Basketball is a peculiar team sport wherein a player can single-handedly wrestle the game (and online betting results) away from the opposition. The positions of this select crop of players vary from generation to generation, but their impact on the game is similar.
The game’s current iteration is favouring guards over big men, but the forwards won’t just lie down and let themselves be outplayed. The league still has plenty of powerful forwards who can ball with the speediest guards in the league.
Betting tips will be hazy as the league’s star guards and forwards grab control of the ballgame.
Atlanta Hawks @ Orlando Magic (January 5, 08:00 GMT+8)
This will be a battle between two talented-yet-unheralded power forwards. Count on Serge Ibaka and Paul Millsap to leave their marks all over this game. However, Dwight Howard will likely overpower Nikola Vucevic down low and clear defenders off Kyle Korver and the other Atlanta sharpshooters.
The Hawks can comfortably win this game, so betting on Atlanta -3.50 @ 1.96 is not a bad idea.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Charlotte Hornets (January 5, 08:00 GMT+8)
Russell Westbrook may be slowing down, but his monster game can still topple any team on a good day. Marco Belinelli’s absence hurts the Hornet offence a lot, but they are a tough fixture to play against at the Spectrum Center. I think this will be another close game for Westbrook, so choose Oklahoma City +2.50 @ 1.93.
Milwaukee Bucks @ New York Knicks (January 5, 08:30 GMT+8)
A game against any team with a Carmelo Anthony in it will always be a tough assignment defensively, so the Bucks will be up for a challenge at the Madison Square Garden. However, forward-turned-guard Giannis Antetokounmpo is beginning to bloom a la LeBron James with his game. I don’t think the Knicks can win this, so my advice is to pick Milwaukee to draw no bet for 1.92.
Chicago Bulls @ Cleveland Cavaliers (January 5, 09:00 GMT+8)
The Bulls are showing their weaknesses away from United Center, but they might catch a break when they go to Cleveland and face the Cavs. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are coming off different injuries. However, I don’t see Chicago winning this one should two of the three play.
Miami Heat @ Sacramento Kings (January 5, 09:00 GMT+8)
Nothing is going well in Sac-Town as the Kings are still unable to tame their wild horse in DeMarcus Cousins. Expect the frustrated big man to be out of it when the Heat come to visit the Golden 1 Center. However, Hassan Whiteside’s eye problems might actually bode well for the Kings organisation.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Clippers (January 5, 11:30 GMT+8)
With Blake Griffin still out, the Clippers will have to rely on their deep bench and able wings to make up for lost points. They just snapped a losing streak against the Phoenix Suns, and they could start a winning run by beating the Memphis Grizzlies. They get extra help from their neighbours: the Lakers just showed them how to stop Marc Gasol and company.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Golden State Warriors (January 5, 11:30 GMT+8)
It’s easy to point Kevin Durant as the key forward in the deadly Golden State lineup, but some fans tend to underestimate the importance of Draymond Green’s existence to the squad. His passing, rebounding and defence will definitely make life hard for Portland. With Damian Lillard doubtful to play this game, Golden State -15.50 @ 1.98 is too easy a punt to make.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
