Four games in the NBA don’t necessarily equate to less drama. Not with the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks all looking to climb up the ladder in their conferences.
The Hawks, Suns and Mavericks could really use a win right now as they remain in the lower half of the standings. The Mavs, in particular, haven’t won a game since the third week of October and have already dropped to the bottom of the West.
While the strugglers take centre stage this Wednesday, however, the Milwaukee Bucks-Portland Trail Blazers match-up also promises basketball entertainment at its finest. After all, both Milwaukee and Portland are in the top three in the East and West, respectively.
Atlanta Hawks @ Charlotte Hornets (November 07, 08:00 GMT+8)
The Hawks have only won once in their last five games, and that is against a Miami Heat team that missed the service of their best player in Goran Dragic and lost starting centre Hassan Whiteside with a knee injury during the match.
Of course, that is not to say they just got lucky, but Atlanta certainly have a lot to improve if they want to free themselves from mediocrity.
ICYMI! Final #NBA Scores
76ers 109-99 Pistons
Hornets 126-94 Cavaliers
Pacers 102-101 Celtics
Hawks 123-118 Heat#ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/aSmmHGEfmx— SBOBET (@SBOBET) November 4, 2018
Rookie Trae Young has been solid for the Hawks, leading them in scoring with 19.1 points per game. Nonetheless, it won’t help the team that their second-best scorer, Taurean Prince, will likely miss the trip to Charlotte due to a right ankle sprain.
The Hornets have vastly improved since their 2-3 start. Although Kemba Walker continues to lead the way, Charlotte also got a welcome boost from Tony Parker who has been playing like his old San Antonio Spurs self.
For what it’s worth, Parker has averaged 17.8 points and 6.8 assists in his last four appearances for the Hornets.
Betting Odds: The Hornets are at Asian Handicap -11.50 @ 2.00 to dominate versus Hawks.
Washington Wizards @ Dallas Mavericks(November 07, 09:30 GMT+8)
Mavs rookie Luka Doncic is the biggest star in Dallas. He is averaging a team-high 19.4 points per game, which is also the highest among all rookies in the league.
Even Wizards head coach Scott Brooks is impressed by the Slovenian, saying that the 19-year-old is undoubtedly a star in the making.
Unfortunately for Dallas, Doncic is doubtful for the game against the Wizards after sustaining an ankle injury. His possible absence would be a huge blow to the Mavs, especially now that they are on a six-game slump.
The Wizards, of course, have been struggling as well, winning just two games so far like the Mavs. But they did take down the New York Knicks recently, with John Wall and Bradley Beal combining for 48 points.
Betting Odds: With scoring a problem for both teams, Under 225.50 is at 2.11.
Brooklyn Nets @ Phoenix Suns (November 07, 10:00 GMT+8)
After what could be said as their best defensive performance in recent memory, the Nets are undoubtedly brimming with confidence.
They beat the Philadelphia 76ers with a 25-point margin, and while it is their biggest win of the season, what grabbed the NBA 2018 highlights and headlines was their defensive display that forced the Sixers to commit 28 turnovers.
Even more good news for the Nets, star point guard D’Angelo Russell broke out of his rut and recorded 21 points and six assists in the game while shooting 47.6 percent from three.
Phoenix will welcome the challenge of the Nets though, especially now that they have Devin Booker back in action after missing three games with a hamstring injury. Nonetheless, the Suns need to step up offensively as they currently rank as the second-worst scoring team in the league.
Betting Odds: Brooklyn to be ahead at halftime with Asian Handicap -0.50 pays at 2.03.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Portland Trail Blazers (November 07, 11:00 GMT+8)
The Bucks, by far, are a top-five team in the league today. After barely winning against the Hornets in their opening game of the season, they have since switched gears and have been on another level.
They established their dominance in the East with an early showdown with the Sixers and the Toronto Raptors, winning both games by a huge margin. They did lose to the Boston Celtics last week, but they bounced back big time against the Sacramento Kings by breaking their franchise record in 3-pointers made.
Milwaukee—as what the NBA 2018 odds suggest—are primed to contend for the East title and the championship. With that said, the Blazers are expected to have a hard time stopping Giannis Antetokounmpo and co. in this game.
Besides, Milwaukee’s Greek Freak is tearing defences with brute force, as he averages 26.1 points, 13.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists.
Damian Lillard is playing at an elite level offensively, but the Blazers’ defence leaves much to be desired.
Betting Odds: Milwaukee to edge Portland and win on Asian Handicap -1.50 is at 1.93.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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