The Thunder have been making waves in the league since losing to the Bucks in the 2024 NBA Cup final. After missing out on the in-season tournament trophy, Mark Daigneault’s side has won 13 straight games, and they’re keen to extend their unbeaten run when they host the Knicks tomorrow at the Paycom Center. It’ll be easier said than done for Oklahoma City, as New York are undefeated in their last nine.
Elsewhere, the Pistons, Raptors, Rockets, Pelicans, Mavericks, Nuggets, Kings, and Lakers will host the Hornets, Magic, Celtics, Wizards, Cavaliers, Spurs, Grizzlies, and Hawks, respectively, so fans will get their usual dose of NBA 2025 highlights.
Continue reading below as SBOTOP picks and previews the top three games from tomorrow’s nine-game slate.
Boston Celtics @ Houston Rockets
Following a two-game losing streak at the hands of the Magic and Sixers, the Celtics have won three of their last four games, and they’re coming off a big-time win against the Timberwolves last Thursday. Boston were shorthanded against Minnesota, as Kristaps Porzingis (leg) and Jaylen Brown (shoulder) were sidelined, but they didn’t skip a beat with Jayson Tatum leading the way.
The five-time NBA All-Star had a game-high 33 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, three steals, and six three-pointers on 13-for-27 shooting from the field. Tatum had the support of Derrick White, who finished with 26 points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and five three-pointers on 10-for-20 shooting. Sam Hauser and Jrue Holiday added 15 and 11 points, respectively.
There’s a chance that Jaylen Brown might play tomorrow since this is the second game of their back-to-back set. If Brown is ruled out for the second straight match, head coach Joe Mazzulla will likely stick to the same starting lineup he had against the Timberwolves.
The Rockets are overachieving since they’re third in the Western Conference with a 22-11 record, and they’re fresh from a victory against the Mavericks to snap their two-game skid. Five Houston players scored in double digits, with Alperen Sengun leading the way with 23 points, six rebounds, four assists, and five steals on 9-for-16 shooting. Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, and Jabari Smith Jr. added 22, 19, 18, and 11 points, respectively.
Betting tip – Boston Celtics Asian Handicap -3.00 @ 1.96
New York Knicks @ Oklahoma City Thunder
As mentioned, the Knicks and the Thunder are two of the hottest teams in the league. However, only one of them can extend their winning run tomorrow, and the NBA 2025 odds favour the hosts to prevail.
Jalen Brunson (calf) did not play against the Jazz on Wednesday, but the Knicks still came away with a double-digit win last Wednesday. Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby combined for 80 points, while Josh Hart had a triple-double with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists. If Brunson is ruled out tomorrow, Cameron Payne, who had eight points, nine assists, and three steals, will stay in the starting lineup.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently won the Western Conference Player of the Month award (for December) with his MVP-calibre play. The two-time NBA All-Star averaged 33.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game on 56.3-per cent shooting last month, and he is coming off a 29-point effort in their blowout win over the Clippers last Thursday.
No team has scored more than 114 points against Oklahoma City during their winning streak, a testament to the stymieing defence the team has been playing this season.
Betting tip – Oklahoma City Thunder Asian Handicap -5.50 @ 2.05
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Dallas Mavericks
The Cavaliers boast the best record in the league at 29-4, and they’re on an eight-game unbeaten run following their latest win over the Lakers last Wednesday. Jarrett Allen scored a season-high 27 points and added 14 rebounds and three blocks on 12-for-14 shooting. Donovan Mitchell added 26 points, four rebounds, four assists, and six three-pointers. Evan Mobley, Max Strus, and Darius Garland had 20, 15, and 14 points, respectively.
The Mavericks have lost three of their last four since Luka Doncic has been out with a left calf strain. Dallas have fallen to a 20-14 record, good for fifth in the Western Conference following their defeat against Houston.
With Doncic out indefinitely, Kyrie Irving needs to take over, and he’ll need help from Klay Thompson. Spencer Dinwiddie, and Quentin Grimes, among others. The Mavericks are thin in the frontcourt since Naji Marshall is suspended and Maxi Kleber (oblique) and PJ Washington (knee) are also injured.
Betting tip – Cleveland Cavaliers Asian Handicap -7.00 @ 1.90
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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