Cleveland Cavaliers (13-11) at Milwaukee Bucks (15-9)
With Collin Sexton sidelined for the season, Darius Garland has stepped up his game. In his last 2 games alone, he's averaging 31.5 points, 7.5 assists and he's shooting 61% percent. So he'll look to continue his red-hot form against the injury riddled Bucks. While the Cavaliers 4 game winning streak came to end against the Jazz, they wouldn't be too disappointed with a 1 point loss against one of the best teams in the West and that should give them confidence in this one.
The injury bug has hit the Bucks again as Giannis Antetokounmpo has missed the last few games with a calf issue. His status for this game is something to monitor before tip-off. However, Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton stood up against the Heat in their 22 point win on Sunday. Connaughton finished with 23 points and Bortis recorded his 8th double-double of the season. So if Giannis can't suit up, the duo will be important against the Cavs as well.
This matchup depends on the injury status of Giannis. At this stage, we don't see him playing or he'll be on a minutes restriction. So that should give the improved Cavaliers a good shot of keeping this one close.
Stadium Record
The Bucks are 5-0 in their last 5 home games. Cleveland has lost their last 5 in Milwaukee.
Head to Head Record
Milwaukee has dominated the Cavs with 9 wins in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Cleveland Cavaliers +8.5 = $1.82
Atlanta Hawks (12-12) at Minnesota Timberwolves (11-12)
The Hawks will be coming off a disappointing run of 3 losses in their last 4 and that includes a 3 point loss to the undermanned Hornets on Monday. The main area of concern is their defence after allowing 17 three-pointers against Charlotte and they'll need to improve against the T-Wolves. However, Trae Young seems to be fine after a recent knee issue as he's coming off 25 pts / 15 assists. John Collins is also in great form having scored 31 pts on Monday and has scored 10+ in his last 12 outings.
Minnesota are back at home on Tuesday and they'll be hoping to rebound from a tough 2 game road trip. They lost both games and that included a 5 point loss against the Nets. However, they were missing Karl-Anthony Towns to injury. The positive for the Timberwolves has been their home form as they've won their last 5 in Minnesota and should be confident against an inconsistent Hawks unit.
The Hawks have a few injury issues and their form is wildly inconsistent, especially after losing to the Covid-hit Hornets. Whereas, the Timberwolves have been strong at home and should be able to take advantage of the Hawks lacking defence.
Stadium Record
The Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. Atlanta holds a 10-4-1 ATS record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Atlanta has won the last 3 meetings and hold a 6-4 record since 2016.
Best Bet
Minnesota Timberwolves -1.5 = $1.92
LA Clippers (12-12) at Portland Trail Blazers (11-13)
The Clippers will be looking for consistent performances after back to back interesting results. While they beat the Lakers by 4 in the LA Derby, they followed up with a 5 point loss against the struggling Kings. However, the Clippers have a nice record against the Trail Blazers and should be looking at how the Celtics dismantled them a few days ago.
Without Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers were listless against the Celtics on Sunday as they were defeated 145-117 on home court. Generally, they have been a tough team to beat at home this season so the team should be eager to rebound against the Clippers. However, a growing injury list is starting to become concerning. Especially with CJ McCollum suffering a rib injury on Sunday. Lillard has already been ruled out along with Simons.
Los Angeles look a stronger play in this matchup considering their excellent record against Portland. The Trail Blazers also have plenty of injury problems and just got smashed by Boston in their last home game.
Stadium Record
The Trail Blazers are 10-2 in their last 12 home games. Los Angeles holds a 2-4 ATS record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Clippers won the first meeting of the season, 117-109. They've also won 8 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
