Another solid day of NBA basketball awaits us on this Tuesday slate. There are 8 games of action in total, highlighted by a clash in Utah as the Rockets play host to the struggling Jazz. Memphis travelling to Golden State and Portland paying the Clippers a visit are two other exciting Western Conference matchups. Let’s take a look at our 3 best spread bets and favourite multi in our daily NBA preview.
New York Knicks
The Knicks enter this one at 9-22 having lost 6 of their last 7 games. Center Enes Kanter has been a bright spot for this Knicks side, pouring in 20 points and 15 rebounds last time out. Shooting Guard Tim Hardaway Junior is also providing solid production in the backcourt, averaging 21 points, 3.2 boards, and 2.9 assists of his own. Even Point Guard Emmanuel Mudiay is thriving this season and looks a strong candidate for the Most Improved Player award. The Congolese Point Guard has been excellent of late, pouring in 34 points and 8 assists against Charlotte on Saturday.
Phoenix Suns
The 6-24 Suns enter this one off their longest winning streak of the season; a solid two games. Shooting Guard Devin Booker was excellent in his return, contributing 28 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds in Sunday’s win over Minnesota. Center Deandre Ayton continues to have a solid rookie season, averaging 15.6 points and 10.1 boards so far. Phoenix also made some roster changes over the weekend, trading away Trevor Ariza for Kelly Oubre and Austin Rivers. Against a struggling Knicks side, they have every chance of making it 3 straight here.
Prediction: Knicks -1.5
The Suns have been truly dreadful on the road this season, only winning 1 of 14 games. I think the Knicks have a much deeper roster here and should prove too much at home laying such a low number.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The 18-10 Thunder rebounded from consecutive losses with a home win over the Clippers on Sunday. Paul George led the way in that one, dropping an efficient 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Despite his relative inefficiency, Point Guard Russell Westbrook is still putting up great stats this season. He is averaging a 21-point triple-double, also registering 2.4 steals per contest on defence. Power Forward Jerami Grant should also be commended for his solid start to the season, averaging 11.8 points and 4.7 boards so far.
Chicago Bulls
The 7-23 Bulls enter this one off a rare win, defeating the Spurs by 5 points last time out. Point Guard Kris Dunn led the way in this one, totalling 24 points and 7 rebounds. Power Forward Lauri Markannen also looks to be coming into his own, going off for 23 points and 7 boards here. Swingman Justin Holiday deserves some credit for his solid season, averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 boards so far. With Zach LaVine expected to be out here, the Bulls will likely struggle offensively.
Prediction: Under 213.5
The Bulls have gone under this total in each of their last 3 games and enter this without playmaker Zach LaVine. Oklahoma City boasts one of the league’s best defences and I expect them to hold Chicago under 100 points in a low-scoring affair.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State enter this one at 20-10 after a high-scoring comeback win in Sacramento on Saturday. Stephen Curry was fantastic in this one, pouring in 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Kevin Durant also had another efficient display, adding 33 points, 8 assists, and 8 boards of his own. Klay Thompson rounded out the splash triplets nicely with 27 points and 9 rebounds, including the dagger 3-pointer. Despite some internal conflict and a relatively slow start to the season, the Dubs look nicely positioned to 3-peat this season.
Memphis Grizzlies
The 16-13 Grizzlies appear to have faded of late, falling in 4 of their last 5 games. This can be partly attributed to the recent struggles of Marc Gasol, who is only averaging 11.6 points and 6.2 rebounds over that period. Mike Conley is still having a strong campaign (averaging 20.4 points and 6.5 assists) but could serve to improve his efficiency. Young big man Jaren Jackson Junior has definitely shown future star potential so far. Whilst Memphis has a ton of solid contributors, they really lack that higher-end talent to round out the starting five.
Prediction: Over 210.5
This is one of the lower Golden State totals that I can recall seeing. In fact, the Warriors have gone over this points total in 8 of their last 10 games. I don’t see how Memphis contains KD in this one as the Warriors go off for a big offensive night.
With a home game against the lowly Bulls, I expect OKC to avenge their earlier loss and claim the win here. Similarly, I expect another home win from Golden State as they welcome the struggling Grizzlies to town. Add in the surging Rockets at $1.45 to really beef up the price of this multi.