The Scout: Saturday NBA Best Bets Posted on January 8, 2021January 8, 2021 | Posted by The Scout Phoenix Suns @ Detroit Pistons The Phoenix Suns (6-2) have flourished under the guidance of Chris Paul who has brought veteran leadership and experience to their young core. Mikal Bridges is a Most Improved Player candidate, Jae Crowder has brought everything we’ve come to expect from him, and Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton are young studs. The Suns are allowing just 102 points per game (fewest in the NBA) with seven players averaging double digit points. Offensively they have been incredibly balanced. Detroit (1-7) are last in the East with Jerami Grant and Josh Jackson their two leading scorers. At this stage, the less said about the Pistons the better. Suggested Bet: Phoenix 11+ (Margin) @ $2.65* Washington Wizards @ Boston Celtics As has been the case for some time now, Washington have shown they are capable of scoring in huge numbers, but have not shown the same ability to defend. Their recent 136-141 loss to Philly a prime example. Bradley Beal leads the league in scoring after his 60 point outburst against the Sixers, while Russell Westbrook is second in assists at 11.8 per game. The Wizards are averaging 120 points per game (2nd in the NBA) but are also giving up 122; more than any other team in the league. Boston’s Jaylen Brown has elevated himself into the star category of offensive players in the league. Both he and Jayson Tatum are averaging 26 points per game and the Wizards don’t have much on their wings to throw at them. Washington are going to get their points (as they always do) but this looks a nightmare matchup for them defensively. The Game Total over looks like it could be a staple bet anytime Washington are involved. Suggested Bet: Over (Game Total) Orlando Magic @ Houston Rockets Orlando (6-2) are off to a hot start but a torn ACL for Markelle Fultz leaves them without their starting point guard. Houston (2-4) have lost back-to-back games but this roster is still taking shape, and there have been promising signs from John Wall and Christian Wood, who is on track for Most Improved honours. James Harden should continue to improve as he plays himself into full fitness. The former MVP is averaging 29 points and 11 assists and could be set for another big game here. No Fultz means the Magic are set for a big adjustment period. Playmaking duties will now fall heavily to Michael Carter-Williams and possibly rookie, Cole Anthony. Neither fill me with great confidence here. Suggested Bet: Houston -5.5 (Line) @ $1.90* *Odds correct as at 9am, 8th January 2021. Market Market
Will Ka Ying Be the King Of The Everest? October 10, 2025 Whilst Group One racing continues this weekend in Melbourne with the running of the Caulfield Guineas; it’s the 20 million-dollar Everest in Sydney in just… Read More
Glenn Ingram’s Saturday Caulfield Preview October 10, 2025 RACE 1 MR VERSE failed to handle the step up to 2000m after a scintillating win at Sandown over the mile, back in trip suits… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Ascot Preview October 9, 2025 RACE 1 TEXAN DREAM looks jump and run and when you consider that Luke Fernie won this race last year with Capitola off the same… Read More
Royally high expectations for Autumn King October 9, 2025 As Sydney’s Spring Carnival hits full stride, anticipation builds for the next chapter in a remarkable racing dynasty. Autumn King, the well-bred colt by The… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Rosehill Preview October 9, 2025 Race 1 We race at Rosehill on Saturday where the track will be good. Another strong card with plenty of Group racing to get through…. Read More
Waller goes for fourth Caulfield Guineas with Wodeton and Autumn Boy October 9, 2025 Champion trainer Chris Waller is no stranger to Caulfield Guineas glory. With three wins already under his belt – Press Statement (2015), The Autumn Sun… Read More
There Can Only Be One In The Toorak Handicap October 9, 2025 The Group 1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated mile races of the Spring Carnival – not… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview October 9, 2025 RACE 1 Racing in Brisbane on Saturday comes from Eagle Farm where the track will be rated good. We get underway with the running of… Read More
Great Greys October 9, 2025 Shayne Train Williams Mandurah Thursday 7-1 Tinsel Doll 8-5 Pat Card 9-5 Miss Money Jaycin Campbell Q2 Parklands Thursday 4-2 Proper Star 7-1 Savanna Beach… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Friday Greyhound Best Bets October 9, 2025 MANDURAH Race 7 No. 1 Aston Florin Another one of these Aston dogs who we have seen really do well here in the west, led… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Leonora Preview October 9, 2025 RACE 1 ELSUENO should be too classy for these in a Class B Trophy Race. He finished in the money at four consecutive C2 assignments… Read More
Trent Cooper’s Gloucester Park Preview October 9, 2025 Race 1 LINCOLN LOU (2) chased home Cyclone Jordy before finishing at the tail in a race dominated up front here last week. He gets… Read More