The cream of the crop is taking to the court in a jam-packed slate of NBA this Wednesday. BetDeluxe profiles four big games.
Pelicans vs. Hawks
8th February 11:30am
The New Orleans Pelicans did their utmost to remain in playoff contention with a comprehensive 136-104 win over Sacramento on Monday.
Despite missing Brandan Ingram and Zion Williamson still sidelined, the Pelicans outscored the Kings in every quarter, with Trey Murphy III leading all-comers with 30 points. CJ McCollum stepped up with 24, while Willy Hernangomez dropped 22 and 16 boards.
The Hawks will be looking to bounce back in this one after going down to the Western Conference-leading Nuggets 128-108.
It was a tough night for the Hawks as they struggled to maintain possession, giving up 14 steals. Dejounte Murray continued his hot form with 28 points and 10 assists in the absence of Trae Young, who missed his second game in four outings.
Suggested Bet: Pelicans to win @ $1.75
Nets vs. Suns
8th February 11:30AM
The Phoenix Suns are hot to trot in the Western Conference, with eight wins from their past 10 games elevating them into the fifth spot.
They were far too strong for the Pistons on Sunday and ran out 116-100 victors on the back of 31 points and 16 rebounds from Deandre Ayton. Chris Paul managed just two points on the night but created ample opportunities for Ayton and Mikal Bridges with 14 assists.
The Nets will be on the second night of a back-to-back after going down to the Clippers 124-116 on Tuesday. They will be without Kyrie Irving after he successfully requested a trade and ended up in Dallas.
They’ve found some form over the past week with wins against the Knicks, Lakers, and Wizards, all while Kevin Durant is still recovering from injury.
Suggested Bet: Suns to win @ $1.50
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves
8th February 1PM
The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves will meet for the second time in three days after the latter scored a much-needed 128-98 victory on Monday.
D’Angelo Russell led the charge for the Wolves with 18 points and 10 assists, while Anthony Edwards added 20 of his own. It was the Wolves’ seventh win from 10 games as they prepare for an assault on the Western Conference finals.
As for the Nuggets, they won’t lose too much sleep after entering the game without Nikola Jokic or Jamal Murray. In fact, Michael Porter Jr. was the only regular starter for the Nuggets, finishing with a team-high 22 points.
The loss ended a three-game winning streak for Denver, but they’ll be quietly confident of re-entering the winner’s column with a refreshed starting line-up.
Suggested Bet: Nuggets (-7) @ $1.87
Lakers vs. Thunder
8th February 2PM
While the result of this game is undoubtedly of interest, the main attraction will be LeBron James as he closes in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record.
James is just 36 points shy of the historical feat after dropping 27 in the Lakers’ 131-126 loss to the Pelicans. He has shown no signs of slowing down this season, with averages of 30ppg, 8.5rpg and 7.1apg.
The Thunder will be up against it as they enter the game on the 24-hour back-up following their clash with the Warriors on Tuesday.
Shae Gilgeous-Alexander has been on a tear with 31ppg, while Australia’s Josh Giddey leads the Thunder with 8rpg and 5.9apg.
An all-time scoring title and an in-form Anthony Davis should be enough to carry the Lakers over the line.
Suggested Bet: Lakers to win @ $1.31
