After an NBA free Friday it’s a big weekend of basketball featuring all the big names. BetDeluxe runs the ruler over four of the most fascinating clashes to point you in the right direction.
Bucks vs. Cavaliers
26th November 12:00PM
Despite a host of injuries, Milwaukee had a solid start to the season, sitting in second place on the Eastern Conference standings. But with just two wins from their past six matches, some concerns are creeping in about their offensive efficiency and injury concerns.
One big positive has been the form of veteran Brook Lopez, who has been exceptional on both sides of the ball. He could have a significant role to play here against a young and exciting Cleveland team.
The Cavs have won their past four games, but the recent loss to the Bucks will be on their minds. Donovan Mitchell has made the team his own since joining in the off-season, while Evan Mobley continues to contribute both in scoring and rebounding.
Their biggest worry is taking on superstar Giannis Antetokoumnpo who is rightfully one of the MVP favourites. But this may well be the game where Cleveland makes a big statement that it could be the best in the East.
Suggested Bet: Cavaliers +2.5 at $1.91
Grizzlies vs. Pelicans
26th November 12:00PM
Two of the most exciting young teams in the NBA face off again in a fascinating duel. The dominant memory for both teams will be the Pelicans notching up a dominant victory over Memphis with star Zion Williamson watching on. The former number-one pick is not only back, but he is playing as well as he has in recent seasons, scoring a season-high 32 points in the win over San Antonio. Watch for him to turn it on once again here.
The Grizzlies have dropped some very winnable games lately and are missing Desmond Bane, who still has a little while to go before returning from injury. Too much is being left up to Ja Morant, who, while he has shown he can carry the team, can’t be expected to do it every night. New Orleans for this one.
Suggested Bet: Pelicans to win at $1.94
Warriors vs. Jazz
26rd November 2:00PM
This looms as a fascinating duel that should give a proper reality check for both teams. Golden State has slightly edged back after a horror start to 2022/23 but is still far from where many expected them to be. Their win on Thursday against the Clippers reminded them how classy they could be on their night. With Andrew Wiggins scoring 31 points on a relatively quiet night for some other stars, they have proven they are still a multi-dimensional attack.
Utah has slipped a little since coming out all guns blazing in the opening few weeks, and Thursday’s loss to lowly Detroit is far from ideal. They have to find a way to shake that off, and if they can, it will be mainly through the vastly improved Lauri Markannen, who has a unique presence in rebounding. But they may have got the Warriors at the absolute wrong time, as they are playing with a head of steam and should win this.
Suggested Bet: Golden State -7 at $1.90
Clippers vs. Nuggets
26th November 2:30PM
Denver has pushed through a recent spate of injuries to come out the other side still in a prime position in the west. Wins over Dallas and Oklahoma City have only further enhanced their standing, especially with Nikola Jokic returning with an immediate impact. There is no obvious match-up for Jokic, who is in top form and could have a day out against an inconsistent LA.
Another injury to star Kawhi Leonard probably best sums up their season; with no continuity or durability and with him no certainty to return to the team for this one, the Clippers could be in danger.
Suggested Bet: Nuggets -3 at $1.87
