Both the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns are tanking, but they aren’t doing a good job when it comes to losing.
The two live betting underdogs, who were the frontrunners for the worst record and the coveted top pick before today’s results, surprised online gambling as they turned around the betting odds and actually won—something that no tanking team would ever do.
With their victories, the race for the worst record got more intense (and messier) as six other teams have their sights set on the last place.
Toronto Raptors 117-104 Orlando Magic
Orlando managed to stay close up until the end of the third quarter, but as any tanking team would do, they didn’t put up much fight in the final frame as the Raps steamrolled them. DeMar DeRozan led the scoring for Toronto with 21, while his All-Star teammate Kyle Lowry had an all-around performance and finished with 17 points, 11 assists and seven boards.
Milwaukee Buck 87-110 Detroit Pistons
Detroit split their season series against Milwaukee while handing the visitors their third straight loss. Besides dominating the rebounding department 57-35, the Pistons also outscored the Bucks inside the painted area 56-34.
Pistons big man Andre Drummond bagged a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds while Stanley Johnson exploded for 19 points off the bench.
Indiana Pacers 102-107 Atlanta Hawks
The Pacers are yet to shrug the rust from the All-Star break as they now lost two of their three games since returning to action—both against bottom teams.
Atlanta used a balanced offence to repel Indiana, with Dewayne Dedmon (15 points, nine rebounds and four blocks) leading the charge. The Hawks moved up to 14th in the East standings, though.
Charlotte Hornets 106-134 Boston Celtics
It was an efficient night for Boston as they snapped Charlotte’s five-game winning streak. Kyrie Irving was particularly sensational, notching 34 points on 72.2 percent shooting. The Celts finished the game with a 62.1 overall field goal percentage.
The Hornets were pretty solid but struggled to hit their shots from beyond the arc.
Golden State Warriors 109-101 Washington Wizards
Without John Wall, the Wizards are just a tier or two below a team like the Warriors. Otto Porter Jr. had a big game for Washington and tallied 29 points and 10 boards, but his efforts were not enough against Kevin Durant and Steph Curry who scored 32 and 25 respectively.
Phoenix Suns 110-102 Memphis Grizzlies
If there was a draw in basketball, these two would have gladly settled for that. Unfortunately, there should be a winner in these match-up between these tanking teams, and the Phoenix Suns were the unlucky ones.
If there’s one good thing the Suns got out of this game, though, it’s Josh Jackson’s development. The 21-year-old rookie will undoubtedly grow more confident now after posting a career-high 29 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 Dallas Mavericks
Dennis Smith Jr. missed what could have been a game-winner for the Mavericks in overtime, and the Thunder escaped with a narrow win.
The Mavs’ Dwight Powell had 21 points and banked a putback shot at the buzzer to extend the game. However, Russell Westbrook (30 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists) took over in the extra period and scored their last seven to catapult Oklahoma to victory.
New Orleans Pelicans 121-116 San Antonio Spurs
Gregg Popovich’s men got a rare loss at home in the hands of the surging Pelicans. It’s now seven straight wins for NOLA, thanks to Anthony Davis’ 26 points and 15 boards.
Meanwhile, it didn’t help the Spurs that LaMarcus Aldridge played for just 13 minutes after suffering a sprained right ankle.
Houston Rockets 105-92 LA Clippers
It’s 14 straight wins for the Rockets who continue to dominate the top of the Western Conference. The Clips just didn’t have enough firepower to counter Houston, and they never had a chance to win after the first quarter that saw the visitors score 34 and limit them to just 12.
James Harden had 25 points and seven assists, while Eric Gordon chipped in 22 markers off the bench.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more basketball betting options.
