Milwaukee Bucks (18-10) at Boston Celtics (13-14)
The defending champs have won 4 of their last 5 games and come off a 112-97 thrashing over the Knicks. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the major reason behind the Bucks form as usual. He comes off his first triple-double of the season against the Knicks and has hit the 40 point mark in 2 of his last 5 games. So look for him to continue that form against the struggling Celtics.
Boston returns to TD Garden on Tuesday after a less than successful Western road trip. They lost 4 of 5 games and come off a 21 point loss in Phoenix. However, Jaylen Brown is expected to return from a hamstring issue that has plagued him for most of the season. They should also get Marcus Smart back from illness. Meanwhile, they'll need their best defensive effort against the in-form Giannis as he's in superb form.
Boston comes back from a tough road trip and despite playing at home against the Bucks, Milwaukee just looks too strong in this matchup. Giannis Antetokounmpo also missed the first meeting of the season and he looks in MVP form at the moment. So the Bucks look good value as a road underdog.
Stadium Record
Boston has won 6 of their last 7 home games. The Bucks have a poor 3-9 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Celtics won the first meeting of the season 122-113. But the Bucks have won 6 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Philadelphia 76ers (15-12) at Memphis Grizzlies (16-11)
The 76ers head to Memphis after a huge win over the Warriors on their home court. Thybulle produced a great defensive effort against Steph Curry and Joel Embiid dominated the second half on his way to 26 pts / 9 rebounds. This should be another tough matchup against the in-form Grizzlies. But Embiid should enjoy a favourable matchup against their banged up front court.
Memphis will be looking for their 3rd straight win on Tuesday and despite missing Ja Morant, they've won 7 of 8 games without him. Dillon Brooks led the way in their recent win over the Rockets with 25 pts and they also overcame the loss of Jaren Jackson Jr. There's more injury worries with Steven Adams spraining his ankle against the Rockets and he'll be questionable for this one.
The major question in this matchup is how the Grizzlies can continue to overcome a growing injury list. We believe it will hurt them against the confident 76ers as they just knocked off the Warriors. Joel Embiid will have a great matchup in this contest and should lead them to victory.
Stadium Record
The Grizzlies are 4-1 in their last 5 home games. Philadelphia has lost their last 5 games in Memphis.
Head to Head Record
Memphis beat the 76ers 116-100 in April and have won 7 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Philadelphia 76ers -2.5 = $1.89
Phoenix Suns (21-4) at Los Angeles Clippers (15-12)
After the Suns 18 game winning streak ended against the Warriors, the Suns have got back on their winning ways in their last 2 games. Their defence was excellent as usual against the Celtics on Saturday as they conceded just 90 points in a 21 point win. They'll still be missing Devin Booker with a hamstring injury but Ayton should be able to return after missing the win over Boston. JaVale McGee enjoyed more playing time with Ayton sidelined as he collected 15 boards and 21 pts against the Celtics. So they'll have confidence in McGee going forwards.
The Clippers have won their last 3 games despite missing Paul George to an elbow injury. However, it's unlikely he'll play against the Suns and they'll miss his production against a tough Suns defence. So they'll look to lean on Reggie Jackson and he's coming off 25 pts in the win over the Magic. Terance Mann enjoyed more playing time without George and he comes off 16 pts in his latest outing as well.
There's no Paul George for the Clippers and that will hurt them against the red-hot Suns. The Clippers struggled to put away the lowly Magic without him and we can't see them troubling the Suns.
Stadium Record
The Clippers have won 10 of their last 15 at home. Phoenix holds a poor 3-14 road record against LA.
Head to Head Record
On their way to the NBA Finals last season, the Suns beat the Clippers in 6 games (4-2).
Best Bet
