Memphis Grizzlies at Houston Rockets (ESPN)
The Grizzlies and Rockets open up ESPN’s NBA Thursday double-header at Toyota Centre (all times AEST).
Houston have won four in a row to push up into the West’s fourth seed, sitting 37-20 overall. Most recently, the Rockets defeated the Knicks on Tuesday 123-112 behind a game-high 37 points from James Harden. The star guard added six rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
Russell Westbrook (thumb) missed the New York clash but will be available for this one.
The Griz have lost three in a row coming out of the All-Star break to hold a 28-29 record, sitting 2.5 games ahead of the ninth-placed Trail Blazers. Memphis were smashed by the Clippers 124-97 on Tuesday and must get back to what they were doing in the first half of the season to secure a playoff spot.
Ja Morant remains the frontrunner for Rookie off the Year, averaging 18.2 points and 5.8 assists per game.
These teams are 1-1 against each other this season, with both clashes held in Memphis.
Tip: Houston ton win @ $1.18.
Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs
The Mavs are Spurs face off in a division rival matchup in Texas.
Dallas have got their two stars – Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis back from injury and could make a charge at a top four seed in the back end of the season. They are currently sitting seventh at 35-23.
Most recently, Rick Carlisle’s team blew out the Timberwolves 139-123 on Wednesday behind a team-high 23 points from Tim Hardaway, in a game were Doncic and Porzingis were rested down the stretch.
San Antonio are not out of the playoff race yet but can’t afford to drop too many games down the stretch. They are sitting 11th in the West and trailing the Grizzlies by 3.5 games.
Gregg Popovich’s team have won two of their last three, including road wins over the Thunder and Jazz.
The Mavs are 2-0 against the Spurs this season.
Tip: Dallas to win @ $1.52
Boston Celtics at Utah Jazz (ESPN)
The Celtics and Jazz close out the ESPN double-header at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
Boston are one of the form teams of the league, having won 9 of their last 11 games. Kemba Walker has missed the last two games with a sore knee and is unlikely to play here, but Jayson Tatum’s emergence has more than covered the loss.
Tatum has averaged an impressive 28.7 points, 3.8 triples, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks over the last month. The C’s are sitting third in the East with a 39-17 record but will be on the second half of a back-to-back.
The Jazz ‘s roller coaster season has continued, having lost their last three. Their recent slump has seen the Rockets overtaken them in the fourth seed, and if Utah don’t figure it out quick, could slide even further.
Utah are 36-21 on the season and 20-8 at home and will look to take advantage of a Celts team coming off a trip from Portland.
Tip: Utah to win @ $1.48
