Happy New Year to all of our followers! NBA action continues this Thursday, the 2nd of January with an interesting four game slate on the cards. All of the games are pretty one sided in the betting market with the closest to even money being the Blazers at Knicks matchup.
We have a full preview and betting tips for some of the key games of the day below.
NBA Betting Tips Thursday 2nd January
Orlando Magic @ Washington Wizards
10:10am AEDT
The Magic come into this off a very disappointing loss to the Young-less Hawks last time out. They struggled to put the ball in the basket again, making it three straight games scoring <100. Despite their recent struggles, Magic come into this in eighth spot in the East standings with their 14-19 record.
The Wizards pulled off a huge upset win last time out against the Heat. Despite being severely undermanned, the Beal-less Wizards went on to win by 18 points in front of their home fans. It was always going to be a tough season for the Wizards, but they’ve remained competitive at home, winning five of their 13 games in Washington.
This certainly isn’t the sexiest of games, but we do see some value in the Wizards here. They’re coming off a morale-boosting win and will likely get Beal back from injury, which will give them a big chance to reel off consecutive wins. We have the Wizards covering the spread and potentially pulling out a win.
Washington Wizards +6.5
$1.93
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Milwaukee Bucks
12:10pm AEDT
The Timberwolves look to have finally come out of their slump to start winning games again. They’ve won two of their past three, putting an end to a season derailing 11-game losing streak. Injuries to Wiggins and Towns certainly haven’t helped their cause, but at least they’re starting to get some production out of their role players.
The Bucks continue to dominate the league and have now notched win #30 on the season against just five losses. They’ve had the luxury of resting Giannis against the crappy teams and just may do so again at home to the Timberwolves. The Bucks are currently five games clear at the top of the East standings.
There’s absolutely no value in the Bucks here and the line has been set at a whopping 17 points, which allows the Timberwolves the chance of a backdoor cover. Instead, we’re interested in who’s going to score the Timberwolves points, considering both Wiggins and Towns will be out again. For us, we’re keen on Gorgui Dieng stepping up again and having a big game on offence.
Gorgui Dieng 15+ Points
$2.50
Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers
2:40pm AEDT
The Suns have finally returned to form with back to back wins. Their season was in serious danger of derailing, but a big come from behind victory over the Blazers last start was exactly what the doctor ordered. The Suns are now 13-20 for the season and come into this in 10th spot in the West standings.
The Lakers have recovered from a mini slump in which they lost four on the spin. They’ve bounced back with consecutive wins against the Blazers and the Mavericks. Overall, it’s been a fantastic season for the Lakers so far who currently sit in first spot in the West standings with a 26-7 record.
Both teams come into this with back to back wins under their belt and while the Lakers are the obvious and clear favourites here, we expect the Suns to keep this one close and cover the spread. They’re 2-0 this season when Rubio, Ayton and Booker all play and should be thereabouts in this contest.
