We just missed our on hitting all three tips in Thursday’s NBA slate as the match between the Warriors and Lakers went to overtime and LA were able to cover the 12-point line. We’ll look to go one better today as we preview the key games this Sunday, the 3rd of December.
2017-18 NBA Preview & Betting Tips for Sunday, 3rd December
Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics (5am AEDT)
The Celtics will be looking to improve on their league best 19-4 record on Sunday when they host the Phoenix Suns, who have an 8-15 record through their first quarter of the season. Devin Booker will have fond memories of his last matchup with the Celtics, after the shooting guard dropped 70 points at the TD Garden late last season.
Boston have boasted the best defence in the league so far this season, allowing just 96 points per game. While their offence is yet to fire at all cylinders, any time they are close late in the game, the MVP worthy play of Kyrie Irving usually carries them over the line. Phoenix are one of the higher scoring teams on their night, but have yet to mesh as a unit defensively, and allow the most points per game of any team in the league.
Boston start as heavy favourites here, and rightfully so at home. The 13-point line is a little high for us, especially given Boston’s tendency to get off to ordinary starts. Phoenix will come out of the blocks firing here and their offence could catch the Celtics by surprise. We like the ‘any other result’ in the wire to wire market here.
TIP: Wire to wire ‘any other result’ - $2.30 at Sportsbet
Memphis Grizzlies at Cleveland Cavaliers (11.30am AEDT)
After a slow start to the season, LeBron James has turned his Cavs around and they now sit second in the East with a 15-7 record so far. They’ll be looking to assert some dominance over a struggling Memphis team this Sunday, who have lost their last 10 games in a row.
Star point guard Mike Conley remains on the sidelines for Memphis with an injure Achilles, forcing Mario Chalmers into the starting line-up. The main offensive weapon in the Conley-Gasol pick and roll is out of action, making the Grizzlies the lowest scoring team in the league throughout the last few weeks.
The 11 point line would have been a lot for the strong defensive minded Grizzlies teams of the past but after losing their last 10 in a row, and on the second night of a tough back to back, we like the Cavs to cover here.
TIP: Cleveland Cavaliers -11.5 - $1.95 at William Hill
Detroit Pistons at Philadelphia 76ers (11.30am AEDT)
The Pistons made a statement in the East on Tuesday by defeating the league best Celtics, however, they went down to the Wizards on Saturday and will be on the second leg of a back to back when they travel to Philly on Sunday.
Andre Drummond has been playing a new role on another level for the Pistons, helping their inside out team to a top three Eastern Conference standing. The 76ers have been on a similar trajectory, taking it to some of the best teams in the league, with a youthful core of talent including Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
The 76ers start as 4.5 favourites for the clash which is probably about right considering the Pistons will be on the road and on the 2nd night of a back to back. They really struggled against the Wizards on Saturday and five of their seven losses so far this year have come on the road. We like the 76ers to cover here.
TIP: Philadelphia -4.5 - $1.95 at Sportsbet
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