Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets
The Nets and Boston face off again in Brooklyn to open a busy 14-game NBA Saturday card (all times AEST).
It come just two days after the Celtics won this matchup 121-110 in Boston as Kemba Walker returned from a neck injury, dropping a season-high 39 points with six 3-pointers, six boards, four assists and one steal.
The Nets were actually leading this one for the best part of three quarters behind strong shooting performances from Joe Harris and Garrett Temple, who had to stand up in Kyrie Irving’s (shoulder) absence. Irving is set to miss again.
Jarrett Allen racked up 17 points and 14 rebounds, but shot a wasteful 5-of-12 from the free-throw line. DeAndre Jordan (ankle) missed Thursday’s clash but is listed as probable for this one. Brooklyn had won four in a row prior to the loss in Boston.
Jaylen Brown was also strong for the C’s with 22 points and 10 rebounds and Jayson Tatum added 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The Celtics’ defence is the backbone of what they’re doing, with a 103.0 defensive rating ranking fifth in the NBA.
Tip: Boston to win @ $1.59.
Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns
The Mavs and Phoenix go head-to-head at the Talking Stick Resort Arena between two of the biggest Western Conference improvers this season.
Dallas are going as far as their rising star Luka Doncic will take them right now, with the 20-year old averaging a remarkable 30.1 points, 10 rebounds, 9.5 assists and 3.1 triples per game. Doncic’s assist numbers rank second in the NBA behind only LeBron James and the Slovenian stud is a legitimate MVP contender.
The Mavs sit fifth in West at 11-6 and were on a five-game win streak prior to getting rolled by the Clippers at home on Wednesday 114-99. The Clipper double-teamed Doncic and forced the ball out of his hands, with his teammates failing to step up.
After starting the season hot, Phoenix have fallen into a slump, losing five of their last six. Part of that may have been due to a heavy schedule last week where the Suns played five games.
Thursday’s 140-132 home loss to Washington was arguably their worst for the season and the lack of an interior presence has been an issue with Aron Baynes (hip flexor) and DeAndre Ayton (suspension) both sidelined. Baynes is probable for this one while Ayton is set to miss another nine games.
Devin Booker is having a strong season, averaging 24.9 points, 6.2 assists, 2.2 triples while shooting an impressive 51.7% from the field and 95.3% from the free-throw line.
Tip: Dallas to win @ $1.82.
Washington Wizards at LA Lakers (ESPN)
The Wizards and Lakers clash at Staples Centre in the standalone ESPN Saturday game.
Washington are coming off an impressive win in Phoenix where their offence was in full flight. Scott Brooks’ side leads the league in scoring at 119.4 points per game, but they’re 114.7 defensive rating ranks dead last. Thomas Bryant (23 points, nine rebounds) and Bradley Beal (35 points, four threes, six assists) led the way in the Suns win.
Despite sitting 6-10 for the season, the rebuilding Wizards are ninth in the East on the back of a respectful 4-6 record in their last 10 games.
The Lakers are running hot, sitting first in the West at 16-2 with the best record in the league. Thursday’s narrow 114-110 win in New Orleans marked their ninth-straight victory in Anthony Davis’ return to the Big Easy.
The star big man was dominant against his old side, tallying 41 points on 15-of-30 shooting with nine rebounds, three steals and a block. LeBron was also huge with 29 points and 11 assists.
Both Davis (shoulder) and LeBron (knee) suffered injury scares against the Pelicans but aren’t listed on the injury report for this one.
Tip: LA- 10.5 @ $1.82.
