The cream of the crop is taking to the court in a jam-packed slate of NBA this Friday. BetDeluxe profiles four big games.
Magic vs. Nuggets
10th February 11:00am
The first match-up looks like it will be a very one-sided affair, with the Orlando Magic hosting a refreshed Denver Nuggets.
The Magic had won two in a row before Wednesday’s 98-102 loss to the Knicks as they continue to struggle with consistency from week to week. On a positive note, five players dropped 13+ points for the Magic, including Markelle Fultz, who led the way with 21 points and six assists.
The Nuggets were back in a big way in their return bout against the Timberwolves, running out 146-112 winners. Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope returned from a one-game absence, with the Joker putting up a 20-point, 12-rebound and 16-assist triple-double – his 19th this season. While Jamal Murray was still sidelined with inflammation in his right knee, the Western Conference leaders were back to their very, very best.
Suggested Bet: The Nuggets to win @ $1.37
Nets vs. Bulls
10th February 11:30AM
The season is slowly slipping away from the Nets after they recorded their third loss from four games against the Suns, 112-116. With Kyrie Irving now in Dallas and Kevin Durant still recovering from an MCL sprain, the Nets have fallen two games behind the Cavs and into the fifth spot in the East.
The overwhelming highlight for the Nets has been the rise of Cam Thomas. Thomas went off for 43 points against the Suns and took his three-game tally to 43, 47 and 44.
They’re up against a Bulls side coming off a 104-89 loss to the Grizzlies. They were without their leading scorer and star, DeMar DeRozan, who sat out with a sore hip after a forgettable game against the Spurs.
Nikola Vucevic did his utmost to carry the Bulls with 28 points and 17 boards, while Zach LaVine continued his fine form with 24 points. DeRozan is still listed as questionable to play against the Nets, allowing Brooklyn to turn their form around.
Suggested Bet: The Nets – 3.5 @ $1.90
Hawks vs. Suns
10th February 11:30PM
The Phoenix Suns will take their hot form to Atlanta on Friday as they look to make it four consecutive wins and 10 from their past 12.
The Suns were blessed with the return of Devin Booker for their latest clash against the Nets and eventually ran out of four-point winners. Booker, who returned from a groin injury for his first game since Christmas, scored 19 points and dished out six assists. Deandre Ayton starred with 35 points and 15 rebounds, while CP3 had 12 assists.
At this point, the Hawks are on a different trajectory than the Suns, with six losses from their past nine games. Trae Young shone in their 116-107 loss to the Pelicans on Wednesday with 16 points and 16 assists, but an in-form Suns should prove too much of a challenge.
Everything points to the Suns at this point, with Booker, Paul and Ayton a scary prospect.
Suggested Bet: Suns to win @ $2.43
Lakers vs. Bucks
10th February 2PM
Another one-sided affair on paper, the Milwaukee Bucks will take their eight-game winning streak to LA to face off with the Lakers.
The Bucks are as hot as any team right now, with this current streak their best since they won nine to start the season. Giannis Antetokounmpo has dominated every game since his return from injury and now averages 32.2ppg, 12.4rpg and 5.3apg.
The Lakers are a different story altogether but will be up and about after LeBron’s history-making performance against the Thunder on Wednesday. Finishing the game with 38 points, LeBron broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record of 38,387 points.
Russell Westbrook found some range from beyond the arc and dropped 27 points, while Anthony Davis can be expected to bounce back after a quieter night by his lofty standards.
Suggested Bet: Milwaukee/Milwaukee Half Time/Full Time @ $1.95
