The 2015-16 NBA season has reached its fourth week of action. The first month has seen the Rockets continuing to struggle as they are lacking in defence, whilst the Warriors remain undefeated after their first 11 games and Lebron James and the Cavaliers are leading the East with Kyrie Irving still on the sidelines. Continue reading for a look at the Pelicans V Thunder game in our NBA November 19 Preview & Betting Tips article and as always, our NBA betting tips focus on Thursday games, including any games that are featured on Australian TV.
- - -
New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder (Thursday 12pm AEDT )
The Pelicans have had an awful start to the season and have registered only the one win over their opening 11 games. This is a massive drop for a team that made the playoffs last year and it is largely due to the injuries the team has suffered. Tyreke Evans, Kendrick Perkins, Norris Cole, Quincy Pondexter and Jrue Holiday have all spent time on the sidelines, however Holiday was able to make a return yesterday against the Nuggets but it did little to help the side as they slumped to a 17-point loss.
The Thunder isn’t without their own injury woes as they have been without former MVP Keven Durant for the past three games and he is likely to miss this game too. The team is still trying to find its way under new coach Billy Donovan but at home against a injured Pelicans line up, the Thunder will continue the pain for the away side in a narrow victory.
TIP: Thunder 1-10 @ $2.49 with Sportsbet
Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics (Thursday 11.30am AEDT)
These two sides are in red-hot form with the Mavericks on a 4 game winning streak whilst the Celtics have picked up three huge wins in a row against the Hawks, Thunder and Rockets. All three of those wins came by double figures against side that have title aspirations. It was a strong bounce back after they had lost the majority of their opening games.
Rebounding has been the big story for the Celtics as they have outrebounded their opponents in their latest victories including a dominant 47-34 against the Thunder. Preventing second chance opportunities for the Mavericks will be essential whilst creating their own will contribute to their fourth victory in a row.
TIP: Celtics -5 @ $1.91 with WilliamHill
Sacramento Kings at Atlanta Hawks (Thursday 12pm AEDT)
The Kings have put their early season woes behind them and are currently on a three game winning streak as they head to Atlanta. They can credit the majority of their wins to DeMarcus Cousins who has been a dominant force in their recent matches as he earned player of the week in the West honours. The big man has put up 30, 40 and 36 points over their three game winning streak as he has become nearly impossible to guard after adding the three point shot to his offensive bag of tricks.
Meanwhile the Hawks have struggled in their recent matches after having a strong start to the season. They have suffered three straight losses and their latest was against the weak Nets team that picked up only its second win of the season. I expect the Kings to extend their winning streak as Cousins continues to carry his team forward whilst the Hawks are forced to play their second game in as many days.
TIP: Kings @ $2.51 with Sportsbet
Toronto Raptors at Utah Jazz (Thursday 1pm AEDT)
The Raptors have slowed down since their perfect start to the season and have lost four of their last six matches. They travel to Utah to take on one of the best defensive sides in the NBA. Rudy Gobert will be key in this one as he will need to prevent Kyle Lowry and DeMar Derozan from penetrating and getting to the rim for easy lay ups and he should be up to the task as the seven footer is averaging over 3 blocks per game this season. His presence should be enough to make them alter their shots or kick the ball out to another player.
The Jazz has a 0.500 record and have already spent 8 games on the road this season and they have split the two games they played at home. Meanwhile the Raptors have been strong on the road despite playing the stronger sides in the Western Conference. I am backing them to either cause an upset or be able to match the Jazz at the line.
TIP: Raptors +5.5 @ $1.78 with Crownbet
- - -
Best 2015-16 NBA Betting Promotions
Place a 4+ leg multi with Sportsbet and you will an incredible bonus in odds. 4 leg multi = 15% bonus, 5 leg multi = 20% bonus and 6+ leg multi = 25% bonus up to $200!
Place a 4+ leg multi on NBA games played on the same day with Crownbet and if only one leg fails then receive a bonus bet up to $50!
Place a in-play bet on any head to head match and if your team reaches 88 points first but loses, CASH BACK up to $50!
Make sure to read full terms and conditions of any betting promotion before placing any bets.
_ _ _
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!
