New Orleans Pelicans (11-13) at Dallas Mavericks (12-14)
The Pelicans 4 game winning streak ended against the Bulls on Thursday as they went down 129-116. As a result, this is an important matchup against a team that's also looking for a top 8 spot in the West. The key for the Pelicans will mostly be their defence against the likes of Doncic. LaVine and White of the Bulls combined for 76 pts in their win over New Orleans so Doncic could put up similar numbers. While on offence, Ball and Bledisoe have a favourable matchup against Dallas' defence.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks have turned things around in this home stand with 3 straight victories. Last time out, they rallied against the Hawks thanks to a 37 point 4th quarter and Doncic top scored with 28 pts. He should be able to dominate this Pelicans defence as well. Porzingis had a quiet game for his standards and will have another challenge against Zion/Adams.
In the Mavericks last 2 home games against the Pelicans, they're averaging 128.5 pts and New Orleans defence hasn't really improved at the moment, highlighted by their last performance in allowing 129 pts to the Bulls. So we'll be backing Doncic to lead the Mavericks to their 4th straight victory.
Stadium Record
The Mavericks are 5-7 at home this season but they have won 3 straight on their home court. The Pelicans are 2-3 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In 2020, the Mavericks held on for a 127-123 victory. Since 2018, the head to head is split at 5-5.
Best Bet
Milwaukee Bucks (16-9) at Utah Jazz (20-5)
The Bucks road-trip continues to Utah on Saturday and they'll be eager to avenge a heartbreaking 1 point loss against the Suns last time out. In a tough defensive matchup, Antetokounmpo stood up as usual with a mammoth 47 pts. However, the likes of Middleton and DiVincenzo struggled to put up points. It likely won't get any easier against one of the best defences in the NBA.
The Jazz continue to play at a high level after 5 straight wins and they're coming off a comfortable 122-108 win over the Celtics. Donovan Mitchell took over the contest with 36 pts and 9 assists as he takes on more of the offence while Conley is out injured. The Jazz are 10-0 on their home court so they'll be very confident in taking down the Bucks here.
A great matchup here between two of the best teams in the NBA. The key to this game is Antetokounmpo up against the Jazz defence because without Jrue Holiday, the Bucks will likely struggle without him in tougher defensive matchups. Considering the Jazz have won their last 10 at home, they're very hard to back against at the moment. Especially with Donovan Mitchell firing and the Bucks struggled to contain Devin Booker in their latest game. Jazz to win at home.
Stadium Record
Utah has won 10 of 12 at home this season, which includes a 10 game winning streak. The Bucks hold a poor 3-10 record in Utah.
Head to Head Record
These two sides have met this season with the Jazz winning 131-118 on the road. Since 2016, the Jazz also hold a 7-3 advantage.
Best Bet
Memphis Grizzlies (10-10) at Los Angeles Lakers (20-6)
The 2nd seeded Lakers have won their last 6 games but it hasn't been overly convincing. Which is highlighted by the fact that they've played in 3 straight OT games against the Thunder (twice) and Pistons. Anthony Davis has also missed the last 2 games with injury and will likely be a game-time decision again. If he does play, Davis will have a nice matchup against the Grizzlies and the same can be said for LeBron.
After 4 straight defeats, the Grizzlies got back on track with an important 130-114 home win over the Hornets. It was a real team effort as all 5 starters played their role and they'll need a similar effort against the Lakers. Ja Morant should enjoy a favourable matchup against LA as they struggle to stop opposing point guards and he comes off 15 pts / 11 assists against Charlotte.
The Grizzlies pushed the Lakers all the way in their last meeting (94-92) and that was without Ja Morant. Anthony Davis is also struggling with injury and the Lakers have been inconsistent without him against the Thunder. So we like the Grizzlies to cover as a result and they've also covered in 5 of their last 7 road games.
Stadium Record
The Lakers are 6-1 in their last 7 home games. The Grizzlies are 2-6 at this venue against the Lakers.
Head to Head Record
The Lakers have won both meetings this season in January and hold a 7-3 head to head record since 2018.
Best Bet
