On Tuesday, LeBron James broke the all-time NBA record for minutes played, but the Sixers’ crushing defeat of him and the Lakers made the headlines rather than his accomplishment. So now, the King is all in to try to turn things around when they play the Pistons.
Elsewhere, the Magic, Raptors, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Nuggets, and Kings are set to host the Wizards, Suns, Jazz, Sixers, Rockets, and Clippers, respectively, to round out tomorrow’s seven-game schedule.
As always, we are here to preview some of the best matchups that SBOTOP basketball fans should watch out for.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Detroit Pistons
Fortunately for the Lakers, the NBA 2023 odds have them as the favourites to win because the Pistons are on a league-worst 14-game losing streak.
The Pistons had a good chance to put an end to their slump when they hosted the Wizards on Tuesday, but the visitors ended their own nine-game losing streak with a 126-107 blowout win, much to the dismay of head coach Monty Williams.
The bright spots for the Pistons so far have been Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson. Cunningham is averaging 22.2 points and 7.1 assists per game this season, while Thompson is currently one of the best defencive rookies in the league.
As for the Lakers, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both on the team’s injury list again, with AD having the probable tag and LBJ getting the questionable label.
There’s a chance that the King won’t play given his old age, and should James get the day off, Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell will shoulder more playmaking duties.
Washington Wizards @ Orlando Magic
As mentioned, the Wizards managed to end their poor run of NBA 2023 results when they defeated the Pistons to improve to a 3-14 record, although that’s still not something to write home about.
Against Detroit, Kyle Kuzma led the way with a 32-point, 12-rebound double-double, and he’s arguably the best player in Washington right now, with norms of 23.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game this term.
Meanwhile, teammate Jordan Poole is averaging 17.3 points per game, but he’s only shooting 39-per cent from the field and only 28-per cent from three-point range.
They will face the Magic, who extended their winning streak to seven consecutive games following their recent victories against the Celtics and the Hornets.
Moritz Wagner dropped 27 points to upset Boston, while his brother Franz had 30 points to dispatch Charlotte on Sunday.
Betting Tip: Orlando Magic Asian Handicap -10.00 @ 2.04
Phoenix Suns @ Toronto Raptors
Phoenix’s Big 3 haven’t played much together because their stars have dealt with several injuries. With Bradley Beal (back) out indefinitely, it is the duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker that has been shouldering the load.
And with Durant (foot) sidelined in the past two games, it is Devin Booker who has been doing just that, averaging 34.0 points per game, and he knocked down the game-winning three-pointer against the Knicks on Monday.
The Raptors, on the other hand, have dropped their last two games against the Cavs and the Nets.
Philadelphia Sixers @ New Orleans Pelicans
Momentum is on the side of the Joel Embiid-led Sixers, especially after they routed the Lakers by 44 points on Tuesday. Philadelphia are on a two-game winning streak, and the two-headed monster of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey is a huge reason why.
In the last two games, Embiid is averaging 32.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 10.0 assists, and 2.5 blocks per contest, while Maxey is posting norms of 29.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
The Sixers are going to take on a Pelicans team that currently holds a 9-9 record and is eager to be over the .500 mark.
After securing wins over the Kings (twice) and Clippers, the Pelicans dropped back-to-back close contests against the Jazz.
CJ McCollum’s return couldn’t come soon enough for New Orleans. The 32-year-old combo guard hasn’t played since November 4, but reports indicate that he might finally play again, either tomorrow or on Friday.
Houston Rockets @ Denver Nuggets
The undermanned Nuggets just came off a big win in LA, as Reggie Jackson and DeAndre Jordan put up vintage performances against their former team, the Clippers.
Jackson had 35 points and 13 assists, while Jordan added 21 points and 13 rebounds, although we don’t expect them to have the same numbers against Houston, especially if Nikola Jokic returns to action.
As for the Rockets, they just saw their two-game winning streak end because they fell short against the Mavericks during the in-season tournament.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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