Toronto Raptors (9-12) at Brooklyn Nets (14-9)
At 9-12, the Raptors are just outside the top 8 in the East so this is an important matchup against the 3rd seeded Nets. Toronto will be coming off back to back wins over the Magic, which included a franchise points scoring record by Fred Vanfleet. In their latest 123-108 victory, VanFleet was on fire as he put up 54 points and nailed 11 threes! The Nets aren't known for their defence so look for VanFleet to continue his shooting form on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Nets big three are starting to gel together as they come off a huge 124-120 victory over the Clippers. Kyrie finished with a game high 39 pts and Harden collected another triple-double, highlighted by 14 assists. However, they will have a tough defensive matchup against the Raptors, a team that doesn't allow a huge amount of points to guards.
Don't mind the Raptors at the line in this contest based on a few factors. Firstly, they have a great record against the Nets, especially on the road. Their defence is also good enough to stop the Nets trio of Irving, Durant and Harden. Meanwhile, the Raptors big man combination of Siakam, Boucher and Baynes have a great matchup against the undersized Nets front court.
Stadium Record
Brooklyn is undefeated in their last 5 home games. The Raptors have won 10 of their last 12 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Since 2019, the Raptors have dominated this matchup with a 9-1 record and they beat the Nets 3-1 in last year's playoffs.
Best Bet
Utah Jazz (17-5) at Charlotte Hornets (10-12)
The Jazz will look for their 3rd straight victory on Saturday morning as they meet the Hornets. Utah will be coming off a back to back after thrashing the undermanned Hawks 112-91 in Atlanta. Clarkson continued his stellar season off the Jazz bench with a game high 23 points and the Jazz were too good defensively as usual. They currently lead the West with 17 wins and own the best record in the NBA at the moment.
The Hornets 3 game winning streak ended last time out as they went down to the 76ers 118-111. A 30-13 deficit in the first quarter didn't help their cause but the team will be happy with their second half efforts after outscoring them 69-54. Terry Rozier is questionable again with injury and LaMelo Ball has been starting in his place. So that's something to monitor before tip-off.
Tough matchup at home for the Hornets and we can't back against the Jazz at the moment. They have a great defence, especially against point guards which should hurt Charlotte's offence. Meanwhile, the Jazz are 5-1 ATS on the road and come off 2 big wins in a row.
Stadium Record
The Hornets are 5-6 at home this season. The Jazz have a 2-4 record in their last 6 games here.
Head to Head Record
The Jazz won the last meeting 109-92 and hold a 7-3 record in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Boston Celtics (11-9) at Los Angeles Clippers (17-6)
Boston will look to get back on track after 3 losses in their last 4 games as they meet the Clippers at Staples. The Celtics were without Walker and Smart as they went down to the Kings 116-111 last time out. Tatum led the way as usual with 27 points but didn't have his best shooting night (11 of 26 FGs & 2 of 10 3PTs). However, Walker should return for this clash and he gets a good matchup against the Clippers weak defence against point guards.
Meanwhile, the Clippers responded from a 4 point loss against the Nets by smashing the Cavs 121-99. Paul George had one of his best games of the season with 36 points and that included 8 threes. Leonard also added 24 points in another solid performance by the Clippers superstar. At this stage, the Clippers have no other injury news to report other than Beverley's continued struggles with a knee.
The Celtics are battling injuries at the moment and don't have a great record against the Clippers at Staples. So we'll be looking for the Clippers to get the job done and Paul George should be the key. He's coming off 36 points against the Cavs and has beaten 25+ pts in 4 of his last 6 games.
Stadium Record
The Clippers are 5-0 at home and 8-2 overall this season. Boston has a 1-7 record against LA at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last meeting, the Celtics won a high scoring affair 141-133. But since 2016, the Clippers have won the majority of meetings played at this venue.
Best Bet
