Brooklyn Nets (25-13) at New Orleans Pelicans (24-14)
The Nets impressive winning streak ended after a 9 pt loss against the Bulls on Thursday so they'll look to get back to their winning ways on Saturday. Despite the loss, Kevin Durant was in fine form as he finished with 44 pts and Irving provided the support with 25. As a team, the Nets are 8-2 in their last 10 on the road and will be favourites in this matchup against the Zion-less Pels. In team news, only TJ Warren is questionable so they'll likely go with the same starting 5.
The Pelicans are back on their home court this Saturday after a 119-108 win over the Rockets on Thursday. However, they'll be missing Zion and Ingram due to injuries. The Pelicans duo combined for a total of 53 pts against the Nets in the first meeting of the season so they'll need to get points elsewhere. CJ McCollum is the major key on offence now and comes off 28 pts against the Rockets. They've also won 9 of their last 10 at home and that includes a 5-game winning streak.
Considering Zion and Ingram are out for the Pelicans, they should look to focus on their defence to give them a chance of an upset. So we like the chances of the Under. The Nets also hold a 6-2 record against the Under after a loss.
Stadium Record
New Orleans are 9-1 in their last 10 at home. Brooklyn are 4-2 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Nets are 7-3 in this head-to-head since 2018 but the Pels won in October, 130-108.
Best Bet
Cleveland Cavaliers (25-14) at Denver Nuggets (25-13)
The Cavs will be looking for their 4th straight victory when they head to Denver for the first game of this long trip across the west. They'll be coming off a close 2 pt win over the Suns on Thursday. While Donovan Mitchell didn't reach the height of 70 pts this time, he was still important in a low-scoring game with 20 pts. With a long trip in the next few games, the Cavs will rest Mitchell in this one. Caris Levert overcame a slow first quarter to finish with a team-high 21 pts against the Suns and will get extra playing time with Mitchell out. Winning on the road has been a struggle for the Cavs this season as they're just 3-7 in their last 10 and it will be even tougher without the rested Mitchell.
The Nuggets kicked off their 4-game home stand in style with a 31 pt thrashing of the Clippers on Friday. They led by as much as 43 pts and their starters got some rest for this clash. They'll be on a back-to-back as they host the Cavs and Jamal Murray is usually a risky play when this happens as they manage his knee. So Bones Hyland will likely get the start if Murray is out. Denver has been tough to beat at home recently with 9 wins in their last 10 and will be confident against the Cavs without Mitchell on the court.
Beating the Nuggets in Denver isn't easy and the Cavs will be without Mitchell for this matchup. So it's hard to see the Cavs competing in what should be another comfortable win for the home side. They're 4-1 ATS at home and should be keen to win 10 straight on their home court.
Stadium Record
Denver have won 9 straight games on their home court. Cleveland are 6-3 at this venue in their last 9.
Head to Head Record
The head to head is locked at 5-5 since 2018.
Best Bet
Miami Heat (20-19) at Phoenix Suns (20-19)
The Heat will be looking to respond after a disappointing 3 pt loss against the Lakers on Thursday. With the Lakers missing LeBron & Davis, the Heat were comfortable favourites but were poor defensively. This game will be the last of their 5-game road trip so they should be keen to end the trip with a victory. Adebayo is coming off 30 pts against the Lakers and Jimmy Butler added 27. Both stars will be important against the Suns as well.
The Suns are in the midst of a 4-game losing streak as their lineup has been ravaged by injury. They're currently missing the likes of Booker, Johnson and Payne. They come off a close loss in Cleveland by 2 pts. They've been held under 90 pts in back-to-back games and average just 100.4 pts in their last 5. That likely won't improve with so much talent sitting on the sidelines.
After their performance against the Lakers, the Heat should be eager to beat the injury-riddled Suns on Saturday. With a 12-2 ATS record in Phoenix and the Suns missing Devin Booker, the Heat should win this one easily.
Stadium Record
Phoenix are 6-4 in their last 10 at home. Miami are 12-2 at this venue in their last 14.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head-to-head is square at 5-5.
Best Bet
