Washington started slow and saw themselves struggling for playoff contention early in the season; now they are in fourth place in the East and looked well-poised to contend.
Sure, their seven-game winning streak ended yesterday, but that live betting epic with the Cavaliers was one for the ages. Hence, with such fine form, they are expected to continue delighting the online gambling community.
They have a chance to get back to winning ways in tomorrow’s 12-game showdown, and betting odds point that they can do it against the slumping Nets.
San Antonio Spurs @ Philadelphia 76ers (February 9, 08:00 GMT+8)
San Antonio got a massive beating in Memphis yesterday, but that shouldn’t happen again when they visit a slumping Philadelphia team. The Spurs – the second-best team in the NBA – still have more talent and quality compared to the Sixers, and their advantage should be more prevalent this time with Joel Embiid still out.
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Indiana Pacers (February 9, 08:00 GMT+8)
LeBron James didn’t play when Cleveland fought Indiana last November, so he is expected to provide the difference in this game to get their revenge. The self-proclaimed New Sheriff in Town, however, will likely meet a spirited test from Paul George and the Pacers who have won seven in a row now – though five of those came from teams with losing records.
This match could be close, but the Cavaliers -2.50 for 1.88 should be a good bet.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Detroit Pistons (February 9, 08:30 GMT+8)
Magic Johnson’s return to the Purple and Gold as an adviser might have influenced D’Angelo Russell who has impressed over their last three games. If Russell and top-scorer Lou Williams can maintain their brilliant form, Los Angeles have a legitimate chance of taking down Detroit whose starting point guard Reggie Jackson is struggling.
With that in mind, the Lakers +7.50 for 1.99 sounds great.
Denver Nuggets @ Atlanta Hawks (February 9, 08:30 GMT+8)
Denver are a strong team, especially with Nikola Jokic on the floor. Nonetheless, they remain the league’s worst defensive team, and that won’t cut it against Mike Bundenholzer’s squad that is finding success in the painted area. Not to mention that the Hawks are already a well-established top-five defensive team.
I don’t think the Nuggets can pull off a win here, so I’ll go for Atlanta -4.00 for 1.94.
Washington Wizards @ Brooklyn Nets (February 9, 08:30 GMT+8)
Nevermind their thrilling loss to the Cavs, the Wizards have proven that they are ready to contend even with their mediocre bench unit. They have a really good starting five with the likes of Otto Porter, Marcin Gortat and Markieff Morris also producing, and there’s just no stopping their climb.
Brooklyn don’t have the firepower to make this a competitive game, so John Wall and Bradley Beal are predicted to come firing on all cylinders.
Toronto Raptors @ Minnesota Timberwolves (February 9, 09:00 GMT+8)
Zach LaVine’s ACL injury is a devastating blow for Minnesota, and it appears that they might not have enough depth to pose much of a challenge against Toronto. Sure, the Raptors are not playing well defensively as proven in their match with Brooklyn, but they remain a threat on offence with Kyle Lowry running the floor. That being said, choose Toronto -3.50 for 1.97.
Utah Jazz @ New Orleans Pelicans (February 9, 09:00 GMT+8)
This match will be an interesting frontcourt battle between the league’s premier young big men, Anthony Davis and Rudy Gobert. However, Utah might just be too much to handle for New Orleans with George Hill healthy, Joe Johnson waking up from his slumber and Gordon Hayward playing like usual.
This one is a no-brainer for me. Pick the Jazz -4.00 for 1.92.
Miami Heat @ Milwaukee Bucks (February 9, 09:00 GMT+8)
Miami are certainly brimming with confidence as they stay unbeaten in 11, thanks in large part to their fourth quarter defence that is the best in the league. Nevertheless, they cannot relax when they visit Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks considering that they are a team with an ugly record on the road.
The Heat should be able to keep this game tight, but Milwaukee -3.00 for 1.90 seems like the best choice.
LA Clippers @ New York Knicks (February 9, 09:00 GMT+8)
Three losses in a row prove that the Clippers need Chris Paul to survive. Their slump is anticipated to continue with the star point guard out until the playoffs, so this fixture could be the chance for New York to snap their losing streak, especially with their starting lineup relatively healthy.
If you’re punting, the Knicks +2.00 for 1.91 is worth considering.
Phoenix Suns @ Memphis Grizzlies (February 9, 09:00 GMT+8)
You know there are a lot of holes in the Suns’ defence when you see that they allowed the opponents to score at least 30 points in different quarters. And that should be a big issue when they face the Grizzlies who boast the no. 1 offence over the last two weeks (propelled by Zach Randolph’s increased production off the bench). Go for Memphis -9.50 for 1.87.
Chicago Bulls @ Golden State Warriors (February 9, 11:30 GMT+8)
Jimmy Butler’s day-to-day situation for Chicago is critical, and they might find themselves in trouble without their injured All-Star. Golden State are raring to go back to winning ways, and their overtime loss to Sacramento will only fuel the fire for the team that possesses the best offence and the league’s second-ranked defence.
Boston Celtics @ Sacramento Kings (February 9, 11:30 GMT+8)
Now second in the East with Brad Stevens coaching the All-Star game, Boston are undoubtedly having one of their best seasons. Isaiah Thomas has been ridiculous for the Celtics, and there’s just no stopping him from here on out.
The Kings could dominate the glass with DeMarcus Cousins on the floor, though their defence won’t put their hopes up.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish
