The Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers take the headlines of the NBA four-game showdown on Wednesday, as the two playoff contenders meet to duke it out for third place in the brutal Western Conference.
Oklahoma are third in the West, but they are just half a game ahead of Portland who are occupying fourth. A win here will see the victor claim the no.3 spot, so there’s an extra motivation for the two ball clubs to come out and take the W.
The other West matches could also be entertaining, with the Dallas Mavericks taking on the playoff-dreaming LA Clippers, as well as Minnesota Timberwolves playing the Phoenix Suns for the second time in three days.
Sacramento Kings @ Toronto Raptors (January 23, 08:00 GMT+8)
The Toronto Raptors have only lost four times at home this season, so playing at Scotiabank Arena once again should work to their advantage.
Moreover, Kawhi Leonard is expected to return to action after being sidelined for the past two games due to load management. His presence is a massive boost to the team, especially with both Jonas Valanciunas and OG Anunoby still out with separate injuries.
Toronto have won their last two matches despite the absence of Leonard, Valanciunas and Anunoby.
Of course, Sacramento shouldn’t be underestimated. They grabbed the NBA 2019 highlights last Sunday when Buddy Hield banked an off-balance game-winner from deep against the Detroit Pistons, and they are looking more and more confident each game.
However, playing the second game of a back-to-back and their third in four days is utterly exhausting.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Oklahoma City Thunder (January 23, 09:00 GMT+8)
Here’s one fun fact-slash-stat about this game: it has been nearly FIVE LONG YEARS since the Thunder won in Portland.
There’s just something prickly about the City of Roses that Russell Westbrook and Co. can’t win there. The last time they won in Portland was back in 2014 when they still have Derek Fisher (and you know who) on the roster.
As Westbrook said, this match-up is something personal for him. And when you add it to the fact that a defeat will cost them the third place, the 2017 NBA MVP will surely be eager to lead his team to an elusive victory.
Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum have led the Trail Blazers to three straight wins, with the former averaging 27.6 points during that stretch. They lost their first meeting this year with Oklahoma by a narrow two points, so the two will undoubtedly be keen to get the job done this time.
LA Clippers @ Dallas Mavericks (January 23, 09:30 GMT+8)
It has been a tale of two halves for the LA Clippers. After dominating at the start of the season, even claiming one of the top three spots at one point, they have since fallen and are barely clinging on the eighth seed in the West.
Since losing to the Philadelphia 76ers on New Year, the Clips have only won four times and recently suffered a five-game skid before winning against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Dallas Mavericks are no different. They are currently 13th in the conference, losing four straight and seven of their last 10.
If there’s one good news for the Mavs, it’s Dennis Smith Jr.’s return to the lineup. DSJ has been exiled from the Mavs over the past couple of weeks, but he and head coach Rick Carlise seem to have reconciled.
The two teams have split their past two meetings this campaign, though both ended with only a four-point margin.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Phoenix Suns (January 23, 10:00 GMT+8)
Derrick Rose, who recently reached 10,000 career points, bagged the game-winner in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 116-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Now, all eyes will be on him again as they try to replicate their success.
Rose scored 31 points in the game and is currently averaging 19.3 points this season. With the way he is playing and with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins becoming more and more reliable, the NBA 2019 odds—particularly the ones at SBOBET—are naturally leaning in the Wolves’ favour.
The Suns were missing rookie centre Deandre Ayton and fourth-year big man Richaun Holmes during their previous game. Unfortunately, the two are still doubtful to feature when the Wolves visit them at Talking Sticks Resort Arena.
It should be noted, however, that Minnesota are abysmal on the road while the Suns are gaining confidence and have won their last two home games.
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