Sports

The Scout: Wednesday NBA Best Bets

LA Clippers @ Brooklyn Nets

This must-watch clash sees as the Nets (13-9) host the Clippers (16-4) in what wouldn’t be an out-of-place NBA Finals matchup.

Brooklyn are still trying to piece together this roster. They’re scoring as expected for a team boasting KD, Kyrie and James Harden, but still have a lot to figure out.

The Nets have been awful defensively but there might not be a lot of concern on that end of the floor if their strategy is to trade blows with teams, and see who can keep up. (Not many)

Kevin Durant is back to the KD of old going for 30 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists per game and is an early contender for MVP. This is his team and his teammates (Kyrie?) seem to be in agreeance on that.

Durant is on a tear, scoring 30 or more in six of his last seven games. Despite the presence of Paul George and Kawhi, I think KD looks to make a statement here after the Washington debacle.

Suggested Bet: Kevin Durant 35+ Points @ $5*


Portland Trail Blazers @ Washington Wizards

The struggling Wizards (4-12) shocked everyone (including themselves) with a 149-146 win over Brooklyn last game, while Portland (without CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic) are just one day removed from a 28 point loss to the Bucks.

Russell Westbrook defied his critics with a vintage 41 point performance in the win over the Nets, including the game-winning three in the dying seconds.

Russ’ combination with Bradley Beal has its lurks, but Beal is still averaging 35 points per game; the most of any player in the league.

With neither of these teams very interested in defense, I see this being a high scoring back and forth contest. The Blazers have looked tired of late (including Dame Lillard) and I think they come up short against the frisky Wizards.

Suggested Bet: Washington 1-10 (Margin) @ $2.90*


Boston Celtics @ Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors (11-9) have won three of their last four games while Boston (10-8) have lost five of their last seven, and have been particularly bad defensively.

Golden State’s offensive load lies with Steph Curry, and he is relishing that, averaging 27 points per game while shooting 40% from deep.

Marcus Smart is missing with injury which is big for Boston and Curry. Smart is so often referred to as the heart and soul of this Celtics side and the lack of what he brings to the table has been telling.

The Warriors are still such a resilient team and have enough weapons on the floor to match it with any team on a given night. I think it’ll be their night given the suspect Boston defense.

Suggested Bet: Golden State (Head to Head) @ $2.20*

*Odds correct as at 3pm, 2nd February 2020.

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