There are only 3 games on this NBA Wednesday card, but there’s still plenty of value on the card. The Clippers travel to New Orleans in what looks to be the match of the day, whilst Denver looks to maintain their unbeaten start at home to Sacramento. Let’s take a look at my best bet for each of today’s games.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit returns home after an impressive 2-0 start to the campaign. All of their starters scored in double figures in what was an impressive win over Chicago. Power Forward Blake Griffin led the way with 33 points and 12 rebounds in a performance that was reminiscent of his 2014 campaign. An impressive 45% from 3 was the catalyst to victory in this impressive offensive display. Double-double machine Andre Drummond continues to perform strongly at Center, whilst Ish Smith and Zaza “Nothing Easy” Pachulia lead the way off the bench. Hosting Philly represents the Pistons’ toughest test to the young season and I’m not sure they’re up for it.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers travel to Detroit 2-1 after a narrow home win over Orlando. After the injury to Aussie Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and JJ Redick stole the show. Both of these men got up 30 much-needed points on 50% shooting from the field. Mercurial big man Dario Saric delivered a strong complementary performance, whilst second-year Point Guard Markelle Fultz looked more comfortable with the ball in his hands. Winning in Detroit is no easy feat, but if Ben Simmons is back and healthy, I fancy the Sixers’ chances here.
Prediction: 76ers Moneyline
Note that this play is dependent on the health of Aussie big man Ben Simmons. Simmons suffered an early injury against Orlando on Monday and no line has been posted with his status still in question. If Simmons is a go, I think Philly has the talent to overwhelm this Detroit team. Their versatile defensive scheme and energy in transition give them a strong edge here.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans enter this one 2-0 off an impressive start to the season. They’ve averaged 140 points from the field in an incredibly hot shooting start. Big man Anthony Davis has unsurprisingly led the way with a well-rounded stat line. One of the pre-season favourites for MVP, Davis has averaged 28 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists and 2.5 blocks so far. His frontcourt mate Nikola Mirotic has surprised everybody with averages of 33 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 64% from 3 in the process. New signing Elfrid Payton also delivered a triple double in the opener in Houston, no doubt rejuvenated by his new haircut. Against a deep 2-1 Clippers team, the Pelicans will face an early season test at home.
Los Angeles Clippers
Whilst they’ve been somewhat aided by opponent injuries and suspensions, the Clippers enter this one off an impressive 2-1 start. Small Forward Tobias Harris continues to impress, averaging 22.7 points and 8 rebounds on the season so far. Finally healthy again, Danilo Gallinari is also putting up over 20 a game, shooting a sharp 47% from 3 in the process. The strength of this Clippers team is undoubtedly their depth. In addition to a versatile starting five, a bench unit featuring Lou Williams, Luc Mbah a Moute, Montrezl Harrell and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander causes many opposing lineups problem. As 7-point underdogs, I think they represent excellent value in New Orleans.
Prediction: Clippers +7
Whilst the Pelicans have started the season impressively, I don’t believe we’ve seen enough from them to favour them so heavily here. I expect the outstanding defensive backcourt to really put the clamps on Jrue Holiday, putting even more pressure on AD to perform. The deep Clippers second unit also has a strong advantage over their New Orleans counterparts. Backed by a generous 7 points, there’s too much value on the Clip Show to ignore here in my best bet of the day.
Denver Nuggets
After toppling the defending champion Warriors on Monday, the Nuggets enter this one an impressive 3-0. Center Nikola Jokic has been on an absolute tear this season. The Serbian big man is averaging 26 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists, all the while shooting 63% from the field and 50% from 3. Shooting Guard Gary Harris continued his stellar start to the campaign, pouring in 28 points to lead the team against Golden State. The Nuggets are a generally underrated team that I believe can compete for top 4 in the West this season. With the Kings having no-one capable of stopping Jokic, I’m expecting a high scoring affair in Denver here.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings shocked everyone with a win on Monday in Oklahoma City in Russell Westbrook’s return game. Iman “living in my girl’s shadow” Shumpert came out of nowhere with 26 points, whilst second-year Point Guard De’Aaron Fox delivered an impressive 22 points and 10 assists. Sacramento’s offense has been on a tear to start the season, eclipsing 50% from the field in every game so far. This is likely due to their pace and space starting lineup that features four perimeter shooters. Travelling to the altitude of Denver represents a tough test, but it’s one I believe the Kings offense is capable of handling.
Prediction: 1st Half Over 113 Points
Given the performances of these 2 teams so far, this total is definitely too low in my opinion. The Kings have eclipsed this total in all 3 games this season off the back of their fast pace and poor defence. Denver’s starting lineup is one of the best offensive units in the NBA and I don’t think the Kings have the talent to contain them. I could easily see this first half eclipsing 120.