The 2016-17 NBA season continues this week and the Lakers are taking on the Bulls in Chicago on ESPN on Australian television. Continue reading for our NBA Thursday December 1st Preview and Betting Tips.
Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls (Thursday 12pm AEDT)
The Lakers made a great start to the season and were sitting in a Western Conference playoffs position. However, their depth has been tested due to injuries to key personnel including D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle. Those injuries have played a key role in the side losing three of its last four games and falling below .500. Those three losses were blow outs as the side has struggled on both ends of the court.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have been strong this season and it is likely they will return to the playoffs. Jimmy Butler is making a name for himself as one of the best players in the NBA and it is easy to see why. The monster is terrific defensively and his offence game continues to involve, which includes an outside shot that Dwayne Wade has also shown he has. Rajon Rondo will tear apart the Lakers defence in this one and we believe he will earn a lot of assists.
TIP: Bulls at the line (-10) - $1.95 at Sportsbet
Sacremento Kings at Philadelphia 76ers (Thursday 11am AEDT)
The Kings have begun to get on a bit of a roll and there is no question as to the reason why. DeMarcus Cousins has been putting up huge numbers, especially in the last few games. The beast has been crashing the boards and hitting shots from outside the perimeter while his inside presence has been felt. Rudy Gay is continuing to be strong while Darren Collison has improved the point guard position since returning from suspension as Ty Lawson hasn’t been able to recapture his Denver Nuggets form.
Meanwhile the 76ers have been able to suprise a couple of opponents this season but they still have only managed four wins out of 18 games. Joel Embiid has proven he was worth the wait but he could be sent to school in this one as Cousins has a lot of experience, talent and size on his rookie opponent.
TIP: Kings at the line (-5) - $1.91 at CrownBet
Take note: Game postponed... More details soon.
Washington Wizards at Oklahoma City Thunder (Thursday 12pm AEDT)
The beast continues to put up numbers, that of course is referring to Russell Westbrook, who is averaging a triple double through the opening 19 games of the season. Love him or hate him, you can’t deny he is a special player that has the heart of an assassin. He will do anything he can for his team to win and we expect the same in this game. Victor Oladipo has begun to find his feet in a Thunder jersey and this has helped Westbrook on both ends of the court. However, Steven Adams has been a disappointment this year considering the performances he put together in the playoffs last season.
Bradley Beal has made his return for the Wizards and he has been spectacular in the line up. It has taken a lot of pressure off John Wall who has been struggling with his shot. He has been racking up the assists but in his last match he committed over 10 turn overs. He can’t afford to do that against a team that has Westbrook who will want to grab the turn over and run the other way for an easy 2 points. We are pedicting the home side to come out on top in a close one.
TIP: Thunder by 1-10 - $2.55 at William Hill
Atlanta Hawks at Phoenix Suns (Thursday 1pm AEDT)
The Suns have struggled this season as they are going through the rebuilding phase. Their young players are still developing and are showing inconsistencies in attack and defence. They are going through the process and will be a strong side in a few years. They have just five wins from 18 games and are 2 wins and 5 losses on home soil.
Meanwhile after a strong start to the year the Hawks have fallen off the pace in their recent matches. They have lost five of their last six games as they are struggling offensively. Age is definitely catching up wtih Kyle Korver as he no longer has the dangerous three point presence he once had and he doesn’t contribute much in terms of rebounds or ball movement. Dwight Howard has been strong in the middle of the court but Paul Millsap hasn’t shown his all star calibre performances either. This is definitely a danger game for the Hawks but on the back of a few losses, we think they will come out switched on and earn a narrow win in this one.
TIP: Hawks by 1-10 points- $2.60 at Ladbrokes
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
