Tuesday’s NBA won’t be like any other day as a series of intra-conference matchups are expected to set the league on fire.
Out East, leaders Boston visit Indiana while the soaring Bulls host the Sixers in what should be a thrilling live betting affair. Portland and Minny, on the other hand, fight it out in the West for the fourth and fifth place while Oklahoma play Denver with hopes of gaining some stability.
It will also be a day to remember for Los Angeles as the Lakers are scheduled to retire Kobe Bryant’s jerseys at halftime of their battle against online betting favourites Golden State Warriors.
New York Knicks @ Charlotte Hornets (December 19, 08:00 GMT+8)
New York have won four in a row, though three of those came at home and the other at Brooklyn. Their poor away form will be tested in Charlotte especially with Kristaps Porzingis uncertain to suit up, but they still have some edge with the Hornets losing three straight and struggling offensively.
Boston Celtics @ Indiana Pacers (December 19, 08:00 GMT+8)
Although this one is an intriguing fight to watch, Indiana have a slight disadvantage as they are playing their second of a back-to-back. It won’t also help the Pacers that they lost two consecutive home games and are facing the Celtics who continue to boast the league’s stingiest defence. With that in mind, picking Boston -3.00 @ 2.00 is the logical choice.
Miami Heat @ Atlanta Hawks (December 19, 08:30 GMT+8)
The Hawks are the worst team in the NBA for a reason, so the Heat shouldn’t have a hard time beating them even on their turf. Josh Richardson has been on a tear for Miami in their last two games—dropping 28 points against the Clips—and will likely thrive once again when they visit Atlanta. Go for the Heat -2.50 @ 2.00.
Philadelphia 76ers @ Chicago Bulls (December 19, 09:00 GMT+8)
Sure enough, Chicago are high in confidence after making history as the first team to record five straight wins after a losing skid of 10 or more. However, it’s doubtful they can keep up that pace and productivity, especially when they host Joel Embiid and the Sixers looking to get back into the East playoff race. This match could end up close, but the Sixers have more weapons in their arsenal to get the W.
Utah Jazz @ Houston Rockets (December 19, 09:00 GMT+8)
With Rudy Gobert out for a month and Derrick Favors still questionable, the Jazz have little chance to take down the Rockets. Not that they have a huge opportunity to start with as James Harden make his case as NBA MVP while Houston soar and dominate the league.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Minnesota Timberwolves (December 19, 09:00 GMT+8)
Two of the West’s top five teams meet in what should be an action-packed encounter. Minnesota, nonetheless, have a good shot at taking the W against the Blazers who have been showing plenty of holes on their defence in recent weeks.
Denver Nuggets @ Oklahoma City Thunder (December 19, 09:00 GMT+8)
Oklahoma’s offensive woes continue, and it’s not looking good for them after losing to New York and Charlotte last week while barely winning against Memphis. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have Nikola Jokic back and will certainly be a tough nut to crack with their balanced attack.
Phoenix Suns @ Dallas Mavericks (December 19, 09:30 GMT+8)
The main issue for the Mavs is their habit of collapsing down the stretch which has been prevalent in their past few games. The Suns, without Devin Booker, are less threatening, but they aren’t without a fighting chance if they can replicate their excellent display against the Wolves. Given the handicap, Phoenix have a great chance of winning on +6.00 @ 1.99.
LA Clippers @ San Antonio Spurs (December 19, 09:30 GMT+8)
Blake Griffin’s absence is a huge blow for the Clips, and it’s unlikely the team will be able to end their skid when they play the Spurs. San Antonio are 14-2 at home and are boosted by the return of Kawhi Leonard despite his minute restrictions. If you’re punting, pick the Spurs -11.00 @ 1.86.
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers (December 19, 11:30 GMT+8)
The Purple and Gold gave the Dubs a good run for their money the last time they met, and they will be more motivated in a night that they will retire the jerseys of one of the greatest players to ever don the Lakers uniform. Golden State also won’t be with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, giving the Tinseltown side all the opportunity to cap the night with a victory.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
