Few regular season days match the NBA Christmas slate and this year is no exception. We have 5 exciting games from across the association today, headlined by the first matchup between LeBron’s Lakers and the defending champion Warriors. Boston playing host to Philly and OKC travelling to Houston also represent battles between contenders come playoff time. In a slight change of pace, let’s look at our 4 best bets in this one.
New York Knicks
The Knicks enter this one at 9-25 after a dreadful run that has seen them win just 1 of their last 10 games. Shooting Guard Tim Hardaway Junior has been the main man this season, averaging an impressive 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Center Enes Kanter is providing a solid interior presence, averaging an efficient 15 points and 11 boards. Even Emmanuel Mudiay has raised his game of late, averaging 14.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 3 boards per night.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks enter this one at an impressive 22-10 despite a loss to Miami last time out. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been phenomenal all season, averaging 26 points, 13 boards, and 6 assists per contest. Khris Middleton provides solid support on the wing, averaging 17.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists of his own. In Brook Lopez, Milwaukee has an elite shooting Center who complements Giannis perfectly.
Prediction: Bucks -10
This is a spot I expect Milwaukee to be really motivated in. They lost in New York earlier this season and Giannis was stepped over by Mario Hezonja in a sign of disrespect. I can assure you he won’t have forgotten that and will be raring to go for this one.
Houston Rockets
Houston enters this one with a middling 17-15 record, admittedly having won 6 of their last 7. James Harden is backing up his MVP award with another fantastic campaign, averaging 32 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds a night. Clint Capela is providing solid interior support, averaging 17.1 points and 12.1 rebounds of his own. The recent hamstring injury to Chris Paul leaves the Rockets very thin in the backcourt, which could be exposed here.
Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC enter this one with a very solid 21-11 record, just off 1st place in the West. Small Forward Paul George has been excellent, averaging an efficient 26.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. Russell Westbrook has also come on of late, averaging a 20-point triple-double so far. Kiwi Steven Adams rounds out this big 3 nicely, averaging 16 points and 10 boards of his own.
Prediction: Under 222
With no Chris Paul, I think Houston will really struggle to score on this Oklahoma City defence. Whilst I think OKC can claim the outright upset, a bet on the under represents better value.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have lost 3 of their last 4 games to find themselves 5th in the East at 19-13. Point Guard Kyrie Irving is having an outstanding campaign, averaging 22.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.9 boards per night. Marcus Morris has shined since being thrust into the lineup, averaging 14.8 points and 6.3 rebounds himself. The return of Al Horford will really help out here against a tough matchup in Joel Embiid.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have had a very solid campaign so far, sitting 22-12 and equal 2nd in the East. Center Joel Embiid has been outstanding all year, averaging 26.2 points, 13.4 boards, and 3.5 assists a night. Jimmy Butler has been a welcomed addition to this side, averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Aussie Ben Simmons has rounded out the ‘big 3’ nicely, averaging 16.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.9 assists a night.
Prediction: Under 224
There is strong line value on the under here. The total when these two played in the first game of the season was a mere 211.5 points. With two very strong defences, I expect a playoff like atmosphere that makes this sail under.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have won 8 of their last 10 games to sit 2nd in the West with a 23-11 record. Kevin Durant is having another phenomenal campaign, averaging 29 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per contest. Stephen Curry is also looking like an MVP candidate, averaging 29.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists of his own. With the impending return of DeMarcus Cousins, this dangerous Golden State side is set to reach a new level.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers enter this one with a respectable 19-14 record, good enough for 2nd in the West. When he’s not making anti-Semitic social media posts, LeBron James is averaging 27.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per night. Sophomore Forward Kyle Kuzma is also enjoying a solid campaign, averaging 18.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per night. Center JaVale McGee has provided a much-needed interior presence, averaging an efficient 11.8 points and 6.7 rebounds.
Prediction: Warriors Halftime/Fulltime
This is a spot where the Warriors will be fully motivated. They made it a point to sweep LeBron in his last season in Cleveland and will be looking to make a statement in their first game against LA. Expect them to cruise from start to finish here.