Two of the lankiest players in the NBA today, Victor Wembanyama and Kevin Durant, are set to match up against one another, and both of them shoulder the responsibility of carrying their respective teams.
Wembanyama was the top overall pick in last summer’s draft, after all, while Durant is without his star teammates for the time being.
On the other hand, we’re in for a rematch of last year’s playoffs between the Cavaliers and the Knicks, while the Clippers will get to host the Magic in a game where James Harden might be in attendance.
Learn more about tomorrow’s three-game slate in today’s SBOTOP preview.
New York Knicks @ Cleveland Cavaliers
The Knicks and the Cavs have identical win-loss records after the first three games of the 2023-24 campaign (1-2), and both are aiming to get back to the .500 mark with a win tomorrow.
After winning their first game against the Nets in a thriller, they dropped consecutive games against the Thunder and the Pacers. Injuries to their stars have certainly played a role in their skid.
Darius Garland was absent in Cleveland’s two losses due to a hamstring injury, while backcourt partner Donovan Mitchell also has the same problem, which caused him to sit out against Indiana. Garland has been ruled out for tomorrow, while Mitchell was given the questionable tag.
Without Garland and Mitchell, Caris LeVert and Max Strus have started for the Cavs’ backcourt. So far, they’ve done well, but their insertion in the starting lineup means that they have no capable producer off the bench.
Their defence has taken a hit too, with Jarrett Allen recovering from his left ankle injury, leaving Evan Mobley all alone and leading the frontcourt.
So, they will have their hands full against the Knicks, who have a more complete squad, thus having a better chance of winning.
Leading the way is the lefty trio of RJ Barrett, Jalen Brunson, and Julius Randle, who are averaging 22.7, 20.0, and 13.7 points per game, respectively.
Randle’s points per game average certainly needs to be better, but his efficiency leaves a lot to be desired because he has yet to shoot above 40-per cent from the field this term.
Betting tip: Julius Randle Under 20.50 @ 1.91
San Antonio Spurs @ Phoenix Suns
The Spurs are fresh from a 123-83 beating by the Clippers, so they are keen to bounce back. Fortunately for them, their next assignment isn’t as stacked (at least on paper) due to injuries to their key players.
Devin Booker (foot) and Bradley Beal (back) are not expected to play tomorrow, which means that rotation players Josh Okogie, Eric Gordon, and Grayson Allen will continue to get more opportunities.
Victor Wembanyama’s rookie campaign has gone according to plan thus far. The 7’4” forward is posting decent norms of 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 45-per cent from the field.
Leading the Spurs in scoring is Devin Vassell with 20.7 points per game, while Keldon Johnson is right behind Wemby with 14.0 points per game.
We’d like to think that Wembanyama will be tasked with guarding Durant for the majority of the possessions, which will certainly be fun to watch. Despite his height advantage, Wemby might be in for a tough time since Durant is one of the league’s greatest scorers ever.
Kevin Durant has done an admirable job leading Phoenix to a 2-1 record, with averages of 27.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 48-per cent from the field.
The two-time NBA champion was the main reason why they routed the Jazz 126-104 on Sunday, and he may need to bring out his Superman cape once again.
Betting tip: Phoenix Suns Asian Handicap -7.00 @ 1.92
Orlando Magic @ LA Clippers
If it weren’t for their close loss to the Lakers, the Magic would’ve been 3-0 right now, which is a huge step in the right direction for their young core.
Franz Wagner is a key reason why Orlando are off to a hot start. The FIBA World Cup champion leads the team in scoring with 19.3 points per game, while Cole Anthony is not far behind with 16.7 points per game.
The Clippers got a major boost in the NBA 2023 odds following the NBA 2023 news that they acquired James Harden from the Sixers. As it stands now, LA have a big four.
Harden will not play tomorrow since there’s paperwork to be done to make the trade official, but the Beard should be excited since Leonard and George are looking healthier than they’ve ever been together.
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