If you asked a basketball fan with a good knowledge of the professional basketball scene who they thought would be the best teams in the NBA before the start of the season, they would have said a good number of familiar teams.
While many of those teams are at the top of their respective conferences, not one person could have guessed which teams would be leading past the quarter mark of the season. The Toronto Raptors are leading the East thanks brilliant team play and a poor start for the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have quietly taken the summit of a chaotic Western Conference.
The two conference leaders will be clashing on Monday morning in what will be an entertaining match. But the Raptors-Nuggets clash isn’t the only game worth watching.
Atlanta Hawks @ Brooklyn Nets (December 17, 03:00 GMT+8)
The Atlanta Hawks are in no shape or form ready to contend for the playoffs this year, while the Brooklyn Nets are still a few pieces away from contending for a spot in the postseason. This will be an interesting duel between two of the weaker teams in the Eastern Conference.
The biggest players to watch here would be D’Angelo Russell and Trae Young. Both guards are contributing big to their teams’ point and assist totals, and their upcoming duel will be one to watch.
Philadelphia 76ers @ Cleveland Cavaliers (December 17, 03:30 GMT+8)
This year’s Christmas games have been announced, and the Sixers have a big match coming up against the Boston Celtics. Before they trade blow, however, Philly will have to play a terrible Cleveland team en route to a sure victory.
Joel Embiid is somehow doing well despite having a strong character like Jimmy Butler on his team. He is enjoying averages of 27 points and 13.6 rebounds every outing, and it wouldn’t be odd to expect similar numbers from the big man against a hapless Cavs squad.
New York Knicks @ Indiana Pacers (December 17, 05:00 GMT+8)
The New York Knicks are definitely struggling without Kristaps Porzingis this season. They struggle to compete against teams like Charlotte, and it’s very likely that they will also falter against Victor Oladipo and the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers are enjoying a great second season under Oladipo’s leadership as players like Bojan Bogdanovic and Domantas Sabonis are chipping in on offence while Myles Turner holds down the fort down low. I really don’t see Tim Hardaway, Jr. being able to score his way to a W for the Knickerbockers.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Washington Wizards (December 17, 06:00 GMT+8)
Many Laker fans are still salty about what happened to their team’s game against the Houston Rockets, but all they could do now is focus on their upcoming game against the Wizards and hope that LeBron James can push them to another win.
The Wizards just traded for Trevor Ariza in a move that may confuse some fans, but his defensive presence is greatly appreciated on a team that can’t stop ceding unnecessary points. However, I don’t think his arrival can stop the King from playing top-notch basketball.
Sacramento Kings @ Dallas Mavericks (December 17, 07:00 GMT+8)
The entire league has jumped on the Luka Doncic bandwagon as they can’t believe how well the rookie is playing at the top of the basketball food chain. He has made many NBA 2018 news shows for his stellar play and could be considered as one of the biggest reasons for the Mavs’ early-season successes.
They will be facing a Sacramento team that is also playing out of their skin, but they have a bit of a morale boost as club legend Dirk Nowitzki played his first game in his record-breaking 21st NBA season. We can expect some big plays from Luka to further celebrate the German’s return to the league.
Miami Heat @ New Orleans Pelicans (December 17, 07:00 GMT+8)
Many SBOBET NBA fans probably cried their eyes out when LeBron and Dwyane Wade played each other a couple of days ago in Los Angeles. However, the show must go on for the Heat as they face a tough test in the Pelicans.
Anthony Davis is still a big threat to the Heat as they still don’t have an answer that can match the former Kentucky Wildcat shot for shot. However, Josh Richardson and Goran Dragic will do everything they can to at least make life a living hell for New Orleans’ backcourt.
Toronto Raptors @ Denver Nuggets (December 17, 08:00 GMT+8)
This is easily the most intriguing game of the day as the Toronto Raptors head to Mile High City and trade buckets with the Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets are somehow playing winning basketball despite their lengthy injury list, and the Raptors have showcased exemplary basketball that outplayed the Golden State Warriors. That’s how good these two teams are.
Denver Nuggets @ Toronto Raptors odds will be likely tight as both squads are implementing their game plans to perfection. However, Kawhi Leonard could destroy all that. The two-way star has been an unstoppable force with his 26.2 scoring and 8.2 rebounding averages. It will be up to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to lead their team to another fantastic upset.
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