Sports

The Scout: NBA Best Bets

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