Sports

The Scout: Thursday NBA Tips

Toronto Raptors @ Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City are playing out of their skin. 7th in the West, they’ve won eight of their last 10 and hold a record of 23-17.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a major part of the Thunder’s strong form. In just his second year, he is averaging 19.9 points per game and coming off and incredible 20 point, 20 rebound triple-double against the Timberwolves.

The Raptors’ struggles have gone under the radar, with the defending champions failing to win back to back games since December 23.

It’s hard to go past the Thunder against a Toronto outfit that will again be missing the seemingly all-important Fred VanVleet.

Suggested Bet: Oklahoma City 1-10 (Margin) @ $2.65*


Indiana Pacers @ Minnesota Timberwolves

The Pacers welcomed back Malcolm Brogdon last game with a 101-95 win over the 76ers. Meanwhile the Minnesota have lost three of four with Karl-Anthony Towns again expected to miss.

Indiana continue to play great team basketball with solid contributions down the roster. Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis combined for 26 rebounds (eight offensive) against the 76ers and should have their way in the paint, especially if there’s no KAT for Minnesota.

Despite their strong start to the season, the Timberwolves have fallen out of the playoff picture and trade rumours are circulating around several of their key players.

The Pacers have such a good system with Brogdon in the lineup and I think they will be winning big here on the road.

Suggested Bet: Indiana 11+ (Margin) @ $4*


Washington Wizards @ Chicago Bulls

The Washington Wizards have won three of their last five games and have also welcomed back Bradley Beal from injury.

Chicago are struggling! They’ve won just one of their last eight games but still find themselves ahead of five teams in the (awful) Eastern Conference.

This game looks be a shootout. Both teams have plenty of offensive weapons and not much to offer on the other end of the floor.

Washington’s Davis Bertans has returned well from injury, averaging 16 points in two games – all while on a minutes restriction.

For the Bulls, Zach LaVine is averaging 25 points per game for the season, and 32.5 in his last four! Expect this run to continue against a Washing outfit that gives up the most points in the NBA (119.9).

Suggested Bet: Over 227.5 (Game Total) @ $1.90*

*Odds correct as at 11.20am, 15th January 2020.

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