The top four of the Eastern Conference slipped in their recent matches, so betting websites and online gambling pundits expect them to redeem themselves when they return to action this Thursday.
However, with strong opponents from the West waiting for some of them, betting odds won’t be that kind to them.
Sacramento Kings @ Cleveland Cavaliers (January 26, 08:00 GMT+8)
The Kings—with double-double machine DeMarcus Cousins—will be difficult opponents, but the Cavs can exploit Sacramento’s inconsistencies on the defensive end to break out from their slump. Though, Cleveland will need their bench unit to produce and avoid the horrible mistakes they made in the past two games to comfortably win at home.
I think this will be close, but the Kings appear to have the advantage given the handicap. I’ll go for Sacramento +11.00 for 2.00.
Miami Heat @ Brooklyn Nets (January 26, 08:30 GMT+8)
Dion Waiters’ provided a scoring boost to the Heat, scoring 33 points in two games including in their win against the West heavyweight Warriors. With his presence on offence and Miami’s new-found confidence following a four-game winning stretch, the Nets might find themselves in trouble again. Go for Miami -4.00 for 1.91.
Houston Rockets @ Boston Celtics (January 26, 08:30 GMT+8)
The Celtics seem to be the perfect team for the Rockets to get back to winning ways. Houston will certainly be wary of Isaiah Thomas’ offensive explosion, but Boston’s defence – which allowed the Knicks and Blazers to win at TD Garden – is something that they can take advantage of despite their inconsistent shooting from three.
Golden State Warriors @ Charlotte Hornets (January 26, 09:00 GMT+8)
Steve Kerr and the Warriors could have done a better job in defence against Miami, though that loss should make them remember that they are not invincible. Nevertheless, they are still the best team in the NBA for a reason, and they should be able to outclass the Hornets who allowed Washington to shoot above 50 percent from the field the last time out.
If you’re punting, Golden State -9.50 for 2.00 is a worthy consideration.
Atlanta Hawks @ Chicago Bulls (January 26, 09:00 GMT+8)
Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler were neutralised in their battle with Atlanta last week, so they will surely eye to avenge that when they meet again this Thursday. Nevertheless, with the Bulls still struggling to get consistent production from the bench, the Hawks might just be too much for them.
Toronto Raptors @ Memphis Grizzlies (January 26, 09:00 GMT+8)
Once boasting the league’s best offence, the Raptors have surprisingly gone cold in their four-game winless run. Fortunately, they will be facing the Grizzlies who are having a big issue on defence where they ranked 20th over the past month. Hence, this could be the chance for Toronto to recapture the form they lost.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ New Orleans Pelicans (January 26, 09:00 GMT+8)
A right thigh bruise will likely keep Anthony Davis out in this match, which means Russell Westbrook will have the entire spotlight on him as he hopes to carry the Thunder to another victory. The Pelicans will try to replicate their fantastic display against the Cavs, though their hopes won’t be that high for such a rare performance.
Philadelphia 76ers @ Milwaukee Bucks (January 26, 09:00 GMT+8)
Without Joel Embiid, Philadelphia have more issues to address besides their fitness. Their top-10 defence could make life a little harder for Milwaukee, but the well-rested Bucks are likely to wreak havoc with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker scorching hot from the field.
New York Knicks @ Dallas Mavericks (January 26, 09:30 GMT+8)
New York handed Dallas a 16-point drubbing last November, but that should change when they meet at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks are on their best offensive stretch after going 3-2 last week—including a 122-73 win over the Lakers—so they are well positioned to take the W against the Knicks who are having a lot of off-court distractions.
With that in mind, Dallas -3.00 for 2.04 should be a good bet.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Portland Trail Blazers (January 26, 11:30 GMT+8)
D’Angelo Russell’s absence was extensively felt in the Lakers’ ugliest defeat in franchise history where they only made 11 assists. The 20-year-old guard is an important piece in Luke Walton’s offence and without him; the Lakers are expected to fall to another slump when they visit a Blazers squad full of energy after shutting down the Celtics.
That being said, I’ll pick the Blazers -9.50 for 1.91.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
