The Celtics recently became the first team to surpass the 40-win threshold this season, solidifying their title-contending status. Right now, they’re on a five-game winning streak, which is tied for the best winning streak in the NBA.
Boston are keen to complete a season sweep of the Nets, whom they’ll face for the fourth and final time tomorrow, this time at the TD Garden.
Elsewhere, the Hawks, Knicks, Heat, Bulls, Pacers, Rockets, Wizards, Spurs, Kings, Pistons, Lakers, and Clippers are going to visit the Hornets, Magic, Sixers, Cavaliers, Raptors, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Mavericks, Nuggets, Suns, Jazz, and Warriors in what will be another busy yet fun basketball day.
Here’s our pick for the top five games to watch out for in today’s SBOTOP preview.
Brooklyn Nets @ Boston Celtics
The Celtics are 42-12 through 54 games this season, which is level with their record in the same period during the 2007-08 season, the last time they won the NBA title.
Against the Nets earlier today, the Celtics won 118-110, as Jayson Tatum led the way with 41 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and five three-pointers, including 31 points after the first two quarters.
Boston were without Kristaps Porzingis, who was out due to a lower back injury, but the expectation is that he will be available tomorrow since this is going to be the second game of a back-to-back.
As for the Nets, Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas recorded 27 and 26 points, respectively, while Lonnie Walker IV poured in 15 points off the bench. They are currently the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference, so they need this win more than Boston.
San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks
Although they’re at the bottom of the Western Conference with an 11-43 record, the future is looking bright for the Spurs because they have Victor Wembanyama, who is the frontrunner for this season’s Rookie of the Year award, according to the NBA 2024 odds.
In their 122-99 win against the Raptors yesterday, the Frenchman logged his second career triple-double, having tallied 27 points, 14 rebounds, and a career-high 10 blocks to help snap their seven-game losing streak.
It’s no coincidence that the Mavericks are on a winning streak because neither of their stars have sat out lately. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have averaged 30.2 and 25.2 points per game, respectively, in this period.
Betting tip: Dallas Mavericks Asian Handicap -12.00 @ 2.08
Sacramento Kings @ Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have fallen to the fourth spot in the Western Conference following a lacklustre run of NBA 2024 results, which they would want to end as soon as tomorrow.
While Nikola Jokic continues to do his part for Denver, the same can’t be said for his co-star, Jamal Murray, who is listed as doubtful to play due to a leg injury. After dropping 29 points in their win over the Lakers last Thursday, Murray only totaled 15 points versus the Kings and Bucks.
Domantas Sabonis’ all-around performance, which has led to five triple-doubles in seven games this February, is keeping the Kings afloat. Meanwhile, De’Aaron Fox finally surpassed the 20-point mark by recording 40 points against the Suns after failing to do so in the four games prior.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Utah Jazz
The Lakers are still in the play-in mix, which is commendable since they didn’t do much during the trade deadline after being linked to several trade candidates. They are fresh from a blowout win against the Pistons to make it two wins on the bounce.
LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Davis combined for 66 points against the Pistons, while newcomer Spencer Dinwiddie added six points and seven assists off the bench.
The law of averages has caught up with the Jazz after their hot start to 2024 because they’re now on a two-game losing streak.
Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton have been solid for Utah, leading the team in scoring with norms of 23.6 and 17.6 points per game, respectively, this season.
LA Clippers @ Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are also on a league-best five-game winning streak, and they’re out for their sixth straight when they host the Clippers at Chase Center.
Steph Curry, as always, has been the driving force behind Golden State. Over his last 10 outings, the four-time NBA champion has posted norms of 33.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per contest.
With Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to a groin injury, Paul George has to take over for the Clippers. George is coming off an 18-point performance in a blowout loss against the Timberwolves on Monday.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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