NBA Thursday, Tips and Previews
Toronto Rapters vs. Milwaukee Bucks
10am
Milwaukee Bucks fans will get their next chance to watch the dream duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard when they travel to Toronto on Thursday.
The Bucks, who are sitting second in the East with a 2-1 record, bounced back into winning form in their last match against the Heat with a 122-114 victory. Giannis (33) and Dame (25) led the charge for the Eastern Conference favourites with 58 points and 12 boards between them.
As for the Raptors, they’re currently holding up the East in 15th position as they attempt to snap a three-game losing streak against the Bulls, 76ers and Trail Blazers. Scottie Barnes is doing his utmost to turn the tide for the struggling Raptors, with 20.8ppg, 9.5rpg and 2.5 blocks. As such, he’s shortened to $12 equal-second favourite for Most Improved Player.
While it’s only early days for Team Giannis & Dame, they should comfortably account for Toronto on the road.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Bucks to win (-4.5)
- Leg 2: Over 223.5 points
- Leg 3: D. Lillard over 26.5 points
- Leg 4: S. Barnes over 6.5 rebounds
- Total: $8.00
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets
11am
Can Minnesota become the first team to beat the champs?
It’s been a faultless campaign for Michael Malone and his reigning NBA champions so far this season, with wins against the Jazz, Thunder, Grizzlies and Lakers. Unsurprisingly, teams still have no answer for two-time MVP and last year’s Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic, who has dropped a pair of triple-doubles and 26.5ppg from his first four matches.
The Wolves will undoubtedly enter the match as underdogs after their 24-point loss to the Hawks on Tuesday. While Anthony Edwards (25.3ppg) and Rudy Gobert (14.3ppg and 13.3rpg) are certainly pulling their weight, they’ll need more offensively from Karl-Anthony Towns (15.7ppg) if they are to cause any sort of upset against the Nuggets.
Rudy and the Joker will be primetime entertainment, but it’s unlikely the Wolves will threaten at any stage.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Nuggets to win
- Leg 2: A. Edwards over 23.5 points
- Leg 3: J. Murray over 3.5 three-pointers
- Leg 4: N. Jokic over 45.5 players points + assists + rebounds
- Total: $11.00
Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies
12pm
Two teams that pundits expected to threaten for the playoffs this season, it’s been a disappointing start for both the Jazz (13th) and the Grizzlies (15th) in the West as they occupy two of the bottom three spots.
Utah has arguably faced the most difficult fixture in the League to start their season, with their one win against the Clippers overshadowed by sizable losses to the Kings (16), Suns (22) and Nuggets (8). As favourites in the market, this match-up will provide far more clarity on where Will Hardy’s team is at.
Equally, it’s a must-win for the 0-4 Grizzlies as they try to register their first victory for the 2023-24 season. After losing their season opener to the Pelicans 104-111 at home, things have gone from bad to worse for last year’s playoff contenders with losses to the Nuggets, Wizards and Mavs.
Both teams desperately need the W, but we can’t see it going back to Memphis.
Suggested Bet: Jazz to win at $1.64
LA Lakers vs. LA Clippers
1pm
Will the Clippers’ newest franchise player, James Harden, be ready to suit up when they meet the Lakers on Thursday?
That’s the question everyone will be asking of the Clippers’ star recruit, with his trade from the 76ers coming at the cost of Kenyon Martin Jr, Marcus Morris, Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington.
If Harden and fellow recruit, P.J. Tucker, do sit the game out, the Lakers will enter as firm favourites following their 106-103 victory over Orlando. Anthony Davis responded to criticism aimed his way with 26 points and 19 rebounds, while LeBron put up 19 as he continues to star with 22ppg and 8.5rpg.
While Paul George (27.3) and Kawhi Leonard (23) have recaptured some of their best form over the first three games for the Clippers, it’s hard to see Tyronn Lue’s squad toppling their LA rivals on the 24-hour back-up and as they come to terms with the loss of their four forwards.
Suggested Bet: Lakers (-2.5) at $1.90
