The Scout: Saturday NBA Best Bets

Posted on January 22, 2021January 22, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Houston Rockets @ Detroit Pistons

The Harden-less Rockets (4-9) have lost three straight while Detroit (3-11) gave up a double-digit lead to Atlanta in their last game, and now reside at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Houston’s offense has understandably taken a hit, but the addition of Victor Oladipo (27ppg last two games) could be a silver lining on the Harden exit.

Oladipo is a solid ball handler, can run the pick-and-roll, slash to the rim, and must also be respected from deep (4/9 3pm against the Bulls two games ago).

Most Improved favourite Christian Wood is averaging 23 and 10 and there’s a feeling throughout this roster of having something to prove and something to play for.

Suggested Bet: Houston (Head to Head) @ $2.40*

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Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers

The Celtics (8-5) have lost two games in a row and are without Jayson Tatum, while Philadelphia (10-5) have played their way to the number one spot in the East.

The success of the 76ers has been largely thanks to the dominant play of Joel Embiid, who is an early (and legitimate) candidate for MVP.

Embiid is averaging 26 points and 11 rebounds on 54% shooting, and is playing with a level of engagement and consistency that he has teased since entering the league.

In his last 10 games Embiid has gone past 30 points on three occasions (two of those being 40+) including a 42 point outburst against Boston just two days ago.

Boston has been light-on in their front court for some time now and Embiid has always been the concern when these teams meet.  The penny looks to have dropped, and I’m expecting another big showing from the big man.

Suggested Bet: Joel Embiid 30+ Points @ $2.50*

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Denver Nuggets @ Phoenix Suns

Denver (7-7) look to be slowly building some momentum after a slow start to the season, while Phoenix (8-5) are looking every bit a playoff team in the stacked Western Conference.

The Nuggets continue to run their offense through centre Nikola Jokic, who  is averaging 25 points, 11 boards and 10 assists. He comes up against Deandre Ayton in this matchup and should be eyeing a dominant performance.

While Jamal Murray hasn’t lived up to his standard set in the bubble last season, he is starting to show glimpses of his best, including a 30 point game against Utah earlier in the week.

Taking nothing away from Phoenix, if Jokic and Murray play near their best in this matchup, I think they create a range of headaches for the Suns.

Suggested Bet: Denver (Head to Head) @ $1.98*

*Odds correct as at 12pm, 22nd January 2021.

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