Saturday 19 January, 2019

Saturday 19 January, 2019

Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs, 12 pm
Timberwolves -1

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves enter this one at 21-23 after a huge loss in Philadelphia last time out. Despite having one of his worst games of the season, Karl Anthony Towns is still averaging a very respectable 22 points, 12 boards, and 2 blocks per contest. Derrick Rose continues his unexpectedly strong season, averaging a shade under 19 points and 5 assists.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs make the trip to Minnesota at 26-20 after a solid win in Dallas last time out. 6 San Antonio players scored in double figures in what was very much a team display. LaMarcus Aldridge has played himself into All-Star contention of late, averaging 20.5 points and 8.5 assists on the campaign.

Prediction: Timberwolves -1

The Wolves enjoy an underrated homecourt advantage and are a strong 15-7 at Target Center this season. Conversely, the Spurs are a relatively dismal 8-14 on the road. Having lost twice in San Antonio this year, I’m backing on the revenge angle for the Wolves to take this one at home.

Utah Jazz vs Cleveland Cavaliers, 1 pm
Over 214.5

Utah Jazz

The Jazz have found form of late, winning 7 of their last 8 to sit 25-21. Center Rudy Gobert had another monster display in LA last time out, putting up 23 points, 22 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Donovan Mitchell also continues to carry the load offensively, adding 28 points and 6 assists of his own. A combined 42 from Crowder and Korver off the bench highlights the depth this team has.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs enter this one a brutal 9-36 after getting thumped in Portland last time out. Guards Jordan Clarkson and Rodney Hood were the 2 bright spots in this one, both scoring 20+ points. Aussie Matt Dellavedova continues to give solid backup Point Guard injuries, whilst the Tristan Thompson injury leaves Cleveland lacking inside.

Prediction: Over 214.5

The Cavs have one of the worst NBA defences in recent memory. Against a Jazz side finding their offensive form, I don’t see how they guard Mitchell and Korver. Expect a big night from Gobert inside as the Jazz rack up a big score here.

Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans, 2:30 pm
Pelicans +3.5

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers find themselves a respectable 27-19 after a win over Cleveland last time out. Point Guard Damian Lillard led the way with an efficient 33 points and 6 assists. Jusuf Nurkic had the bare minimum for a triple-double, whilst all of the other starters scored in double figures in a convincing team win.

New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans find themselves 21-24 after an epic game in Golden State last time out. Anthony Davis was beastly on the interior in the loss, putting up 30 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists. Jrue Holiday added a well-rounded stat line of 25 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, whilst Mirotic and Randle combined for an impressive 52 up front.

Prediction: Pelicans +3.5

Now that the Pelicans roster is fully healthy, I think the general public underrates how strong this team is. We saw essentially the same team annihilate Portland in a playoff sweep a mere 9 months ago. Getting 3.5 points here, I think New Orleans are very strong value.

 

Friday 18 January, 2019

Charlotte Hornets vs Sacramento Kings, 11 am
Hornets -2.5

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets find themselves clinging to the #8 seed in the East, sitting at 20-23 after a nice road win in San Antonio. Kemba Walker was excellent in that one, pouring in 33 points and 5 assists. Jeremy Lamb has also been very solid since his return from injury, adding 19 points and 7 boards of his own.

Sacramento Kings

Sacramento make the trip to Charlotte still well in playoff contention with a solid 23-21 record after a home win over Portland. 6 Kings players scored in double figures in what was a well-rounded team performance. Sophomore Point Guard De’Aaron Fox has continued to impress this season, averaging 17.9 points and 7.3 assists per contest.

Prediction: Hornets -2.5

This is primarily a revenge play for the loss Charlotte suffered in Sacramento less than a week ago. With more of their rotation back for this one, I expect Charlotte to keep pace in the East playoff race with a win here. Having registered a solid 14-8 home record, laying 2.5 points doesn’t seem like enough.

Denver Nuggets vs Chicago Bulls, 1 pm
Over 212.5

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets lost top spot in the West after a brutal loss against Golden State last time out. Starting Guards Jamal Murray and Malik Beasley both had solid offensive nights, each eclipsing 20 points. Nikola Jokic added 17 points and 8 boards, but Denver just can’t be expected to win giving up 142 points like they did.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls find themelves a dismal 10-34 after a road loss against the struggling Lakers. This was despite a solid performance from Lauri Markannen, who put up 17 points and 3 made 3-pointers. Jabari Parker added 18 off the bench, whilst Zach LaVine continues to average a respectable 23 points, 4 boards, and 4 assists.

Prediction: Over 212.5 points

Whilst I expect the Nuggets to rebound from that loss to Golden State, laying 12.5 points is a bit rich to me. Given the pace in some of their recent games, I think over 212.5 points is a solid play here. Especially with the home altitude, they’ll look to push the pace early and often.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers 1:30 pm
Thunder -10

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder enter this one at 26-17 after a dismal road loss in Atlanta last time out. Russell Westbrook led the way offensively with 31 points and 11 assists, whilst Dennis Schroder added 21 and 6 off the bench. Paul George also had a solid night with 24 points, but the usually strong Thunder defence was atrocious, allowing Atlanta to score 142 points.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lake Show have struggled mightily of late but picked up a much-needed win against Chicago last time out. Kyle Kuzma continued his strong sophomore season, leading the way with 16 points and 12 boards. Lonzo Ball also had one of his more impressive displays of the season, putting up 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Prediction: Thunder -10

With how horrible they’ve been of late, this is one game I expect OKC to really rise for. Particularly without LeBron James, this is a Lakers team they match up very well with. 10 points is a lot to lay, but I think they put on a show for the national audience en route to a double-digit victory.

 

Thursday 17 January, 2019

best bet
Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic, 11 am
Magic +4

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons return home after a gruelling 1-3 West Coast road trip. The highlight of this trip was undoubtedly Blake Griffin’s epic performance against the Clippers, where he poured in 44 points and 8 rebounds to go along with 5 dimes. Center Andre Drummond continued his strong play, dropping 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 steals last time out.

Orlando Magic

The Magic travel to Detroit at 19-24 after surprising consecutive home wins over both Boston and Houston. Nikola Vucevic was again excellent against Houston, pouring in 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Aaron Gordon also did his best Vucevic impression, notching 22 points, 8 boards, and 5 assists of his own.

Prediction: Magic +4

Orlando has a huge scheduling advantage here, enjoying an extra day of rest and staying on the East Coast whilst Detroit has a cross-country flight. The Pistons offence has been incredibly anaemic of late and I can’t see things changing here. Orlando has every chance of taking this one outright and look great value +3.5.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Cleveland Cavaliers, 2 pm
Over 216.5 Points

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers find themselves at 26-19 after consecutive road losses to the Nuggets and Kings. It was the Dame show in Sacramento last time out with the star Point Guard pouring in 35 points and 5 assists. Running mate C.J. McCollum unfortunately didn’t show up to the races, managing just 6 points on 2/14 shooting.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs enter this one off the rarest of rare sites, a road victory in the 2018/19 season. Tristan Thompson was a beast on the interior in their win against the Lakers, going for 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Alec Burks had a solid 17 points and 13 boards, whilst young hotshot Cedi Osman added 20 points of his own.

Prediction: Over 216.5 points

Cavs games have very much trended towards the over of late, with 4 of their last 5 going over this total. I expect their porous perimeter defence to have a tough time against the tricky Portland guards. Ultimately, I think this ends up in the 220-225 points range.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Utah Jazz, 2:30 pm
Jazz +2

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers find themselves at 24-19 after a trio of consecutive losses has soured their strong start to the campaign. Montrezl Harrell has continued to do his thing off the bench, dropping 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists last time out. Starting Forwards Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari have also continued their strong play, combining for 46 points against New Orleans.

Utah Jazz

On the other side, 6 wins in their last 7 games have taken Utah to 24-21. Rudy Gobert was a monster against Detroit last time out, hauling in 25 rebounds to go with his 18 points and 2 blocks. Donovan Mitchell has also thrived as the makeshift starting Point Guard, averaging 30.8 points, 5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds over his last 5.

Prediction: Jazz +2

Utah are showing signs of the same team they were towards the end of last season. Whilst the wins haven’t been against the greatest competition, this team finally appears to be establishing a solid rotation. Especially against a reeling Clippers side, I expect them to come to LA and win outright.

Wednesday 16 January, 2019

Philadelphia 76ers vs Minnesota Timberwolves, 11 am
76ers -6

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers enter this one at 28-16 after a road win over New York last time out. Aussie Ben Simmons had a monstrous afternoon, dropping 20 points, 22 rebounds, and 9 assists. Joel Embiid also added a well-rounded 26 points, 8 boards, and 6 assists, whilst J.J Redick had 22 points of his own.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota makes the trip to Philly at 21-22 after a home win over New Orleans last time out. Karl Anthony Towns got some well-earned applause from the Minnesota crowd after an epic performance that saw him total 27 points, 27 rebounds, and 4 blocks. 5 other Timberwolves also scored in double figures, highlighted by 18 from Wiggins and 14 from Saric.

Prediction: 76ers -6

Although the Wolves have been better of late, they are a rather poor 6-15 on the road this season. A limited Jeff Teague, combined with a questionable Derrick Rose, will make this a difficult road encounter. Laying only 6, I think this one goes up before tip-off.

Atlanta Hawks vs Oklahoma City Thunder, 11:30 am
Under 233

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks enter this one at 13-30 after a convincing loss to Milwaukee last time out. This was despite a very promising display from Trae Young, who dropped 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in this one. John Collins added yet another double-double, whilst DeAndre Bembry had a quick-fire 18 points.

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC enter this one at 26-16 after a solid home win over the Spurs last time out. Russell Westbrook had another strong display, going for 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Paul George added a solid double-double, whilst Dennis Schroder had a vital 19 points and 6 assists off the bench.

Prediction: Under 233 points

Against this strong OKC defence, I can’t see Atlanta having much offensive success in this one. I expect it to be a relatively low-paced game that comfortably ends up below this high total.

Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors, 1 pm
Warriors -1

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets currently sit atop the West at 29-13 after a win over Portland last time out. Nikola Jokic was again the star man, dropping 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Jamal Murray continued his strong recent play in a support role, adding 24 points and 4 assists of his own.

Golden State Warriors

Golden State find themselves only half a game behind Denver after a comeback road win over Dallas last time out. Steph Curry had another fantastic outing in this one, going for 48 points and 11-made 3’s, including the game-winner late on. Kevin Durant had another trademark solid night, going for 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Prediction: Warriors -1

I think this is the point where Golden State takes control of the West and remains the #1 seed for the rest of the season. They want revenge on Denver for the loss they had here earlier this season. A questionable Gary Harris also looms as a positive for Golden State.

Multi: Pacers/Thunder/Bucks
Odds of $1.78

Having been more conservative with the multis of late, today’s slate looks like another good slot for one. Indiana finds itself at home against a horrible Phoenix side, whilst the high-flying Bucks should be too good at home for an improving Heat side. Likewise, OKC possess too much quality to lose against the lowly Hawks.

Tuesday January 15, 2019

Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies, 12 pm
Grizzlies +6.5

Houston Rockets

The Rockets enter this one at 24-18 after a surprise loss at Orlando yesterday. Whilst James Harden had another solid stat line of 38 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, he shot a dismal 1/17 from 3-point range. Clint Capela was again solid with a double-double in his support role, but the absence of Eric Gordon was missed.

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis enter this one at 19-23 after a road loss in Miami last time out. Point Guard Mike Conley again led the way, pouring in 22 points and 7 assists in defeat. JaMychal Green was also excellent off the bench, adding 24 points and 11 boards of his own. Winners of just 1 of their last 8, Memphis will desperately want to break the slide here.

Prediction: Grizzlies +6.5

Whilst Houston have been solid lately, the Grizzlies recent poor form has made them undervalued in the market. Enjoying the rest advantage as they take on an injured Rockets team, I expect them to cover this 6.5-point line.

Sacramento Kings vs Portland Trail Blazers, 2 pm
Over 227

Sacramento Kings

The Kings are back above .500 after consecutive home wins over the Pistons and Hornets. De’Aaron Fox had another strong display against Charlotte last time out, pouring in 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Buddy Hield added 21 points of his own, whilst Bogdan Bogdanovic had 22 points and 6 boards off the bench.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers make the trip to Sacramento at 26-18 after a loss in Denver last night. Damian Lillard again led the way in this one, pouring in 26 points and 7 rebounds. C.J. McCollum added 18 points of his own, albeit on inefficient shooting. Portland will look to continue their strong recent form that has taken them into the West’s top 4.

Prediction: Over 227 points

Despite Portland coming off a back-to-back, I expect this to be a high-scoring affair. The Kings enter this one well rested and De’Aaron Fox will likely again look to push the pace. Expect these two young backcourts to go back and forth as this total sails over.

Los Angeles Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans, 2:30 pm
Clippers -2.5

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers enter this one at 24-18 after a disappointing loss against Detroit last time out. This was despite solid bench performances from Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell (again) who both went over 20 points. Danilo Gallinari also dropped a solid 23 points but struggled to contain a vengeful Blake Griffin, who poured in 44 of his own.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans make the trip to LA at 20-23 after a loss to Minnesota last time out. This was in large part due to another excellent display from Anthony Davis, who had 30 points and 14 rebounds. Julius Randle added a solid 22 points and 11 rebounds, whilst Jrue Holiday had a well-rounded 25 points, 7 assists, and 6 boards.

Prediction: Clippers -2.5

Ultimately, I think the Clippers are the better team here and should be laying a higher number at home. They have a deeper and more versatile wing rotation that can trouble New Orleans. Expect solid displays from Williams and Harrell to lead LA to the win and cover here.

Monday January 14, 2019

Washington Wizards vs Toronto Raptors, 5 am
Over 227

Washington Wizards

The Wizards enter this one at 18-25 after consecutive home wins over the 76ers and Bucks. Shooting Guard Bradley Beal was excellent last time out, going for an efficient 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Tomas Satoransky also had a phenomenal performance as starting Point Guard, racking up 18 points, 12 boards, and 10 assists.

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors make the trip to Washington at 32-12 off the back of 4 straight victories. Kawhi Leonard was very solid against Brooklyn last time out, dropping a quick-fire 20 points and 11 boards. 8 Raptors scored in double figures in what was very much a team display. The return of Kyle Lowry will also no doubt help them going forward.

Prediction: Over 227 Points

The return of Kyle Lowry should bolster the Raptors offence in this one. Washington have also fared much better offensively than you’d expect in John Wall’s absence. With two capable offences, expect this one to go over.

Orlando Magic vs Houston Rockets, 10 am
Rockets -5.5

Orlando Magic

The Magic enter this one at 18-24 after a very solid win over Boston yesterday. Aaron Gordon led the way with another excellent display, dropping 28 points and 12 rebounds. Nikola Vucevic had another solid double-double, whilst Evan ‘Don’t Google Me’ Fournier added 18 points and 5 assists.

Houston Rockets

Houston make the trip to Orlando at 24-17 after a huge win over Cleveland last time out. James Harden continued his phenomenal recent form racking up a 40-point triple-double in just 30 minutes. Clint Capela added 19 points on 7/8 shooting whilst the Rockets managed 6 players in double figures.

Prediction: Rockets -5.5

Orlando had a very emotional win last night and you have to wonder the energy they’ll have for this one. Houston have been in excellent form of late and enjoy a notable rest advantage here. Laying just 5.5 points, I think this gets higher closer to tip-off.

Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers, 12 pm
Nuggets -4

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets return home after a surprise loss in Phoenix last night. This was despite an excellent display from Nikola Jokic, who had 23 points and 10 rebounds. Paul Millsap had a double-double, whilst Malik Beasley added 21 in the starting lineup. The return of Will Barton and expected return of Gary Harris should do wonders for this Denver rotation.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers make the trip to Denver at 26-17 off the back of four consecutive home wins. C.J McCollum had another solid display against Charlotte last time out, dropping in 30 points and 6 rebounds. Damian Lillard added a quick-fire 20 points of his own, whilst improving big man Jusuf Nurkic had a double-double.

Prediction: Nuggets -4

Off a surprise loss last night, I expect Denver to rebound quickly at home here. They’re 17-3 at home on the campaign, whilst Portland enjoys a losing away record. Especially if Gary Harris returns, I like the Nugs to win and cover here.

Sunday January 13, 2019

Los Angeles Clippers vs Detroit Pistons, 7:30 am
Clippers -7

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers enter this one at 24-17 despite a poor road loss in Denver last time out. Lou Williams again led the way off the bench, dropping a quick-fire 19 points and 5 assists. Montrezl Harrell also chimed in with 16 off the bench, whilst starting Forwards Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari both registered 18.

Detroit Pistons

Detroit makes the trip to Los Angeles after losing 7 of their last 8 games to sit 17-23. They were particularly poor last time out in Sacramento, losing by double digits in Blake Griffin’s absence. Center Andre Drummond did his best to pick up the slack with another double-double, but the Pistons lack of offensive creation has become apparent.

Prediction: Clippers -7

With Griffin questionable to face his former side, I think there’s some value on the Clippers here. Many of his former teammates weren’t exactly fond of him and I think they’ll be motivated for this one. The early LA start has been good for the Clippers of late, which I expect to continue here.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs, 12 pm
Thunder -5

Oklahoma City Thunder

These two sides meet again after an excellent double-overtime affair last time out. Paul George again led the scoring for OKC, chiming in with an efficient 30 points and 8 boards. Russell Westbrook again had a phenomenal stat line, dropping 24 points, 24 rebounds, and 13 assists. Role players Jerami Grant and Terrance Ferguson also stepped up, both going over 20 points.

San Antonio Spurs

For the Spurs, LaMarcus Aldridge was well and truly the man of the match last time out. The big man dropped an incredible 56 points to go along with 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. Derrick White added an efficient 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, whilst 5 other Spurs also managed to score in double figures.

Prediction: Thunder -5

I love these revenge spots when the better team lost the first matchup. OKC will come out with a sense of urgency here after losing each of their last 3. Rudy Gay’s continued absence will allow George to dominate here en route to an OKC win.

Utah Jazz vs Chicago Bulls, 2 pm
Under 206.5

Utah Jazz

The Jazz are finally donning a winning record again, sitting 22-21 after yesterday’s win over the Lakers. Donovan Mitchell again led the way here, pouring in a very solid 33 points and 9 assists. The Utah frontline was also very dominant in this one, with each of Ingles, Favors, and Gobert putting up a double-double.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls make the trip to Utah after a horror show in Golden State last night where they were blown out by 35 points. Zach LaVine was somewhat of a bright spot, going for 29 points on 10/16 shooting. Bobby Portis added a quick-fire 16 off the bench, whilst Antonio Blakeney and Ryan Arcidiacono both scored in double figures.

Prediction: Under 206.5

Both teams coming off a back-to-back makes me think this one will be played at a slower pace. Injuries to Utah’s backcourt have also really reshaped their rotation. Chicago won’t be able to score on Utah here in a low-scoring game that the Jazz win comfortably.  

Saturday 12 January, 2019

Washington Wizards vs Milwaukee Bucks, 11 am
Under 231.5

Washington Wizards

The Wizards enter this one at 17-25 after a surprise home win over Philly last time out. Shooting Guard Bradley Beal led the way with a team-high 34 points to go along with 5 assists. Otto Porter Junior added a clutch 23 points and 6 rebounds off the bench, whilst Point Guard Tomas Satoransky had a solid 11 assists.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks make the trip to Washington with an NBA best 29-11 record after a win over Houston last time out. Giannis led the way with another monster night, dropping 27 points, 21 boards, and 5 assists en route to victory. Malcolm Brogdon also had a very solid evening, pouring in 24 points and 5 rebounds on 9/12 shooting.

Prediction: Under 231.5

Without John Wall, the Wizards struggle to generate reliable offence and will find it tough going against this elite Milwaukee defence. On the other side, I’m not sure how motivated Milwaukee will be after such an emotional win. As such, I expect a slow-paced affair that sails under a relatively high 231.5.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Atlanta Hawks, 11 am
76ers -12.5

Philadelphia 76ers

Philly comes into this one of a surprising loss against Washington last time out. This was despite an excellent display from Joel Embiid, who had 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Jimmy Butler added 23 points and 9 boards, whilst Aussie Ben Simmons found himself just 2 assists away from a triple-double.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks enter this one at 12-29 after a convincing loss in Brooklyn last time out. Power Forward John Collins has been a bright spot of late, dropping 30 points and 14 rebounds in that one. Rookie Shooting Guard Kevin Huerter added in 14 points and 10 boards, whilst Trae Young added 17 points and 7 assists of his own.

Prediction: 76ers -12.5

The Sixers boast a very strong 18-3 home record this season and I expect them to rebound from their ugly loss last time out. Simmons and Embiid are huge mismatches for Atlanta in this one and I can’t see the Hawks offence enjoying success either. Philly to roll at home here.

Golden State Warriors vs Chicago Bulls, 2:30 pm
Warriors -15

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors enter this one at 27-14 after a thumping win over New York last time out. This was in large part due to a resurgent display from Klay Thompson, who poured in an efficient 43 points on 18/29 shooting. Kevin Durant was also very solid in this one, going for a well-rounded 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Chicago Bulls

Chicago makes the dreaded trip to Golden State at 10-31 after 5 straight defeats. Wendell Carter has looked like somewhat of a bright spot of late, dropping 22 points and 6 boards against Portland last time out. Kris Dunn also had a solid game in that one, totalling 15 points, 7 assists, and 5 boards.

Prediction: Warriors -15

This line represents strong value on Golden State for me. They were an 11-point favourite in Chicago earlier this year and enter this one very well rested. Chicago simply doesn’t have the wing talent to guard KD and Klay Thompson in what should be a blowout.

Daily Multi: 76ers/Pacers/Jazz/Warriors
Combined Odds of $1.77

We’ve touched on two of the components for today’s 4-leg multi. I also think the Pacers are good value against a struggling Knicks side that just came off a long road-trip. Even with the selection of injuries, I also think Utah should prove too much for a Lakers side still battling without LeBron.

Friday 11 January, 2019

Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics, 11 am
Celtics -1.5

Miami Heat

The Heat enter this one at 19-20 after a narrow home loss to Denver last time out. Shooting Guard Dion Waiters led the team in scoring in his return from injury, pouring in 15 points on 6/10 shooting. The Miami offence is very much scoring by committee at this point, with 7 players scoring within 10 and 15 points last time out.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics enter this one off the back of a 27-point thumping against Indiana yesterday. Marcus Morris continued his strong recent form in this one, pouring in 22 points and 8 rebounds on 6/8 shooting. Jayson Tatum also added 20 in the starting lineup, whilst Jaylen Brown had a big night off the bench with 22 points and 7 rebounds of his own.

Prediction: Celtics -1.5

Despite entering this on a back-to-back, the Boston starters should be well-rested after yesterday’s demolition. Miami lack the scorers to generate quality offence against this strong Boston defence and I expect a Celtics road win and cover here.

Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers, 1 pm
Nuggets -5.5

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets enter this one off the back of a solid comeback win in Miami last time out. Center Nikola Jokic again led the way in this one, dropping a 29-point triple-double that included the game-winner. The pride of Brisbane Torrey Craig added a double-double, whilst backup Power Forward Trey Lyles had 15 off the bench.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers enter this one with a solid 24-16 record after a comfortable home win over Charlotte last time out. Lou Williams continued his excellent recent form, going for 27 points and 10 assists in just 25 minutes. Montrezl Harrell added 23 points and 10 boards off the bench, whilst starting Forwards Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari both had 20 each.

Prediction: Nuggets -5.5

After taking a thumping in LA in their most recent matchup, I think Denver will want revenge in this one. The Clippers haven’t been tested on the road much of late and I expect them to struggle in the Denver altitude. Laying only 5.5, I’ll happily take Denver here.

Sacramento Kings vs Detroit Pistons, 2 pm
Over 219

Sacramento Kings

The Kings enter this one at 20-21 after a very disappointing loss to the Suns without Devin Booker last time out. This was despite a strong scoring effort from De’Aaron Fox, who had 24 points and 5 rebounds. Ben McLemore also had a surprisingly strong performance, adding 20 points off the bench in just 18 minutes.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons enter this one on a back-to-back after a late one against the Lakers last night. Their performances have noticeably dipped after a strong start and they currently find themselves out of the playoff mix. Their star man this season has undoubtedly been Blake Griffin, who has played himself into All-Star contention with averages of 25 points, 8 boards, and 5 assists per contest.

Prediction: Over 219 Points

Despite Detroit being on a back-to-back, I think this is a relatively low total here. I expect De’Aaron Fox and the Kings to really push the pace and create a lot of possessions. The injury to Blake Griffin has brought this down 5.5 points, however I don’t think that’ll have too much impact on the pace here.

Thursday January 10, 2019

Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers, 11 am
76ers -2.5

Washington Wizards

These two sides meet again in Washington tonight, after the Sixers had a comfortable 17-point win in Philly last night. Bradley Beal was the star man for Washington, pouring in an efficient 28 points on 11/18 shooting. Whilst the rest of the starters struggled big time in this one, a plus for Washington was that 4 of their bench players scored in double figures.

Philadelphia 76ers

On the Sixers side, the big 3 dominated as you’d expect. Joel Embiid led the way with an efficient 20-point double-double. Aussie Ben Simmons added a handy 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, whilst Jimmy Butler dropped in 20 points on 8/9 shooting. The main obstacle for Philly in this one will be overcoming the revenge factor.

Prediction: 76ers -2.5

Even though the Wizards will want to rectify last night, they just don’t have the talent to do so. Philly are the far superior side here and I expect them to pull off another win. Laying only 2.5 points, the Sixers look very solid value here.

Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns, 12:30 pm
Mavericks -8

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks enter this one off the back of a poor home loss to the Lakers last time out. Luka Doncic was again the star man for Dallas, pouring in 27 points and 8 rebounds in this one. DeAndre Jordan also had a solid day on the interior, hauling in 19 rebounds to go along with his 10 points.

Phoenix Suns

Phoenix enter this one off the back of a very solid win over the Kings last night without Devin Booker. Kelly Oubre stepped up big time in this one, dropping an impressive 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Rookie Center DeAndre Ayton added a solid 17 points and 12 boards, whilst T.J. Warren had an efficient 21 points of his own.

Prediction: Mavericks -8

Fresh off a win last night, I’m not sure how motivated Phoenix will be on a back-to-back, especially if Booker doesn’t play. Luka Doncic being questionable makes me hesitate somewhat, however I still think Dallas are clearly the better side in this one.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Chicago Bulls, 2 pm
Blazers -9.5

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers enter this one at a solid 24-17 after consecutive home wins over Houston and New York. Dame Lillard again led the way against New York, dropping a handy 17 points and 9 rebounds. C.J. McCollum chipped in with 17 of his own, whilst Center Jusuf Nurkic continued his strong recent form with 20 points and 8 boards.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls make the trip out West after losing 5 of their last 6 games. Zach LaVine was a bright spot against Brooklyn last time out, dropping an efficient 27 points on 11/17 shooting. Kris Dunn had a solid outing with 16 points and 7 assists, whilst Lauri Markannen had a quick-fire 14 points and 6 rebounds of his own.

Prediction: Blazers -9.5

I think there is some line value on Portland in this one. If the fixture was in Chicago, I’d think Portland should be much higher than 3.5-point favourites. You’re getting questionable motivation from the Bulls each night and I think they get blown out in this one.

Daily Multi: Nets/Pelicans/Mavericks/Blazers
Combined Odds of $1.97

Another four-leg daily multi to take full advantage of the Nets promotion. These are four decent sides at home against some of the worst teams in the NBA. At $1.97, this is well worth a punt. Remember that if 1 of your legs loses, you can get a bonus bet up to $50.