It’s a mix of contenders, pretenders and the next rung up on NBA Wednesday. BetDeluxe looks at all four games to find the form you need to know.
76ers vs. Nets
23rd November 11:30AM
Two of the most maligned teams in the NBA come together for this one. On paper, these could well be the two best teams, with rosters filled with talent and reputation. The reality has been very different this year.
Philadelphia’s inconsistency can be summarised by its last two games, a win over title-fancy Milwaukee followed by a loss to the lowly Wolves at home.
One consistent part of their game is the form of star Joel Embiid, who is currently posting MVP-like numbers.
But the main focus in this one is Ben Simmons, who returns to Philadelphia for the first time since his acrimonious split with the 76ers. After a patchy start to his career in Brooklyn, Simmons is hitting form, scoring 22 points against Memphis on Monday.
The Nets have had all sorts of problems this season, and the frustration is showing in star Kevin Durant. But with Simmons finally finding his groove and two consecutive wins, they have some signs of momentum here and could make a statement.
Suggested Bet: Brooklyn win at $1.31
Grizzlies vs. Kings
23rd November 12:00PM
Memphis finds itself in a mini-funk, having dropped three of their past four games, including some very winnable clashes. The ankle injury to star Ja Morant is compounding their problems, which makes them look like a very different team. Morant’s name has been mentioned in MVP calculations. With him joining a casualty list that includes the much-improved Desmond Bayne, Memphis now look in trouble and needs more from Jaren Jackson jr, who could step up to fill the breach.
Sacramento continues its significant improvement, winning its past six games to sit pretty in the fifth position in the west. Kings coach Mike Brown keeps things measured, pointing to a need to lift the defensive game. Watch for De’Aron Fox and Domantas Sabonis to take heed of those comments and ramp up their games against a vulnerable Memphis.
Suggested Bet: Sacramento win at $1.96
Nuggets vs. Pistons
23rd November 1:00PM
Denver’s season has played out in fits and starts, but they remain a genuine force in the west, emphasised by a tough grinding win against the highly-fancied Mavericks. With Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon all on the sidelines, Denver showed their depth is as good as any by pipping Dallas, thanks mainly to a big game from Na’Shon Hyland. At the time of writing, none of those three are guaranteed to come back and may be given an extra rest against a Detroit team that hasn’t found any natural rhythm this year.
Having lost its last seven games, the Pistons are in a real struggle and may already have an eye on giving themselves the best chance to secure a lottery pick. Jaden Ivey is one positive for Detroit and is a smokey for rookie of the year. It’s worth keeping an eye on him in this one for another solid performance.
Suggested Bet: Denver -6 at $1.95
Suns vs. Lakers
23rd November 2:00PM
With so many teams on a roller-coaster this year, Phoenix continues to quietly achieve and live up to its promise as a title contender. They have a few areas of their game to work on, including reducing their turnovers but all up, the signs are positive. Devin Booker is going from strength to strength, and while Chris Paul’s veteran body has him temporarily sidelined, the next tier is stepping up to cover for him. Cameron Payne is playing a more significant role for the Suns and is posting some impressive numbers. He should continue his excellent form here.
The Lakers have lifted a little since a disastrous start to the season, with five wins to their name, but they are still a long way off it. Anthony Davis is enjoying a stretch of being healthy and is performing near his best. Still, the injury curse has been moved to Russell Westbrook, who will miss with a thumb injury, not to mention LeBron James, who has missed the past four games and is unlikely to return here. Suns to win this one.
Suggested Bet: Phoenix to win at $1.29
