Milwaukee Bucks (27-18) at Atlanta Hawks (17-25)
The Bucks continued their struggles on Sunday with a 103-96 loss against the Raptors and they've now lost 3 of their last 4 games. However, they do have a good record over the Hawks with 16 wins in the last 21 meetings, including last season's playoff series victory. One of the issues at the moment is an ankle injury for Jrue Holiday but he could return in this matchup.
Atlanta will be aiming to end a 5 game losing streak when they meet the Bucks at home for MLK Day. Their home form has been concerning with 5 straight defeats on their home court so they'll be looking for an improved performance in this matchup. Injuries haven't helped their cause and they'll continue to be without Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic. However, Onyeka Okongwu has enjoyed the extra playing time at the centre position.
With the Hawks missing key players in their starting lineup, the defending champion Bucks should comfortably cover the line in this one. They have dominated the Hawks in recent times and Giannis will enjoy facing their inexperienced frontcourt without Capela.
Stadium Record
The Hawks have lost their last 5 at home. The Bucks are 3-3 in Atlanta since early 2021.
Head to Head Record
Milwaukee beat the Hawks in the playoffs last season and Atlanta got revenge in the earlier season meeting 120-100.
Best Bet
Toronto Raptors (21-19) at Miami Heat (27-16)
The Raptors head to Miami on the back of a huge win over the Bucks in Milwaukee 103-96. Pascal Siakam dominated for the Raptors, scoring 30 points and recording just his 2nd career triple-double. Toronto were also missing Gary Trent Jr. and impressive rookie Scottie Barnes. However, Barnes is expected to return for this matchup and that will strengthen their starting lineup against Miami.
Miami's winning streak ended at the hands of the 76ers on Sunday as they went down 109-98. However, there could be positive injury news as Bam Adebayo is expected back for this matchup after missing the last few months. But on the flip side, they will be missing point guard Kyle Lowry who will miss a rematch with his former team. So Tyler Herro should get more playing time.
Pascal Siakam has recorded a double-double in 3 of his last 4 outings. So we like the value on offer for his hot run of form.
Stadium Record
Miami are 7-1 in their last 8 home games. Toronto holds a 3-7 ATS record in their last 10 in Miami.
Head to Head Record
Toronto has a good record against Miami having won 6 of the last 10.
Best Bet
Utah Jazz (29-14) at Los Angeles Lakers (21-22)
The Jazz returned to form on Monday with an impressive 125-102 win over the Nuggets and will be on a back to back as they face the Lakers on Tuesday. They've struggled through a period over the last few weeks where most of their starters were injured. But they're looking healthy now with only Whiteside being their main injury concern. Gobert was a major out during that period but he returned on Monday with 18 pts / 19 boards against the Nuggets. So he should prove to be a handful against the Lakers as well.
Just when you thought the Lakers were back in form, they've returned to playing some average Basketball, especially on defence. In a 3 game losing streak against the Nuggets/Kings/Grizzlies, they've allowed a huge 128 points per game and come off a 133-96 loss against the Nuggets last time out. So they'll need to quickly figure out what's happened as the healthy & rested Jazz are going to be a handful.
With the Lakers struggling to defend, that doesn't bode well for them against a full-strength Jazz starting lineup. Utah trashed the Nuggets 125-102 on Monday and we feel this will be a similar result.
Stadium Record
The Lakers have won 4 of their last 5 at home. Utah has lost 4 of their last 5 road games against LA.
Head to Head Record
Los Angeles has won 6 of the last 10 meetings since 2018.
Best Bet
