The top-ranked Houston Rockets host the streaking Portland Trail Blazers in a game expected to feature high-octane offence and plenty of action.
Portland continue to surprise betting websites with their rise in the West standings. They are now third and have won 13 straight games. Meanwhile, Houston remain as online gambling favourites, thanks to their offence that is on pace to be the best in league history.
Elsewhere, the other West playoff hopefuls will look to command the betting odds in what is shaping up to be a white-knuckle race for the last six postseason spots.
Toronto Raptors @ Orlando Magic (March 21, 07:00 GMT+8)
Let’s forget the Raps’ defeat to Oklahoma which saw the dismissal of DeMar DeRozan, Serge Ibaka and Coach Dwane Casey. Instead, let us remember that this team won 11 straight games (before the loss) as they surged to the top of the East.
Orlando, in contrast, are three of seven in their last ten and are second bottom in the conference. Oh, and they have also been awful offensively. Go for Toronto -9.50 @ 1.87.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Boston Celtics (March 21, 08:00 GMT+8)
Injuries are dooming the Celtics’ campaign. Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Brown are out until midweek, while Marcus Smart isn’t likely to return until the playoffs. With such a shorthanded squad, it’s doesn’t look they’ll pose a big challenge to an Oklahoma team led by the rampaging Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook has led the Thunder to six straight wins, bagging five straight triple-doubles in the process.
Dallas Mavericks @New Orleans Pelicans (March 21, 08:00 GMT+8)
The Mavs are playing hard, but only up until the third quarter of every game. Their recent defeat to Brooklyn when they scored 17 points in the final quarter proved just that.
New Orleans certainly have every opportunity to win the game, especially with Rajon Rondo and Anthony Davis playing well. Here’s to hoping that officiating would be better this time to avoid another Alvin Gentry rant. Pick the Pels -9.50 @ 2.03.
LA Clippers @ Minnesota Timberwolves (March 21, 08:00 GMT+8)
Both teams need to win this match to keep their playoff dreams alive. However, the odds are stacked against the Clips given that they haven’t defeated the Wolves in three tries this season.
If there’s any silver lining for the Clippers, though, it’s the fact that Jimmy Butler is out and that the Wolves have been terrible on the defensive end.
This one should be close, so betting on the Clips +3.50 @ 1.90 is a worthwhile move to make.
Atlanta Hawks @ Utah Jazz (March 21, 09:00 GMT+8)
With six consecutive losses, the Hawks’ target is clear: the top pick in the lottery.
That should work in favour of Utah as they need every win they can get to be a step ahead in the playoff dogfight with the Pelicans, Spurs, Timberwolves and Nuggets.
It should give the Jazz an advantage that they boast the second-best defence in the league anchored by Rudy Gobert. Hence, winning on Asian Handicap -13.00 @ 1.94 shouldn’t be difficult for them.
Detroit Pistons @ Phoenix Suns (March 21, 10:00 GMT+8)
Just like the Hawks, Phoenix have no incentive in winning, so they aren’t expected to put too much effort against the Pistons. For Detroit, meanwhile, they can’t afford to lose any more games as they look to get some respectability with their playoff aspirations virtually over despite having Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin.
Houston Rockets @ Portland Trail Blazers (March 21, 10:30 GMT+8)
It’s Houston vs Portland; James Harden vs Damian Lillard.
Both teams are on a roll, but the Rockets are not only the top seed but are also the best team on the road with a 29-8 record this season.
The problem for Houston, however, is that their 3-point shooting hasn’t been consistent. Portland can undoubtedly exploit that, especially with Lillard averaging a little over 30 points in their 13-game winning streak.
Another tight game might be on the books, but I like the chances of the Blazers on +4.50 @ 2.00.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
