Seven of the eight NBA games today ended with a lead 10 points or less, keeping those who bet online through Asian Handicap Betting at the edge of their seats throughout.
Indeed, today’s matches made a mockery of betting tips that predicted blowout wins and comfortable victories from the top dogs.
Phoenix Suns 96-100 Milwaukee Bucks
It was a respectable performance from the Suns who kept the match close despite the odds pointing a one-sided affair. Milwaukee needed a 35-26 third quarter rally – headed by Giannis Antetokounmpo who made 15 of his 28 points in the stretch – to take the lead, and it’s barely enough for them to edge the spirited Phoenix squad.
Phoenix, nevertheless, will be happy with Alan Williams’ standout performance of 17 points and 15 rebounds.
Memphis Grizzlies 105-98 Denver Nuggets
A much-improved defence and the offensive explosion of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol were the key factors in the Grizzlies’ win at Pepsi Center. Learning from their embarrassing loss to the Pacers, Memphis made key defensive stops and forced Denver to commit 12 turnovers as they led in the game for the most part.
Zach Randolph was also pivotal off the bench, scoring 20 and grabbing 11 boards as the Grizzlies outrebound the Nuggets, 49-39.
Utah Jazz 102-92 Washington Wizards
Failing to shrug off their All-Star break hangover, the Wizards now lost their second game in a row. Washington’s lack of depth – oft-considered as their fatal flaw – was also put into the spotlight with only John Wall and Bradley Beal producing quality numbers.
Utah, on the other hand, solidified their place in the West’s top four, thanks to a balanced offence led by Gordon Hayward.
Portland Trail Blazers 106-112 Toronto Raptors
Pundits questioning if the acquisition of Serge Ibaka can bring the Raptors to another level finally have their answer. The 27-year-old forward was influential in their victory, recording a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.
DeMar DeRozan, meanwhile, continues to carry much of the offensive load in the absence of Kyle Lowry, registering 33 points to counter Damian Lillard’s 28.
Boston Celtics 104-98 Detroit Pistons
Free throws doomed Detroit’s chances of upsetting the East No. 2 Celtics who escaped with just a six-point advantage. Andre Drummond came up big for the Pistons with a double-double highlighted by his 15 rebounds, but he only made one of his 11 attempts from the charity stripe which could have given them the lead and some breathing space.
New Orleans Pelicans 110-118 Oklahoma City Thunder
It’s business as usual for Russell Westbrook who notched his 29th triple-double of the season with 41 points, 11 rebounds and 11 dimes. He also made a crucial play in the final quarter, dunking over and fouling out DeMarcus Cousins with less than three minutes left as they held on to their narrow lead.
New Orleans’ Twin Tower combined for 69 points, but they are still without a win since acquiring Cousins.
Charlotte Hornets 121-124 LA Clippers
The Clips’ Big Three of Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan is undoubtedly back and rolling. Paul—playing his second game since returning—ran the floor like the good ol’ Lob City days and finished with 17 assists and just a rebound short of a triple-double.
Charlotte were surprisingly blazing from the field and even brought the battle into overtime; nonetheless, their efforts were still not enough to stop Griffin and Jordan who scored 43 and 20 respectively.
San Antonio Spurs 119-98 Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers clearly missed the presence and scoring of Lou Williams off the bench, especially that they were up against a Spurs team that boasts one of the league’s best supporting casts. It also didn’t help the Purple and Gold that they shot only 31.8 percent from three, as compared to the Spurs who made almost half of their attempts from beyond the arc.
The good news for Los Angeles though is Brandon Ingram who impressed with 22 points in a losing effort.
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