The Celtics just became the first team to officially confirm their spot in the 2024 NBA playoffs because they’ve been solid all season. Joe Mazzulla’s boys are currently on an 11-game winning streak, and they’re planning to make it 12 on the bounce when they visit the Cavaliers tomorrow.
Other than the Celtics-Cavaliers match, there are eight more games to be played, as the Hornets, Nets, Heat, Knicks, Raptors, Rockets, Mavericks, and Nuggets are slated to host the Magic, Sixers, Pistons, Hawks, Pelicans, Spurs, Pacers, and Suns, respectively.
Without further ado, SBOTOP is here to preview the top five games in tomorrow’s nine-game schedule.
Boston Celtics @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Confidence is at an all-time high for the Celtics right now, as they are fresh from a huge blowout win against the Warriors on Monday. With that, the Celtics became the first team this season to record three blowout victories by at least 50 points.
In the said win, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 56 points, while Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser added 19 and 12 points off the bench, respectively, and Derrick White was the other double-digit scorer with 14. Kristaps Porzingis sat out this game due to a bruised leg, but there’s a chance that he will play tomorrow.
They will go up against an undermanned Cavaliers squad that will be without their franchise star, Donovan Mitchell, who is said to be out for at least the next three games due to a knee injury.
With Mitchell being treated for his knee, Darius Garland will be tasked with shouldering the heavy offencive cudgels for Cleveland. Since the beginning of February, he has been averaging 15.3 points and 6.5 assists per contest.
Atlanta Hawks @ New York Knicks
The Hawks are in danger of slipping out of the play-in picture if they don’t improve their NBA 2024 results soon. Right now, they’re on a two-game losing streak as they’re struggling without their floor general, Trae Young.
Young suffered a finger injury against the Raptors last month, and it was confirmed that he’ll be out for at least four weeks since he needed to go under the knife.
Dejounte Murray has been doing his best to hold it down for Atlanta, averaging 22.5 points, 9.5 assists, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers per game since Young went down.
The Knicks are going to be shorthanded too since Jalen Brunson became their latest casualty, suffering a knee injury in Sunday’s win over the Cavaliers. He is listed as questionable to play, and if he sits out, Miles McBride should draw a rare start.
San Antonio Spurs @ Houston Rockets
After outdueling Chet Holmgren and Myles Turner, Victor Wembanyama will take his act to Houston, where he’ll face another bright young center in Alperen Sengun.
Against the Pacers on Sunday, Wembanyama recorded 31 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and six blocks, further improving his NBA 2024 odds of winning this season’s Rookie of the Year award.
The Rockets are also fresh from a win, as Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, and Alperen Sengun combined for 79 points against the Suns. Alperen Sengun has recorded a double-double in four of his last five games.
Indiana Pacers @ Dallas Mavericks
The Pacers and the Mavericks have both lost two games in a row, but one of them can get back to winning ways tomorrow.
During Indiana’s two-game skid, Tyrese Haliburton only shot 4-for-23 to put up 12 points total, including a goose egg against the Pelicans, so he should bounce back as soon as possible.
As for the Mavericks, the Embiid-less Sixers won over them on Sunday, as Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris combined for 52 points.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving managed to put up 66 points in the loss, but overall, the Mavs have to be much better on the defencive end since they have conceded at least 120 points in each of their last five games.
Phoenix Suns @ Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have been on a roll lately, and they’re aiming for their seventh straight win against the Suns, who are on a two-game skid.
Nikola Jokic has surpassed the 30-point threshold in two of his last four contests, and he has tallied at least 10 rebounds and seven assists in six straight games, so the Suns will have their hands full.
With Devin Booker out for at least a week due to an ankle injury, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal have to continue to pour in the points for Phoenix.
Betting Tip – Denver Nuggets Asian Handicap -9.50 @ 2.02
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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