After missing the Celtics vs Hawks total points line by just one point, we went a disappointing 1-2 on Tuesday to see our season tally move to 53-46-1. We are keeping our head above water but will be looking for a big 3-0 day here to regain some confidence. With a massive 11 game slate to choose from this Thursday, we’ll be taking a closer look at the huge ESPN televised double header featuring the Cavaliers at Celtics followed by the Clippers hosting the Rockets in our NBA Betting Tips for Thursday, March 2nd below. below.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics (12pm AEDT)
It’s a top of the Eastern Conference clash to kick off the ESPN double-header Thursday as the Celtics host the cavaliers from 12pm. This marks a great opportunity for the Celtics to pull a game back on the Cavs, who currently sit 3 games up on top of the East. Cleveland look set to unveil new recruit Deron Williams for the game, who will be a massive improvement to their playmaking woes. The 3-time All-Star was once one of the best point guards in the NBA and will provide much needed scoring and ball handling responsibilities off the bench.
The Cavs look set to also add veteran centre Andrew Bogut once he clears waivers in the coming days. With those two, the Cavs could potentially boast a 2nd unit of Williams, Iman Shumpert, Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye and Bogut, which is a lethal combination to take into any game and gives them a real chance against the Warriors. LeBron James has also returned from illness which means the Cavs should be tough to beat in this one.
The Celts have looked shaky post All-Star break, dropping games to both the Raptors and Hawks. Teams are beginning to realise that if they can shut down Isaiah Thomas go a long way to completely shutting down Boston’s offence. I expect the Cavs to take this one away from home.
TIP: Cleveland to win - $1.89 at Sportsbet
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers (2.30pm AEDT)
The Rockets seem to be playing an All-Star game every time they take the floor these days. Their offence is absolutely ridiculous and got even better at the deadline by adding Lou Williams, a genuine scoring threat to their already loaded bench. They have only scored under 100 three times this year, and since the break have had scores of 129, 142 and 108.
The Clippers just retained Chris Paul from injury, which will be a massive boost if they are going to stay with the Rockets here. They are in the midst of a four-game stretch that has seen them lose to the top two Western Conference teams, the Warriors and Spurs, since the break and now have to play the third placed team in the Rockets. They’ll get a small comfort in having 2 full days off before this one.
The Clippers have shown they can score the basketball with Chris Paul back in the lineup, while both bench units have massive scoring capability with Williams and Jamal Crawford. I expect this one to be a shootout and hit a pretty high over.
TIP: Total Points OVER 232.5 - $1.91 at Ladbrokes
Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks (12pm AEDT)
The Bucks and Nuggets, although in different conferences, are separated by just one game and are both fighting for playoff berths coming into the final stretch of the season. Both teams were active during the trade deadline, and even dealt with each other to see recently acquired Bucks big man Roy Hibbert sent to the Nuggets for a 2nd round pick. The Nuggets also picked up Mason Plumlee from the Trailblazers while the Bucks acquired the services of Spencer Hawes from Charlotte.
None of these trades will make their respective teams a contender in their conference, but they will help towards picking up that all important 8th seed, then you just have to worry about playing the Cavs or Warriors in the first round. The Bucks have the home court advantage here and also come into the game with a day’s break as opposed to Denver having played in Chicago on Wednesday, for that reason I expect the Bucks to take this one.
TIP: Milwaukee Bucks -3 - $1.95 at William Hill
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