New York Knicks (20-19) at Brooklyn Nets (26-13)
After a no contest against the Bucks in a 134-101 loss, the Knicks were fired up against the Thunder and came away with a 119-97 victory. Randle recorded a triple-double after a quiet game against the Bucks and he should be the key in this matchup against the Nets as well. The Knicks are missing Rose and Robinson as well as possibly Quickley and Payton. So Randle will need to take over the offence and he does have a favourable matchup against the undersized Nets.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn look like they're cruising towards the #1 seed in the East after 9 wins in their last 10. They were challenged by the Pistons last time out (100-95) but the likes of Harden and Irving will be pumped up for a primetime game against their cross-town rivals. Harden comes off a triple-double and with Durant still injured, he'll continue to lead the offence.
With the Knicks missing a few key players to injury, the Nets will be tough to beat and the Beard is worth a look for a triple-double. Harden comes off 10 rebounds in 3 straight games, 10+ pts is no real question and he's posted 10+ assists in 3 of his last 4 games.
Stadium Record
Brooklyn has been dominant at home recently with 11 wins in their last 13. The Knicks are 4-8 at this venue but have covered in 5 of the last 6.
Head to Head Record
The Nets won the earlier season meeting 116-109 and have won 6 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
James Harden Triple Double $2.60
Los Angeles Clippers (25-15) at Dallas Mavericks (20-17)
The Clippers will aim to stop a 4 game losing streak on the road as they meet the Mavericks in Dallas. However, Los Angeles's defensive struggles are concerning. They gave up 135 pts against the Pelicans on Monday and Doncic will be a handful.
The Mavericks are playing with confidence at the moment after 7 wins in their last 10 and crushed the Nuggets in Denver last time out (116-103). Porzingis, Doncic and Richardson all scored 20+ pts and the trio will be the key against Los Angeles' struggling defence. Especially Doncic as the Clippers have given up big numbers to point guards.
Dallas look excellent value as home underdogs against an LA team that is struggling to win games on the road. Take on the home team here.
Stadium Record
Dallas has won 8 of their last 9 home games. The Clippers are 5-1 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the earlier season meeting, the Mavericks absolutely smashed the Clippers 124-73.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Lakers (25-13) at Golden State Warriors (20-19)
The Lakers kicked off the season half of the season with a 105-100 win over the Pacers as their bench combination of Kuzma and Harrell dominated. Kuzma in particular finished with 24 pts and 13 rebounds. With Anthony Davis remaining out with injury, the pair will be the key against the Warriors, a team that struggles to contain points and rebounds against centres.
While the Warriors have fallen out of the playoff standings in the West, a 131-119 win over the Jazz last time out could be the kickstarter. Curry posted 32 pts and Wiggins provided excellent support with 28 pts. So if the Warriors can stop the Lakers around the rim, they're good value for an upset on their home court.
We're expecting a tough primetime matchup in this clash and the trend between these two teams has been the Under. It's 4-1 when the Lakers play at this venue and the Under also has a very nice 17-4 record in the Lakers last 21 road games.
Stadium Record
The Warriors are 5-1 in their last 6 home games. Los Angeles has a poor 3-12 road record against Golden State.
Head to Head Record
The Lakers easily won the first meeting of the season 117-91.
Best Bet
