If the Lakers, Wolves, Mavericks and Suns want to salvage their season and battle for the eighth seed in the Western Conference, they need to start winning now.
They might be no fun for live betting as they are at the bottom of the standings, but it’s not yet too late for them as resurgence at this period can help them keep their playoff hopes alive.
Betting websites and online betting followers are not expecting much, though that will certainly keep them more motivated to pull some surprises.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Philadelphia 76ers (January 4, 08:00 GMT+8)
Minnesota could have had a winning run now if Karl-Anthony Towns found his groove in their recent game against Portland (who also got lucky with C.J. McCollum’s 43-point explosion). Nevertheless, a one-day rest should help the phenomenal sophomore to return to form.
The Wolves have already defeated the Sixers in their November meeting, and there’s no reason that they can’t do it again with Philadelphia remaining dependent on Joel Embiid. Go for Minnesota -4.00 @ 1.91.
Utah Jazz @ Boston Celtics (January 4, 08:30 GMT+8)
Following a terrific showing in December, Utah will look to continue their climb and prove that they are a team that can make a deep run. The main issue for the Jazz, however, is stopping the fresh legs of Boston who had a three-day rest as compared to them who will be playing their third match in four days. Not to mention that Isaiah Thomas will enter the game full of energy after his 52-point outing.
With that said, the Celtics -5.50 @ 1.84 should be a safe bet.
Indiana Pacers @ Detroit Pistons (January 4, 08:30 GMT+8)
Detroit managed to edge the short-handed Heat, but the win didn’t come as easy as it sounds as they trailed first before Miami loses steam. With such struggles clear as day, the Pistons might find it difficult handling the Pacers, especially with Paul George and Myles Turner clicking well offensively. If you’re punting, pick Indiana +4.00 @ 1.99.
Washington Wizards @ Dallas Mavericks (January 4, 09:30 GMT+8)
If Dallas have no plans of tanking this season (which they really should), they need to take the crucial W in this game. They have been a much better offensive team after Dirk Nowitzki’s return, and they could take advantage of it to exploit Washington’s weak defence.
It should also help them that the Wizards are exhausted after their gruelling encounter against the Rockets.
Toronto Raptors @ San Antonio Spurs (January 4, 09:30 GMT+8)
Although Toronto’s offence is shining bright with the star duo of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry leading the charge, they cannot merely rely on confidence and ignore San Antonio who currently boast one of the best defence and backup unit in the West.
Spurs’ star Kawhi Leonard also remains a problem on both ends of the floor, making the team an even bigger threat for the East juggernauts. Putting this into consideration, San Antonio -6.00 @ 2.01 is a good choice.
Sacramento Kings @ Denver Nuggets (January 4, 10:00 GMT+8)
DeMarcus Cousins leads Sacramento in scoring with 29 points per game – good for second in the NBA. Nevertheless, despite his impressive stat line, the Kings struggle to find any consistency. The Nuggets, on the other hand, have finally got their main man in Nikola Jokic, and it looks like better things are yet to come for them.
Miami Heat @ Phoenix Suns (January 4, 10:00 GMT+8)
Injuries have been Miami’s biggest obstacle as they continuously try to develop chemistry on their team. Hence, as Erik Spoelstra’s side remains depleted, it is hard to see them snapping their losing skid, even against the Suns.
Devin Booker and Eric Bledsoe can demoralise opponents when left open, so they’ll be expected to make life hard for the Heat.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Lakers (January 4, 11:30 GMT+8)
There are lots of holes on the Lakers’ defence, and they will need to patch them to avoid a repeat of their December defeat to the Grizzlies. Nick Young and D’Angelo Russell—who were both missing in their first meeting—will give Luke Walton some boost, but the same goes for Memphis who now have Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons.
This game is a tough one for Los Angeles, and I don’t think that they can pull it off.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
