It seems like an eternity since we last posted some NBA betting tips. With the all-star festivities all wrapped up, the NBA resumed its regular scheduling on this week. Saturday offers a great 11 game slate and we have a preview and tips for some of the key games below.
Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons (11am AEDT)
The Celtics and Pistons get Saturdays games underway in what should be a fierce Eastern Conference battle. Both teams will be feeling refreshed and revitalised after the all-star break, Boston in particular, who were battling some poor form in the lead up to the break. After losing three in a row, the Celtics dropped to 2nd on the Eastern Conference standings behind Toronto, and will be looking to peg one back here as the Raptors have a tough game against Milwaukee on Saturday.
The Pistons are in a tight battle for the last few spots in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and have won six of their last 10 games. Starting point guard Reggie Jackson remains on the sidelines with an injured ankle and is still without a timetable for a return. The Pistons face only Eastern Conference opponents over their next nine games so this post all-star break stretch will likely decide whether they will play in the playoffs this year.
Tough game to call here. We’d like to think Boston have shaken out the cobwebs over the all-star break, but their form coming into was poor compared to the standard they have shown all year. They start as 1.5 point favourites here but we like the Pistons to take this one at home.
TIP: Detroit to win - $2.02 at Ladbrokes
Milwaukee Bucks at Toronto Raptors (11.30am AEDT)
Another great Eastern Conference clash here as the Bucks travel to Toronto to take on the conference leading Raptors. The Raptors currently sit at 41-16 on the season so far and took a seven game winning streak into the all-star break. They have yet to prove they can be dangerous in the playoffs, but their regular season form over the last five years cant be denied. This year in particular, their depth has shone through and they looked to have taken the next step.
The Bucks sit 6th in the Eastern Conference and while they lost their last game before the break, they went into the break with some decent form, having won seven of their last 10 games. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to impress, averaging 27.8 points and over 10 rebounds per game this season, while former top three draft pick Jabari Parker made his return before the break and should continue to bump up his minutes per game.
The Bucks are still battling injuries to John Henson, Malcolm Brogdon, Tyler Zeller and Matthew Dellavedova, all of whom provide valuable minutes off the bench. With no injuries to speak of and the home court advantage, we think the Raptors will have too much firepower for the Bucks here.
TIP: Toronto Raptors -6.5 - $1.95 at Sportsbet
Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets (12pm AEDT)
We shift our focus to the Western Conference here as the Houston Rockets host the Timberwolves from 12pm. The Rockets lead the West and the league with a 44-13 record so far, and are currently on a 10 game winning streak. James Harden is the clear cut MVP favourite after a stellar season to date while the supporting cast of sharpshooters have been lights out.
Minnesota had two representatives in the all-star game for the first time 2004 NBA season as Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler both represented the Wolves in Monday’s game. They have exceeded expectations so far this season, going 36-25 through the first 61 games so far, and will be looking to hold on to that top four place.
Minnesota have no injuries to speak of here, which makes this one a tough game to call. The Rockets start as 8.5 point favourites which we think is a little too high given the Timberwolves form of late.
TIP: Minnesota +8.5 - $1.95 at Sportsbet
