Boston Celtics @ Orlando Magic
The Magic sit 7th in the East with a record of 21-24. They often play to the level of their competition having had some fantastic wins and some shocking losses.
Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier are both averaging 19 points per game with Vucevic shooting 40% from three in his last 10 games.
The Celtics (4th in the East) travel to Orlando with injury concerns to Jayson Tatum (groin), Enes Kanter (thigh) and Jaylen Brown (ankle). Regardless of whether these players suit up, they will not be at full strength which is a concern against the big bodied Magic.
Orlando play their best basketball at home and already have the scalps of Eastern Conference rivals Philadelphia and Miami. The big worry for Boston all season has been their frontcourt which makes them vulnerable here to a Vucevic led Orlando side.
Suggested Bet: Orlando Win @ $1.86*
Memphis Grizzlies @ Detroit Pistons
Memphis had their seven game winning streak snapped and now find themselves out of the Western Conference top eight after back to back losses.
The young Grizzlies duo of Jaren Jackson Jr and Ja Morant has been great to watch with both players averaging 17 points per game.
Jackson Jr is your prototypical modern day big; one who can stretch the floor and protect the rim. He allows the Grizzlies to play at pace and has been a big part of their impressive season to date.
The Pistons on the other hand rank 23rd in pace, thanks largely to lumbering centre Andre Drummond, who is likely to return for this matchup.
Dillon Brooks (15ppg) is putting together a nice season while Jonas Valanciunas will be able to crash and bash with Drummond where required, allowing the skill of JJJ to come to the fore.
Suggested Bet: Memphis Win @ $2.08*
Denver Nuggets @ New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson if officially an NBA player! Now it’s ‘go time’ for the Pelicans who are still four games behind the 8th placed Spurs in the West.
Denver are another team with their share of injury concerns. Already missing Jamal Murray; there are doubts over Gary Harris, Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee and Michael Porter Jr.
New Orleans have already beaten Denver twice this season with Brandon Ingram going for 56 points across both games. At full strength, the Nuggets had no answer for Ingram who should have the opportunity to dominate again.
With the hype of Zion’s debut out of the way, I’m expecting to see a glimpse of the Pelican’s full potential here.
Suggested Bet: New Orleans 11+ (Margin) @ $ 3.60*
*Odds correct as at 12pm, 24th January 2020.
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