Twenty-two teams are in action in the NBA on Thursday just before the All-Star break. Here are some of our tips. You can bet on the NBA here.
Indiana Pacers v Milwaukee Bucks
The best team in the NBA, the Bucks, visit another strong team in the Eastern Conference, the Pacers, in what should be a nail-biting encounter in Indianapolis. The impressive Bucks, who have one of the best offenses in the NBA this season, are 8-2 in their last ten games and will look to build on their 112-99 win at Chicago Bulls on Monday. The Pacers are aiming to extend their winning streak to seven games. They were triumphant in their last game, beating Charlotte Hornets 99-90. The hosts have won four of the last five games against the Bucks. Match Tip Away Win and Over 218.5 Points at odds of 3.00.
Boston Celtics v Detroit Pistons
The Celtics pulled off a massive win at Eastern Conference title contenders Philadelphia on Tuesday just when they looked to be in dire straits. Celtic’s Kyrie Irving missed the game against the 76ers but they somehow managed to scrap a gritty 112-109 win. Celtics and Pistons have played together thrice already this season with Boston winning two while Pistons won the other. In the last five matches, both teams have failed to score more than 217.5 points. Given All-Star Kyrie Irving will miss this fixture, this is expected to be another low scoring affair. Match Tip: Home Win and Under 212.5 Points at odds of 2.50.
Minnesota Timberwolves v Houston Rockets
The Rockets have defeated Minnesota in 17 of the past 21 meetings but the hosts emerged victorious in this season’s first matchup. After a poor run of form, Wolves won for just the second time in their last eight contests on Monday, when they beat Los Angeles Clippers 130-120 on home court. Reigning NBA MVP James Harden will be looking to extend his streak of 30-point games to 31. Harden is averaging 36.5 points, the best in the NBA. A high scoring game in Minneapolis is on the cards just before the All-Star weekend. Match Tip: Away Win and Over 227.5 Points at odds of 3.00.
Denver Nuggets v Sacramento Kings
Before beating Miami Heat 103-87 at home in their last match, the Nuggets had lost three games in a row giving up 381 points in total. The Kings have lost just once in their last five games, but have lost all three match-ups against the Nuggets this season. The Nuggets are in second place in the Western Conference and have the best home record (24-4) in the league. Sacramento is currently tied with the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth spot in the West and a win will solidify their push for a playoff spot and end a 12-year drought. Match Tip: Home Win and Over 230.5 Points at odds of 2.35.
Portland Trail Blazers v Golden State Warriors
Reigning NBA champions Golden State Warriors look to extend their excellent run of form when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. The Warriors have scored at least 100 points in 27 straight games after a gutsy 115-108 win over the Utah Jazz. The champions now have a three-game lead at the top of the Western Conference and will be seeking their sixth straight win before the All-Star weekend. The Blazers have been poor lately. They have allowed at least 118 points in their last four games with three leading to defeat. This will be a huge test for Blazers against the Warriors. Match Tip: Away Win and Over 233.5 Points at odds of 2.85.