New York Knicks (23-24) at Cleveland Cavaliers (28-19)
After 3 straight defeats, the Knicks got back on track with a 110-102 win over the Clippers at home on Monday. RJ Barrett top scored with 28 points and 14 boards as well. Randle also added 24 pts as the duo both played 40+ minutes. With the Knicks heading to Cleveland on a back to back, they may need to rest throughout the contest and it will be helpful if Kemba Walker / Mitchell Robinson can return from injury concerns.
The Cavaliers are continuing to play strong Basketball with a 4-1 record in their last 5. They allowed just 87 pts against the lowly Thunder last time out but in the process, they lost Markkanen to an ankle injury. It's likely not season-ending but he'll be out for this matchup at least. Cleveland has been a strong home team of late with 8 wins in their last 10 so they'll look to continue that form against New York.
A low total is set for this matchup but considering a few factors, both sides should be able to clear 203 total points. In the first meeting of the season, the two sides put up 235 points. The Over has also saluted in 4 of the last 6 meetings at this venue.
Stadium Record
Cleveland are 8-2 in their last 10 home games. New York are 3-1 in Cleveland since early 2020.
Head to Head Record
The Cavs thrashed the Knicks in the first meeting of the season 126-109. Since 2019, the head to head is locked at 5-5.
Best Bet
Utah Jazz (30-17) at Phoenix Suns (36-9)
The Jazz will be on a back to back for this matchup with the Suns and they won't have their best starting lineup available. Donovan Mitchell is out and Gobert/Bogdanovic both suffered injuries in Monday's loss against the Warriors. So it's not an ideal preparation for a clash with one of the best sides in the NBA. The Jazz have also lost 3 of their last 4 games and hold a 1-5 record in their last 6 road games.
The Suns are on another winning streak and they'll aim for a 7th straight win when they host the Jazz this Tuesday. But similarly to the Jazz, injuries are starting to mount as they've lost Payne/Crowder. DeAndre Ayton is also doubtful with an ankle injury. However, Biyombo and McGee have both filled in nicely at the centre position. Especially Biyombo after 2 double-doubles in 2 of his last 3 outings.
With the Jazz struggling with injury problems, that should see a low scoring affair against the Suns tough defence. The Jazz come off scoring just 92 pts against the Warriors and a back to back without Mitchell won't make it any easier. The Under also has a 5-1 record in the Suns last 6 games and it's 11-5 when they host the Jazz in Phoenix.
Stadium Record
The Suns have won 18 of their last 21 at home. The Jazz are 7-3 in Phoenix.
Head to Head Record
Phoenix are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings since 2020.
Best Bet
Chicago Bulls (28-17) at Oklahoma City Thunder (14-32)
The Bulls are struggling at the moment without Zach LaVine as they've lost 4 of their last 5 games. They've scored under 100 points in their last 2 games and fell to the rebuilding Magic by 19 points in Monday's defeat. However, there is a chance LaVine can return against the Thunder but he would likely be on a minutes restriction with a knee injury.
The Thunder return home on Tuesday after an unsuccessful 0-4 road trip and they've also lost 9 of their last 10 games. Obviously, they're rebuilding and don't have the depth to compete with the best teams. But a recent 7 point loss against the Cavs in Cleveland should at least give them some confidence of an upset against the reeling Bulls. Gilgeous-Alexander will be the key on offence and he comes off 29 pts / 9 rebounds / 6 assists against the Cavs.
The potential return of LaVine should give the Bulls a boost after a rough stretch. They played well against the Bucks recently and there will be extra motivation after a disappointing performance against the Magic on Monday. The Thunder have been just as bad and on paper, they don't have as much talent as this Bulls roster.
Stadium Record
The Thunder are 1-4 in their last 5 home games. Chicago holds a poor 2-9 record in Oklahoma City.
Head to Head Record
The Bulls won the last meeting 123-102 but the Thunder have won 7 of the last 10 since 2017.
Best Bet
