Following their defeat to the Warriors during their NBA Finals rematch, the Celtics look to bounce back in Los Angeles this week.
Unfortunately, they just lost to the Clippers and they’ll face their old rivals – the Lakers – at Staples Center in one of the five games on the menu tomorrow.
Elsewhere, the Sixers, Bucks, Rockets, and the Jazz are going to host the Kings, Warriors, Suns, and Pelicans, with the aim of picking up more positive NBA 2022 results as we’re fast approaching the holidays.
Read on below as SBOTOP previews tomorrow’s matches one by one.
Sacramento Kings @ Philadelphia Sixers
Joel Embiid became the first player this season to have scored at least 50 points in a single game twice, and he’s also the first in franchise history to do so since Allen Iverson did it back in 2005.
In their 131-113 victory over the Hornets, Embiid had 53 points on 20-for-32 shooting and 11-for-11 from the charity stripe, while co-star James Harden flirted with a triple-double with 19 points, 16 assists, and nine rebounds.
The Sixers are on a two-game winning streak after losing three straight last week. They’ve improved to a 14-12 – good for fifth in the East standings.
The Kings will look to rebound following their 112-99 road loss to the Knicks.
Sacramento are hopeful that De’Aaron Fox is 100-per cent fit tomorrow. The Kings’ leading scorer (22.8 points per game this season) has missed back-to-back games due to a foot injury.
Betting Tip: Philadelphia Sixers Asian Handicap -6.00 @ 2.00
Golden State Warriors @ Milwaukee Bucks
The Warriors are climbing up in the West standings with a game over .500 (14-13). They’re fresh from a 123-107 win over the Celtics, which was a huge morale booster for them.
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 66 points on 26-for-47 shooting, including 10 three-pointers. They also brought it on the defencive end against the reigning East champions as they held them to 7-for-19 shooting when one of them was the primary defender.
Golden State are hoping that they can sustain this effort, especially after an up-and-down start to this 2022-23 campaign.
After going undefeated in four consecutive matches, the Bucks suffered a shock 97-92 loss to the Rockets on Sunday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was held to a season-low of 16 points, although he grabbed 18 rebounds, dished four assists, and blocked two shots.
Bucks supporters held their breath when Khris Middleton left after six minutes due to an ankle sprain, but he is probable to play.
Phoenix Suns @ Houston Rockets
The Suns plan to end their four-game slide versus the Rockets. These two teams have already met two times prior to tomorrow, with each team winning a game.
Phoenix couldn’t get over the hump against the surging New Orleans squad on Monday as they were without Devin Booker, who remains out because of a tight hamstring.
Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges did their part in the losing effort by combining for 55 points and 17 rebounds, but Chris Paul only had six points.
The Rockets are to be led by sophomore guard Jalen Green, who’s coming off a 30-point outburst against the Bucks. He’s their top scorer with an average of 21.6 points per game.
Betting Tip: Phoenix Suns Asian Handicap -6.00 @ 1.92
New Orleans Pelicans @ Utah Jazz
The Pelicans still own the league’s longest winning streak at seven games, with Zion Williamson leading the charge.
Williamson was named the Western Conference Player of the Week with norms of 33.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. The high-flying forward dominated the Suns with back-to-back 35-point games to remain on top of the West standings.
The NBA 2022 odds have caught up with the Jazz since they’ve fallen to 10th in the West with a 15-14 record and they’re on a two-game losing streak.
Utah are hopeful that the returns of Lauri Markkanen, Mike Conley, and Jordan Clarkson are enough to get them back on the winning track.
Betting Tip: New Orleans Pelicans Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 1.86
Boston Celtics @ Los Angeles Lakers
The Celtics and the Lakers meet for the first time this season. This is a game between two clubs who are on different paths thus far despite having title aspirations.
Boston have the best record in the league at 21-7, while Los Angeles are 11-15 – 12th in the West standings.
With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis all available to play, basketball fans in LA are in for another treat.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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