Toronto Raptors (28-23) at Charlotte Hornets (28-26)
The underrated Raptors have won 5 straight games and that has propelled them into the top 6 in the East. In their last 2 games alone, their offence has fired after scoring 125 pts against the Hawks and 127 against the Bulls. In the win over the Hawks, scored a season-high 33 pts and VanFleet added 26 pts / 11 assists. With their two of the best players in form, they'll give Charlotte a tough defensive challenge in Tuesday's matchup.
Charlotte will be looking to end a 4 game losing streak when they host the Raptors on Tuesday. The Hornets have also struggled on home court with 3 straight defeats, which includes scoring just 84 pts last time out against the Heat. The return of Gordon Hayward didn't help their offence get out of this funk either as he missed all 7 shots from the field against the Heat in 22 minutes. But they'll be hoping it's just rust after missing a few weeks.
At the moment, it's hard to back against the in-form Raptors. They've won 5 in a row and also beat the reeling Hornets by 12 points a few weeks ago.
Stadium Record
The Hornets are 1-4 in their last 5 home games. Toronto has lost 12 of their last 17 in Charlotte.
Head to Head Record
Toronto won the earlier season meeting 125-113 and have won 6 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Miami Heat (34-20) at Washington Wizards (24-28)
Miami will head to Washington on the back of two great defensive performances. In their last 2 wins, they've allowed just 86 pts against Charlotte and 95 previously to the Spurs. So in this matchup with the struggling Wizards, the Heat will be confident of continuing their defensive streak of 100 or fewer points allowed. They also got Kyle Lowry back from injury against the Hornets and he should be better for the run after missing 2 weeks of action. While Jimmy Butler is questionable with a toe injury, he has been playing through the injury and should be fine.
The Wizards have fallen out of the playoff race after just 1 win in their last 8 games and they've also lost 6 on the trot in Washington. However, it's been tough going without the injured Bradley Beal as he's missed the last 3 games. He's also been ruled out for this matchup with a lingering wrist issue. So the likes of Kuzma, Dinwiddie and Harrell need to step up in his absence.
There's no Beal for the Wizards and their home form is very concerning at the moment. Miami's defence also shouldn't much trouble against a weaker Wizards lineup and that should see them comfortably cover the 4.5 line.
Stadium Record
Washington are struggling at home with an 0-6 record. Miami has won 7 of their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Miami is 2-1 against the Wizards this season and have won 7 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Phoenix Suns (42-10) at Chicago Bulls (33-20)
The high flying Suns are 12-1 in their last 13 games and come off a 95-80 thrashing of the Wizards. Deandre Ayton had a night out with 20 pts and 16 rebounds. His matchup with Vucevic should be a good one. With Ayton firing against the Wiz, both Paul and Booker had quiet games so they should be raring to go for a more challenging matchup against the Bulls. With a 3-0 record against the Bulls since 2020, they'll head to Chicago with a lot of confidence.
The Bulls will be looking to bounce back on their home court after losing to the 76ers 119-108 on Monday morning. DeMar DeRozan is coming off 45 pts against the 76ers (season-high) and he'll be important against the Suns with LaVine struggling with injury. LaVine is listed as questionable for this matchup but he has missed their last 2 games with a back injury. They're also without Lonzo Ball, White and Caruso in their backcourt. However, Dosunmu has shown promise at the point guard position and should enjoy this matchup against the veteran Chris Paul.
If the Bulls were at full strength, they'd be a good value as a home underdog. However, the Suns are a tough team to beat especially with Ayton back in form along with the Booker/Paul combination. They've also won the last 3 meetings against the Bulls and we can see them winning this matchup by over 5.5 pts as well.
Stadium Record
The Bulls are 13-3 in their last 16 home games. Phoenix are 4-2 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Phoenix has won 7 of the last 10 meetings and have won all of the last 3 matchups.
Best Bet
