The cream of the crop is taking to the court in a jam-packed slate of NBA this Friday. BetDeluxe profiles three of the big games to keep an eye on.
76ers vs. Thunder
13th january 11:00AM
Philadelphia will enter this clash hoping to make it two from two against the Thunder since New Year’s Day.
The 76ers were far too strong in their last meeting, running out 115-96 winners on the back of a Joel Embiid 17-point, 13-rebound and 10-assist triple-double.
Embiid has taken his game to another level, averaging 33.6 points (2nd in the league), 9.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. After missing three consecutive games last week, the 76ers star returned with 36 points in 24 minutes against the Pistons.
While sitting in the 13th spot in the West, the Thunder produced an impressive win over the Mavericks on Monday before Jimmy Butler dropped the game-winning bucket and one with 13 seconds remaining against the Heat on Wednesday.
Australian guard, Josh Giddey, was back to his best with a triple-double, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points.
With Embiid, James Harden and Tobias Harris leading the charge for the 76ers, they should have no issues putting the Thunder away for the second time this year.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
- 76ers to win by 10+
- Total points under 231.5
- Total: $3.30
Heat vs. Bucks
13th January 11:30AM
After a shock 21-point loss to the Hornets, the Bucks returned to form with back-to-back wins over the Knicks and the Hawks.
The New York match-up came at a good time for the Bucks, who have now won six in a row over their Eastern Conference rivals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo found form with 22 points and 10 rebounds against the Knicks before posting a monster 18 boards in his team’s nine-point victory over the Hawks.
The Heat will also enter this game with momentum after they accounted for the Thunder by the slimmest of margins on Wednesday. Jimmy Butler starred with 35 points and the game-winner with 13 seconds left on the clock.
The current form on both sides indicates this will be a tight one, with the Bucks’ last two outings giving them the edge.
Suggested Bet: Milwaukee to win at $2.09
Lakers vs. Mavericks
13th January 2PM
The late game bodes as an exciting match-up between two sides looking to find the winner’s stall.
The fourth-placed Mavericks have now lost two in a row after giving up 69 points in the first half against the Clippers and eventually losing 113-101. Luka Doncic did his utmost to get the Mavericks in the game with 43 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. However, the MVP candidate needed more support, with just 45 points coming from the other four starters.
The Lakers ended their five-game winning streak and mid-season resurgence as they went down to Denver, 122-109. They weren’t predicted to topple the Nuggets, but their chances certainly diminished when LeBron James was ruled out with an ankle concern.
With both James and Anthony Davis sidelined, Russell Westbrook stood up with a team-high 25 points. Thomas Bryant also produced his fifth double-double in six games.
Dallas has won their previous three games against the Lakers and should end their current losing streak with a fourth.
Suggested Bet: Dallas to win at $1.63
