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The Scout: Saturday NBA Tips

Posted on | Posted by The Scout

Sacramento Kings (12-15) @ Indiana Pacers (19-9)

Indiana are coming off a 105-102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, their fourth in a row, still with no sign of Victor Oladipo.

Sacramento have made their way to 8th spot in the West and have officially welcomed back point-guard De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley.

The Pacers continue to play great basketball, with solid contributions down the roster. They’re being led by Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis, with the latter coming off 26 points and 10 rebounds against the Lakers – albeit without Anthony Davis.

The Kings were disappointing in their last game, going down 102-110 against the Hornets, with both Fox and Bagley coming off the bench. I expect their starting lineup to be chopped and changed a lot over the next few weeks.

The Pacers have 12-3 record at home and should prove too strong (and too settled) for the transitioning Kings.

Suggested Bet: Indiana -5.5 (Line) @ $1.83*

Phoenix Suns (11-16) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (13-14)

The Thunder overcame a 24 point deficit to beat the Grizzlies midweek and have now won five of their last seven. Chris Paul and Dennis Schroder are playing well, combining for 97 points in two games.

Phoenix welcomed back Deandre Ayton (18 points and 12 rebounds against the Clippers) but have lost their last four games.

Danilo Gallinari (18 points per game) is back in the starting lineup for the Thunder, while the contributions keep coming from Gilgeous-Alexander (18 ppg) and Schroder (17 ppg).

The Suns’ early season form came with Aron Baynes at centre, and there’s an argument to be made that this team is better suited with him starting over Ayton.

The recent form of the Thunder (and Chris Paul) looks like it’s real and I think they take care of the Suns here at home.

Suggested Bet: Oklahoma City -4.5 (Line) @ $1.90*

Orlando Magic (12-16) @ Portland Trailblazers (12-16)

Orlando have lost five of their last six but remain 8th in the Eastern Conference

The Magic have been competitive despite their losses, and were leading for most of the game against Denver. Nikola Vucevic has returned well from injury with two 20 point outings in the last three games.

Portland’s recent record is misleading. Three wins from four games, but they came against the Knicks, Warriors and Suns.

Portland lack quality big men which is where the Magic are at their deepest with Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac all capable of exploiting an opponent like the Blazers.

I think Vucevic is set for a monster game against Hassan Whiteside and the Magic can take the W here on the road.

Suggested Bet: Orlando Win @ 2.35*

*Odds correct as at 11.25am, 20th December 2019.

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