The 2016-17 NBA Season continues Saturday, and Foxtel are bringing you a mouth watering double header once again. Take a look below as we preview the televised games, as well as another key matchup for Saturday, the 5th of November. Be sure to check out or Basketball Tips Page for previews and tips on the NBA.
New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls (11am AEST)
Former Bulls stars Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah will be looking to take revenge on their old team as the Knicks travel to Chicago for the first time this season in a matchup between two teams we are really still trying to figure out after busy trade periods. The Bulls sit at 3-1, coming off a loss to the Boston Celtics. Some quality play by All Star Jimmy Butler and hometown hero Dwayne Wade has been the catalyst in their wins. Their two home wins over playoff bound teams in the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics were very impressive, one knock on them however could be their inability to shoot the three. While they currently sit third in the league in 3pt shooting percentage, that number will definitely drop. Their starting backcourt’s career 3pt% average sits at a measly 28.7 percent and in this new age league where the three is king, it could eventually see them come undone.
New York are 1-3 on the season thus far, however, they have lost to three strong teams in the Cavaliers, Grizzlies and Rockets. I see a lot of strengths in this Knicks team, they have scoring options everywhere, but they also have weaknesses. Their defence needs improvement, they currently let opponents shoot 46% from the field, which is the 6th highest in the league, and they lack a pure rim protector. Joakim Noah was expeted to fill that role, but limitations on the offensive end means he struggles to demand starters minutes. I see room for improvement for the Knicks once they have time to develop chemistry with all of their new pieces, but winning away from home against a strong Chicago team will be too much for them tomorrow.
TIP: Bulls to win and OVER 208.5 total score - $2.54 at CrownBet
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers (1.30pm AEST)
While this matchup should provide for some exciting viewing, I don’t see much value in the betting markets, unless you look to player exotics that is. After a shaky start to the season with a opening night loss to the Spurs, the Warriors are back on track having won their last three games. While they definitely still need to iron out some chemistry issues with new recruit Kevin Durant, they will have way too much talent for the bottom dwelling Lakers.
The Lakers have some wins over quality opponents in the Rockets and Hawks, but their your and inexperience will make for some inconsistent performances night in night out. If there’s one thing you cannot be against the Warriors, it’s inconsistent. I’m looking elsewhere for value in this game, I expect this to be a massive margin halfway through the 3rd quarter, and Steve Kerr does have a tendency to rest his stars when they have a big lead. Reigning MVP Steph Curry only played 30 minutes in a blowout of the Portland Trail Blazers two nights ago, I expect him to play the same if not less in this game. Player performance markets don’t usually come out till the morning of the game, but if Steph’s line is anywhere around 26-28 points, I’ll be taking the under. For now, the Warriors line has some value.
TIP: Golden State Warriors -10.5 - $1.91 at CrownBet
San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz
San Antonio suffered a shock loss to the Jazz at home two days ago, marking their first loss of the young season. Utah’s 3pt shooting drowned the Spurs, going 15-31 from beyond the arc. The Jazz pose as an intimidating matchup for the Spurs, with arguably the best rim protector in the league taking away a lot of the shots that San Antonio thrive on. However, Utah’s perimeter defence is somewhat lacking, and they really miss a key wing defender, someone who in this instance would be able to defend Kawhi Leonard.
Kawhi had a big night when the teams met two days ago, going for 30 points. He should go off again here and I wouldn’t expect the Jazz to have the same percentages from the 3pt line as the did previously. Due to the previous matchup, the Spurs have stretched out to $1.59 in the H2H market and the line sits at -4.5, which I think is way too low.
TIP: San Antonio Spurs -4.5 - $1.93 at CrownBet
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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!
