Indiana Pacers (12-9) at Milwaukee Bucks (12-8)
The Pacers are coming off an easy win over the Grizzles 134-116, which stopped a 2 game losing streak. Sabonis led the Pacers charge with 32 pts and 13 rebounds as the Memphis defence had no answers. Brogdon and Turner also added 45 points between them in the victory. But the key against the Bucks will be defending Giannis as they've struggled to contain Power Forwards in the last 2 weeks (25.5 ppg allowed).
Similarly, the Bucks 2 game losing streak ended after they thrashed Lillard's Trail Blazers 134-106. Jrue Holiday led the Bucks scoring with 22 pts and Portis also added 21 pts off the bench. The win was also much sweeter considering Giannis didn't need to dominate as he only played 26 minutes for 18 points.
Interestingly, both sides scored 134 points in their last outing and this could well be another high scoring affair. As such, the Over is 4-1 in both the Bucks and Pacers last 5 games. So back points and plenty of them in this matchup.
Stadium Record
The Bucks have won 4 of their last 5 at home. Meanwhile, the Pacers have a poor 1-7 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Bucks thrashed the Pacers last March, 119-100. Since 2018, the Bucks are 6-4 overall.
Best Bet
Phoenix Suns (11-8) at New Orleans Pelicans (7-12)
The Suns will aim for their 4th straight win as they head to New Orleans on Thursday. In their last 109-108 win over the Mavericks, Devin Booker was the star as he returns from injury. He nailed a late 3 to seal the victory and finished with 24 pts for the game. The Pelicans are a poor defence against Shooting Guards as they've allowed 29.1 points in the last 2 weeks so Booker should be good to go for another big outing. Veteran Chris Paul also comes off 34 pts against the Mavericks and will be important in this one.
After a massive upset over the Bucks, the Pelicans have fallen back into mediocrity with back to back losses against the Kings (118-109) and Rockets (126-112). With a poor defence, the Pelicans can't afford an off shooting night which has been the case in their last 2 losses. They're also missing Steven Adams at Centre and that hurts considering the Suns are a poor defence against Centres.
Considering the Suns beat the Pelicans by 25 pts in late December, it's hard to back an upset by the Pelicans here. Their defence should have plenty of problems with Booker and Paul. While also losing their last 2 at home. So can't see the Suns dropping this one as they look to move up the West standings.
Stadium Record
The Pelicans have lost 5 of their last 7 home games. The Suns are 2-2 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
The earlier season meeting saw the Suns smash the Pelicans 111-86. But since 2017, the Pelicans have a 6-4 head to head record.
Best Bet
Boston Celtics (11-8) at Sacramento Kings (9-11)
The Celtics kicked off their Western road-trip with a solid 111-107 victory over the Warriors. Despite 38 pts by Steph Curry and conceding 35 pts in the first quarter, the Celtics defence stood tall in the 2nd quarter as they allowed just 17 pts. Tatum also continued his good form with 27 pts and Grant Williams had one of his best games of the season with 15 pts off the bench. The Kings give up 23.7 ppg to Small Forwards so look for Tatum to lead the Celtics in scoring once again.
Meanwhile, the Kings are starting to find form after 4 wins in their last 5 and that includes a 1 point loss against the Heat. In their latest victory, Fox dominated the Pelicans with 38 pts in the Kings 118-109. After Curry put up 30+ on the Celtics, look for Fox to get the Kings over the line in this matchup.
In 3 of the last 4 meetings, the margin has been decided by under 3 points and as a result, we're expecting a close contest. With the Kings coming off some good wins in their last few games and the Celtics travelling on a back to back, we do like a Sacramento upset on their home court. The Under is also good play when it's available as it's saluted in all 5 matchups when the Celtics travel to this venue.
Stadium Record
The Kings are just 2-5 in their last 7 at home. The Celtics hold a 3-2 record at this venue since 2015.
Head to Head Record
Boston holds an 8-2 head to head record. However, the last 2 meetings have been decided by a single point.
Best Bet
