The Scout: Thursday NBA Best Bets
Portland Trail Blazers @ Cleveland Cavaliers
The Blazers (3-4) have lost two in a row on the road as they travel to the Cavaliers (4-4) who are coming off an impressive away win over the Hornets.
Cleveland have been an exciting revelation in the NBA as their unique young roster is working well together and they are already exceeding expectations. The Cavs have had wins over the Hawks, Nuggets and Clippers already this season, three teams that were in the playoffs last season.
What is unique about the Cavs is their height and length of their starting roster with Laurie Markkanen, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen all over 210cm tall. This size has troubled teams and with Markkanen and Mobley’s ability to stretch the floor, teams simply haven’t figured them out yet.
Portland have not hit their straps yet and are yet to win a game on the road and a lot of this can come down to poor shooting, particularly from their star Damian Lillard. Getting good looks against the Cavs is not going to be easy for Portland and will ultimately lose their fourth road game in a row.
Suggested Bet: Cavaliers Win @ $2.25*
Toronto Raptors @ Washington Wizards
The Raptors (5-3) are playing with purpose and have won four matches in a row while their opponent the Wizards (5-2) are also travelling well winning three out of their last four.
It’s a completely new look for the Wizards as the Russell Westbrook trade saw them gain Laker rejects Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell. The trio have flourished so far at their new home and the Wizards have a new lease on life with this new core.
Another addition the Wizards made in the offseason was acquiring the services of Spencer Dinwiddie who has been superb playing the starting point guard role. He is averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and is a perfect complement to Bradley Beal.
Toronto have won four in a row, but they have not beaten anyone of note only beating the Pacers twice, Knicks and Magic. Without Pascal Siakam, the Raptors relied on rookie Scottie Barnes to fill the void however he is also out in this match.
Bradley Beal and the Wizards will have too much firepower for a Raptors team that is extremely depleted in the power forward/centre position. This opens the door for Harrell and Kuzma to use their size to their advantage, I see the Wizards improving their record to 6-2.
Suggested Bet: Wizards -4 (Line) @ $1.91*
Charlotte Hornets @ Golden State Warriors
The Hornets (5-3) have had a positive start to the season but have struggled against highly rated opponents. The Warriors (5-1) are looking like they are building towards a championship as they sit equal first in the West.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are back to their best, with Curry taking care of the offensive end and Green defending with his patented ferocity. The support cast around these two stars are better than ever with Andrew Wiggins performing his role perfectly alongside the improved Jordan Poole.
Poole is the biggest revelation for the Warriors as he has blossomed into a legitimate threat from three-point range and a consistent scorer. This has transformed Golden States offense with added floor spacing, double team on Steph Curry will certainly see an open look from Poole or Wiggins.
With James Wiseman and Klay Thompson slowly getting closer to match fitness, the Warriors are developing perfectly towards the playoffs. Bringing back Andre Iguodala and the addition of Otto Porter Jr gives the Warriors much needed depth rounded out a fantastic roster.
Charlotte like to play fast and play downhill basketball with LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier attacking the basket. This gameplan is not suited when coming up against the Warriors as they will certainly outscore you, I see the Warriors getting a comfortable win here.
Suggested Bet: Warriors -6 (Line) @ $1.90*
*Odds correct as at 2pm, 3rd November 2021.
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