The Scout: NBA Best Bets Posted on December 29, 2020December 31, 2020 | Posted by The Scout New Orleans Pelicans @ Phoenix Suns Despite only playing three games it is evident that the Pelicans have improved drastically and losing Jrue Holiday in the offseason has unlocked more of their potential. Zion Williamson is healthy and is monstering opponents with his quickness, surprisingly good handle, and superior strength. If Zion gets position in the paint, he is either getting an easy bucket or going straight to the free-throw line. Lonzo Ball was always a good defender and a creative passer but what he has improved on is his shooting. His technique has been altered and its working, Ball is shooting with confident and you simply cannot leave him open anymore. The biggest player development on the Pelicans has been Brandon Ingram who has taken his game to an all-star level. BI has started the season on fire averaging 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists earning him the title of Player of the Week. Suggested Bet: Pelicans WIN @ $2.20* Toronto Raptors @ Philadelphia 76ers The 76ers are looking to make a run at the Eastern Conference with a new look roster led by a new coach, Doc Rivers. Ben Simmons is arguably the biggest key to Philadelphia’s success as he is the main facilitator of their offense. Simmons is one of the most unique players in the NBA, he has the ball handling and passing ability of an elite point guard but is 6’10. His height gives him a serious advantage as it allows him to have superior court vision, especially when he is defended by shorter players – which is frequently. Philly updated their roster this season by clearly focusing on getting more shooters, adding in Seth Curry and Danny Green. These two additions give Simmons more reliable targets as he attacks the basket and looks to dish. The Aussie has always had strong outings against the Raptors and in three games against them last season he averaged just over 10 assists per game. Simmons is always looking to get his teammates involved and should have no problem getting double digits in assists. Suggested Bet: Ben Simmons Assists 10+ $4.00 Chicago Bulls @ Washington Wizards Both sides enter this matchup without a win so far this season, but it is the Chicago Bulls who have looked like they are struggling a lot more. The Bulls have lost their three games to start the season by an average of 13 points and simply do not look like a good team this season. Zach LaVine is the only Allstar caliber player on the Bulls, and it is on him to turn things around for his already struggling side. Lavine started the season slow but is warming up and comes into this game on the back of a 33-point performance against Golden State. What makes LaVine so dangerous is his explosiveness, his first step is lighting fast making him extremely hard to stay in front of. Combined this speed with his ability to shoot lights out makes him a nightmare to defend. LaVine is a scoring machine and each year he adds more tools to his game which has allowed him to steadily increase his scoring average each season. Scoring 30+ on the Wizards should be no problem as there is not many good matchups for LaVine, he is too fast for a lot of the bigger wings but too big for any of the shorter guards. Suggested Bet: Zach LaVine 30+ Points @ $2.50* Market Market
Scott Embry’s Thursday Geraldton Preview February 17, 2026 RACE 1 JUST PETTY CASH won a barrier trial over 1000m at Belmont beating Heaven Specified (maiden and 3 year old 0MWLY victor) and was… Read More
Scott Embry’s Wednesday Belmont Preview February 17, 2026 RACE 1 YOU CAN CALL ME AL gets out to 2100m for the first time in his career which is a natural unknown, but hopefully… Read More
Glenn Ingram’s Wednesday Caulfield Preview February 16, 2026 RACE 1 SUNBURNT COUNTRY returned a gelding and ran above expectations in a sit/sprint at Seymour first-up when narrowly beaten, big gap to 3rd. From… Read More
Matt Young’s Tuesday Gloucester Park Preview February 16, 2026 Race 1 Some tricky races to work through with a lot of debutantes. MAGIC PLAYA (6) has run any time but has tracked the typical… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Tuesday Greyhound Best Bets February 16, 2026 MANDURAH Race 6 No. 5 Divot Has really hit his straps this fellow since he’s returned to Mandurah and has taken a real liking to… Read More
Matt Young’s Monday Pinjarra Preview February 16, 2026 Race 1 MAJESTIC GA GA (4) won well on Friday night and is on the quick backup, has plenty of early speed and looks likely… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Monday Greyhound Best Bets February 16, 2026 MANDURAH Race 6 No. 4 Osprey Wizard Aiming up for the hatrick, fresh off a nice victory in this company last start running a nippy… Read More
Scott Embry’s Sunday Ascot Preview February 13, 2026 RACE 1 BASSET HOUND drops into a maiden for the first time in his career and will no doubt have a big following. On debut… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview February 12, 2026 RACE 1 Racing at Eagle Farm on Saturday if we take the weather forecast into account will likely be run on a very wet surface…. Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview February 12, 2026 RACE 1 What a cracking day of racing we have to look forward to at Randwick on Saturday with the likes of Autumn Glow, Apocalyptic… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Pinjarra Preview February 12, 2026 RACE 1 PLATINUM SHOT steps into her highest graded race of her career as a 5 year old mare but since Holly Nottle has jumped… Read More
Glenn Ingram’s Saturday Flemington Preview February 12, 2026 RACE 1 HARD KICK has been impressive in all his jumpouts for Lindsay Park, the 2YO can hold a gallop and quicken off it and… Read More