Brooklyn Nets @ LA Lakers
A possible NBA Finals mini-preview sees the Brooklyn Nets (18-12) head to LA to take on the AD-less Lakers (22-7).
AD is out until at least the middle of March so we’ll get to see LeBron James carry even more of a load for the defending champions. Despite being without his running mate, there’s no doubt LeBron had this game highlighted as soon as fixtures were released.
When the Nets’ offense is rolling it is downright scary. There’s nothing any team in the league can do if their big three of KD, Harden and Irving are all on song.
The flipside is their defense, which has at times been embarrassing. In their last three games, despite winning, Brooklyn have allowed 122 points per game. That sums this team up to a tee.
LeBron has a nice little crew playing alongside him with Dennis Schroder and Kyle Kuzma in particular playing the best basketball of their respective careers.
All in all I’m siding with the best player in the world to dictate the pace of this game late, a game he’ll be desperate to win.
Suggested Bet: Los Angeles 1-10 (Margin) @ $2.85*
Miami Heat @ Sacramento Kings
The Miami Heat (11-17) are all at sea having lost two straight while Sacramento were on a roll before losing their last four.
Consistency has been a challenge for many teams this season with COVID-19 restrictions and a condensed fixture. The Kings have largely escaped any drama with their starting five being consistent throughout the season.
De’Aaron Fox is having a career season averaging 23 points and 6 assists per game. Fox’s speed makes him a nightmare to guard.
In his last eight games Fox has hit 30 points on four occasions including exactly 30 in just over 31 minutes against the Heat at the end of January.
Miami are missing both Goran Dragic and Avery Bradley and I think they’ll again struggle to contain Fox here.
Suggested Bet: De’Aaron Fox 30+ Points @ $3*
*Odds correct as at 3pm, 18th February 2021.
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