Milwaukee Bucks (22-8) at Cleveland Cavaliers (21-11)
The Bucks are looking for 3 straight wins when they head to Cleveland on Thursday. Giannis Antetokounmpo comes off an impressive performance in the 9 pt win over the Pelicans on Tuesday. He finished with 42 points and 10 boards. Brook Lopez was also dominant with 30 pts. But this will likely be a tougher matchup. In injury news, Middleton is considered doubtful for this clash with a knee injury so it's hard to see them playing the veteran.
The Cavs are red-hot after 4 wins on the trot and come off a 23-point thrashing of the Jazz. Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points in 23 minutes against his former team and should play his usual 30+ minutes as this likely won't be a blowout. While the Cavs have lost twice against the Bucks this season, they were both in Milwaukee. So they should be more confident on their home court where they've won 15 of 17 this year.
Cleveland will start as the favourite but this should be a close clash between these two rivals. As a result, we like the chances of a low-scoring affair. The Under is 9-2 in the Cavs last 11 home games and 6-1 when they face the Bucks. Milwaukee are 15-4 against the Under on the road as well.
Stadium Record
Cleveland are 9-1 in their last 10 at home. Milwaukee are just 5-13 at this venue in their last 18.
Head to Head Record
The Bucks are 2-0 against the Cavs at home but this is the first meeting in Cleveland.
Best Bet
Indiana Pacers (15-16) at Boston Celtics (22-9)
The Pacers trend of losing close games continued on Monday as they went down to the Knicks by 3 pts. They've now lost 4 of their last 5 games by under 7 pts. They'll now head onto a short 3-game road trip against some quality teams so they'll be keen to start well against the Celtics in Boston. Their form away from Indiana isn't great with just 1 win in their last 5 on the road. However, their injury list is looking healthy for this trip.
The Celtics got swept in a 2-game doubleheader against the Magic but were missing Tatum for their latest game. He's back for this clash and will be looking to clear the 30+ point mark for the 3rd straight game. Overall, Boston are 11-4 at home this season so they shouldn't be too worried about this rough stretch. They've also got their next 5 games at home so they'll be looking to build winning momentum against the Pacers. In injury news, Marcus Smart and Grant Williams are both questionable so that will be something to monitor.
Tatum has gone over 30 points in 4 of his last 5 games at the TD Garden. With the Celtics losing 4 of their last 5, expect Tatum to control the offence and get his team back into winning form against the Pacers.
Stadium Record
Boston are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. Indiana has lost their last 5 at the TD Garden.
Head to Head Record
The Celtics are 7-3 against the Pacers since 2019.
Best Bet
Player points - J. Tatum 30+ = $2.00
Dallas Mavericks (15-16) at Minnesota Timberwolves (16-15)
The Mavs won't have to wait long for a slice of revenge as they play the Timberwolves in a back-to-back. They lost to Minnesota on Tuesday by 10 pts as Luka Doncic/Head Coach Jason Kidd were both ejected. So that will add some fire to this contest. The Mavs road form is a concern as they've won just 2 of their last 10 away from Dallas. So Doncic will need to get them back on track this Thursday. In terms of injuries, Finney-Smith, Kleber and Green are all out for this clash and Powell is questionable. So their depth is getting tested at the moment.
The Timberwolves are looking for a 4th straight win as they host the Mavs once again on Thursday. They beat them 116-106 on Tuesday as Anthony Edwards/Naz Reid both scored 27 pts. Reid's performance was impressive considering he injured his shoulder in their previous game. He'll continue to get the start with Towns out and Gobert has been sidelined with an ankle injury. He is questionable for this matchup along with Russell and Anderson.
Minnesota have a strong winning record at home and they look good value in this one as a home underdog. They're 4-1 ATS in their last 5 and also 4-1 ATS at home against Dallas. Meanwhile, the Mavs are just 3-8 ATS on the road and 3-14 SU.
Stadium Record
Minnesota holds a 4-1 record in their last 5 home games. Dallas has lost 4 of their last 5 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Timberwolves won the first meeting of the season 116-106 but the Mavs are 6-4 since 2020.
Best Bet
