The 2016-17 NBA season continues this week with a lot of big match ups. Continue reading for our Thursday November 17th Preview and Betting Tips which includes the Australian televised Warriros at Raptors.
2016-17 NBA Betting Tips
New Orleans Pelicans at Orlando Magic (Thursday 11am AEST)
The Pelicans are just 2-7 despite the huge numbers that superstar Anthony Davis is putting up. They are missing two key personnel in Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans and it is definitely hurting the side as they aren’t getting much production out of their current guards and when their back up point guard Tim Frazier has played well the side has earned their two victories. The side wasn’t able to hold on for a win against the Celtics in their last start.
Serge Ibaka has had his two best games for the Magic in his last two starts and the first came against his old side the Thunder. Ibaka hit the game winner, however it will be his defence that needs to be at its best in this game as he will need to shut down Davis. If he is able to stay out of foul trouble and contain the beast than the Magic will hold on for a narrow victory.
TIP: Magic at the line (-4.5) - $1.95 at Sportsbet
Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers (Thursday 11am AEST)
The Cavaliers will be playing in the second game of a back-to-back and they exerted a lot of their energy in a tough match against the Raptors in their previous match. Channing Frye had a huge night as he scored 21 points off the bench on 5 of 8 shooting from down town. However, every team is sluggish on a back-to-back and add to that they have to travel, this is a danger game for them.
Paul George has been disappointing this year and he hasn’t played at an all-star level. The team is 5-6 but they have won all five of those games on their home court. We are predicting the side to be able to push their opponents and they should have more energy in the fourth quarter to earn a momentum and confidence building win.
TIP: Pacers to win - $2.48 at CrownBet
Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder (Thursday 12pm AEST)
This will be a huge match up and you can imagine Russell Westbrook and former teammate James Harden taking this one as a personal challenge. The two have put up incredible numbers this season and are leading from the front for their sides. However, the Thunder are sliding and are on a four game losing streak while the Rockets are beginning to find their attacking flow. Harden has relished his new role at the point guard position and is leading the league in assists while he still managed to score with the basketball which is highlighted by his 23 in the opening quarter against the 76ers in their last start.
The Thunder need more out of their role players and if they aren’t hitting shots it puts a lot more pressure on Westbrook to score himself. We believe the Thunder will be able to regain their feet eventually but for this one the Rockets will have too much firepower and they will earn the win on the road.
TIP: Rockets by 1-10 points - $3.25 at William Hill
Golden State Warriors at Toronto Raptors (Thursday 12pm AEST - Live on AUS TV)
This is a big match up for both sides but the Raptors will be in the same boat as the Cavaliers after coming off a tough match and playing in a back-to-back. Kyle Lowry had one of his best games of the year but unfortunately for the side DeMar Derozan was slowed down as he scored less than 30 points for only the second time this season. We are expecting them to be sluggish in this one after playing huge minutes the night before and having to travel back to Toronto.
Meanwhile the Warriors are beginning to find their feet and are 8-2. The side may not be playing at its full potential just yet but they are still finding ways to get it done at crunch time. Kevin Durant is their main scorer while Stephen Curry is still the two-time reigning MVP and can hurt you from behind the line. Draymond Green has been a great playmaker and we are predicting him to faciliate the victory in this one.
TIP: Warriors at the line (-5.0) - $1.90 at Ladbrokes
