Sports

The Scout: Wednesday NBA Best Bets

Charlotte Hornets @ Washington Wizards

Two in-form teams with the Hornets (23-22) having won three of their last four games and the Wizards (17-28) looking for their third straight win.

A season ending injury to LaMelo Ball is devastating for the rookie, but the Hornets are lucky to have an adequate replacement with Devonte’ Graham inserted straight back into the starting lineup.

With Ball out of the picture, Graham will see a spike in minutes and he is already playing with the green light to shoot as much as he likes. This was fully evident in his last game against Phoenix where he dropped 30 points with 7 made triples.

The Wizards have the worst defense in the league and allow 119 points per game, the most out of any team. Graham will have no problem getting to his spots and should be in line for another big game.

Suggested Bet: Devonte’ Graham 25+ Points @ $5.25*


Philadelphia 76ers @ Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets (28-18) are looking for three straight wins while the 76ers (32-14) have won four of their last five, still without Joel Embiid.

Nikola Jokic is now the outright favourite to win the MVP award, and rightfully so. The superstar centre can score whenever (and from wherever) he likes, and makes everyone on his team better with his passing ability.

Denver are building, and are a legitimate championship contender. They’ve bolstered their roster with the addition of Aaron Gordon who gives Jokic an athletic frontcourt running mate and constant lob-threat.

Without Embiid, the 76ers will struggle to keep Jokic off the glass and this again looks a nice opportunity for him to notch another triple-double.

Suggested Bet: Nikola Jokic Triple-Double @ $4*


Atlanta Hawks @ Phoenix Suns

Things are starting to fall in place for Atlanta (23-23) who have won just one of four, but that being off the back of an eight game winning streak.

Phoenix (31-14) continue to prove that they are legitimate title contenders, with Chris Paul at the helm, they are currently 2nd in the West.

What makes the Suns so good is players like Mikael Bridges, Jae Crowder and Chris Paul who are all (at least) capable offensive players and excellent defenders. The Suns allow only 107 points game, the third fewest in the NBA.

Atlanta’s future looks bright, but they have shown enough signs that they aren’t ready to take the leap this season. Chris Paul will be all over Trae Young who gave up seven turnovers in the Hawks’ 24 point loss to Denver just two days ago.

Suggested Bet: Phoenix 11+ (Margin) @ $2.65*

*Odds correct as at 4pm, 30th March 2021.

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