Another 7 games of NBA action await us on this exciting Tuesday slate. This is headlined by a very intriguing inter-conference affair between the 15-7 Nuggets and the 20-4 Raptors. Oklahoma City also travel to Detroit, whilst Minnesota play host to Houston in what should both be competitive contests. As always, let’s take a look at our 3 best spread bets and favourite daily multi on the board.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit have been a very pleasant surprise this season, winning each of their last 5 games to sit 13-7. Blake Griffin led the way in Sunday’s win over the Warriors, tallying 26 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Andre Drummond continued to beast on the interior, dropping another custom double-double with 16 points and 19 rebounds. Small Forward Stanley Johnson also showed some impressive flashes off the bench, pouring in an efficient 19 points and 7 rebounds. Currently sitting pretty in the #4 seed out East, the Pistons have every chance of having their best season in years.
Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC are starting to look like a legitimate threat out west and currently find themselves sitting pretty at 14-7. Point Guard Russell Westbrook has been in excellent form of late, comfortably averaging a triple-double over his last 5 games. Kiwi Steven Adams is also an efficient two-way center, averaging 14.5 points and 10.5 boards per game this season. Small Forward Paul George rounds out this ‘big 3’ and is currently averaging 23.5 points and 7.5 rebounds this season. With 14 wins in their last 17 games, OKC has every chance of claiming that elusive #2 seed in the West this season.
Prediction: Thunder -1
Where the Pistons have had a lot of success this season is with their fantastic frontcourt. With Steven Adams manning the interior for OKC, I think they can more than hold their own here. Westbrook and Paul George are the two best players on the floor and should prove enough for a Thunder win here.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks enter this one at 5-18 and currently sit at the foot of the Southeast division. Exciting Rookie Point Guard Trae Young has somewhat tailed off lately, averaging only 13 points and 5.8 assists over his last 5. The return of Power Forward John Collins has been a huge boon for this Atlanta side, the big man averaging just under 15 points and 7 rebounds on the season. Vince Carter also looks like a potential buyout candidate, having received 3 DNP’s in his last 4 games. Against the motivated champions, I’m expecting a tough night for Atlanta here.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors enter this one at 15-9, having lost consecutive games to start this East Coast swing. Kevin Durant has still been in excellent recent form, averaging 40 points, 9 boards and 7 assists over his last 5. The return of Steph Curry is another reason for optimism for Dubs fans, as he dusted off the cobwebs with 27 points in his return against Detroit. In the absence of DeMarcus Cousins and Draymond Green, the Warriors have struggled on the interior and were bullied in Detroit on Sunday. That said, a weak Hawks opponent represents a strong chance for a get-well game.
Prediction: Warriors 1st Half -5.5
Steve Kerr was very animated in his post-game comments after Detroit and I expect the Dubs to come out motivated in this one. Now that he has a game under his belt, I expect a big night from Steph Curry and can see him roasting Trae Young here. At only 5.5 points, I think this first-half line is excellent value.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves enter this one at 11-12, a home loss to the Celtics on Sunday ending their 4-game winning streak. It’s been fantastic to see the resurgence of Derrick Rose this season. The former MVP is averaging 19 points and 4.5 assists per game whilst shooting 49% from 3. Karl-Anthony Towns has also noticeably picked up since the Jimmy Butler trade, currently averaging an efficient 20 points and 12 boards on the campaign. The Wolves will need improved performances from Andrew Wiggins to take the next step- the often-maligned Small Forward averaging only 9 points on 25% shooting over his last 5.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets enter this one at 11-11 after consecutive dominant wins over both San Antonio and Chicago. Chris Paul’s return has noticeably helped this offence as he’s registered 23 assists in his two games back. James Harden continues to lead the way offensively, averaging an efficient 34.5 points, 12 assists and 7 boards per game over his last 5. Center Clint Capela also provides an excellent interior presence to round out this big 3. The Swiss big man is currently averaging 18 points and 12 boards on 66% shooting.
Prediction: Rockets -1.5
When they have their full playing complement available, the Rockets are still one of the best teams in the NBA. Given their struggles with injury of late, I think the bookies are undervaluing them here. I think Capela matches up well with Towns and expect the Houston backcourt to propel them to a cover here.
In a day devoid of great multi opportunities, I’m putting my faith in what I believe to be the NBA’s two best teams. As outlined earlier, I expect Golden State to comfortably win on the road in Atlanta. Whilst the Raptors have a tougher test at home to Denver, I think their excellent defence matches up well with the Nuggets and should be enough to see them home.