With just two days of games left before the all-star break, NBA stars will be getting anxious for a well deserved break. However, before they can return to their families or head to LA for the all-star festivities, a massive 12 game slate this Thursday, the 15th of February will need to be played. We preview some of the key games of the day and give our tips below.
Los Angeles Clippers at Boston Celtics (12pm AEDT)
The Clippers Eastern Conference road trip has been going okay so far, as they have wins over Detroit and Brooklyn with a loss to Philly also in the mix. They’ll get their hardest test of the road trip so far on Thursday when they face the Celtics who are fresh off a tough loss to the Cavs on Monday morning.
The Celtics have now lost three of their last four games, albeit to tough opponents in the Raptors, Pacers and Cavs, but will be looking to bounce back here against the Clippers. Marcus Smart remains on the sidelines for Boston but other than that they have a relatively clean bill of health. The Clippers are also fully healthy for what seems like the first time in years.
Tough game to call here, the Celtics have been one of the better home teams in the Eastern Conference this season but the Clippers are playing with a new found offensive style since the Blake Griffin trade. Avery Bradley will be a massive influence in defending Kyrie Irving, we expect the Boston starting PG to go unders on total points here.
TIP: Kyrie Irving total points UNDER – Price not yet available
Phoenix Suns at Utah Jazz (1pm AEDT)
The Phoenix Suns have lost their last six games in a row and the first game of that losing streak came against the Jazz, where they were beaten by 32 points in Phoenix. They’ll likely still be without star guard Devin Booker for this clash against the Jazz, while Utah are playing great basketball, currently on a 10 game winning streak.
The Jazz sit just one game outside of the top eight in the Western Conference and will be looking to go into the all-star break with their winning streak intact as they face the Suns Thursday. Derrick Favors has found a new role alongside Rudy Gobert in the Utah frontcourt over the last 10 games while Aussie Joe Ingles is establishing himself as a quality NBA small forward.
The three players mentioned above, along with star rookie Donovan Mitchell have turned what was an extremely defensive minded team last year into a more balanced one, who have scored over 100 points in seven of their last eight games. Should be far too strong for a Booker-less Suns here.
TIP: Utah -10.5 - $1.95 at Sportsbet
Golden State Warriors at Portland Trailblazers (2.30pm AEDT)
Damian Lillard is coming off 50 and 39 point performances in his last two games and will be out for blood on Thursday as he faces the Warriors at home. Portland currently sit 6th in the Western Conference behind the big five teams and have won six of their last 10 games.
The Warriors have won their last three games after a slight slip up which saw them lose back to back games against the Nuggets and Thudner. Draymond Green remains questionable for the matchup after missing the Warriors last games against the Suns.
Tough game to call here, the Warriors haven’t been at their best lately and an away game against the Blazers right before the all-star break smells of a scheduled loss. We’ll stay away from the game lines and head to player performance instead. Damian Lillard thrives on big televised games, and there’s none bigger than the Warriors, back him to hit the overs here on the back of two massive games.
TIP: Damian Lillard total points OVER – Price not yet available
