Saturday's NBA slate looks like an absolute beauty. We have the red-hot Pistons taking on Jokic's Nuggets. Then we have #1 and #2 in the East as the Celts host the Cavs. To top it off, the LA Derby takes place in the afternoon as Doncic faces the Clippers for the first time as a Laker.
Denver Nuggets (38-20) at Detroit Pistons (33-26)
The Nuggets are set to take on the Pistons, and history is on their side, having won four of the last five meetings. Nikola Jokić has been dominant in this matchup, averaging 33 points in the last three games against Detroit, including a 37-point performance last time out. Jamal Murray has also had success, putting up an impressive 36 points per game in his last two matchups with the Pistons.
Denver has been solid overall, boasting an 8-2 record in their last 10 games and a 6-4 mark on the road during that stretch. However, their defence has been a bit shaky lately, allowing an average of 119.2 points over their past five games. They’ve still managed to put up points, averaging 119.6 per game in that same span.
The Nuggets are coming off a 121-112 home loss to the Bucks, where they struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 26.5% from three. They led by as much as six but couldn’t hold on. With a 38-20 season record, they’ll look to bounce back against a Pistons squad they’ve had success against in the past.
The Pistons are on fire right now, riding an eight-game winning streak and coming off a dominant 20-point win over the Celtics, where Malik Beasley dropped 26 and Cade Cunningham added 21. They’ve been lighting up the scoreboard, averaging 124.8 points over their last five games while holding opponents to just 111.4.
Detroit has been solid at home, winning seven of their last 10 and four straight in their own arena. Overall, they’re 8-2 in their last 10 games and have been shooting efficiently, hitting 52.8% from the field and 39.4% from deep in their last outing. However, they’ve struggled against the Nuggets, going just 1-4 in their last five meetings. With momentum on their side, they’ll look to flip the script and keep their hot streak alive.
Stadium Record
Detroit hold a 4-1 record in their last 5 home games. Denver are 4-0 since 2020.
Head to Head Record
The Pistons have lost 4 games against the Nuggets in the last 5 meetings since 2022.
Best Bet
Denver are now 5-1 against the Under on the road and 8-2 when they play at this arena. The Pistons also have a good trend against the Under. They're 4-1 at home and 5-2 in their last 7.
Same Game Multi
Along with the Under, I think the Pistons can get the job done. They beat the Celtics by 20 last game and Denver will be on a back-to-back.
Under 237.5 pts / Detroit Pistons -1.5 = $3.50
Cleveland Cavaliers (47-10) at Boston Celtics (42-17)
The Cavaliers are rolling right now, riding a seven-game win streak and dominating on both ends of the floor. They’ve been on fire offensively, averaging 126.8 points over their last five games, while their defence has been just as sharp, holding opponents to only 103 per game in that stretch. Their most recent outing was a statement win, crushing the Magic by 40 points, with Ty Jerome dropping 20 and De’Andre Hunter adding 17.
Cleveland has been unstoppable on the road, winning their last six away games and going 7-3 in their last 10. Donovan Mitchell has consistently torched the Celtics, averaging 32 points over their last seven meetings, while Darius Garland has been solid with a 26-point average in his last three matchups. Despite their recent dominance, the Cavs have struggled against Boston historically, going just 3-7 in their last 10 meetings. With a 47-10 season record and momentum on their side, they’ll be looking to flip the script and keep their hot streak alive.
The Celtics are looking to shake off a tough 117-97 home loss to the Pistons, where they struggled offensively, shooting just 41.2% from the field and turning the ball over 17 times. They’ve dropped one in a row but are still 8-2 in their last 10 games and 4-1 in their last five.
Boston has been solid defensively, allowing just 106 points per game over their last five, while averaging 113.2 on the offensive end. Jayson Tatum has had success against the Cavs, averaging 29 points in their last nine meetings, while Jaylen Brown has put up 26 per game in the last five. Historically, they’ve had the upper hand in this matchup, winning seven of the last 10 against Cleveland. With a 42-17 record, they’ll be looking to bounce back strong on the road.
Stadium Record
Boston are 6-4 in their last 10 at home. Cleveland are just 2-12 in their last 14 games
Head to Head Record
The Celtics hold a 7-3 record in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
I think the Cavs can overturn their poor record in Boston. They've covered in their last 4 against Boston and come into this clash with an 8 game winning streak.
Cleveland Cavaliers +2.5 = $1.90
Same Game Multi
I like the Under if the Cavs win as their defence is on fire. Boston are 5-1 against the Under and 4-2 when they're at home too.
Cleveland Cavaliers +2.5 / Under 232.5 pts = $3.60
LA Clippers (32-26) at Los Angeles Lakers (35-21)
The Clippers have been up and down lately, going 2-3 in their last five games and 4-6 over their last 10. They’re coming off a tough 122-117 home loss to the Bulls, despite shooting an impressive 51.8% from the field and 51.4% from deep. Turnovers hurt them, though, as they gave the ball away 15 times.
Scoring hasn’t been an issue, averaging 112 points over their last five, but the defense has been a struggle, allowing 116.8 per game in that span. They’ve had a rough time on the road, going just 1-4 in their last five away games. That said, they’ve won their last road game and hold a slight edge in recent matchups with the Lakers, going 5-4 in their last nine meetings. Sitting at 32-26 on the season, the Clippers will be looking to build some momentum and string together wins.
The Lakers are on a roll, winning three straight and dominating at home with five consecutive victories. They’ve been putting up points, averaging 119 per game over their last five while keeping opponents to just 109.6 in that stretch. They’re also 9-1 in their last 10, showing no signs of slowing down.
Coming off a solid 9-point win over the Timberwolves, LeBron James led the way with 33 points, while Austin Reaves chipped in 23. LeBron has been a force against the Clippers, averaging 33 points over their last seven meetings, though he finished with 26 in the most recent matchup. The Lakers are 4-5 in their last nine against their cross-town rivals, but with a 35-21 record and plenty of momentum, they’ll be looking to even things up.
Stadium Record
The Lakers have won 5 straight games on their home court. LA Clippers are 19-10 at home this season.
Head to Head Record
The Lakers hold a 4-5 record in the last 9 meetings.
Best Bet
I think the Under is the best play between these two. The Lakers are 4-0 against the Under and the Under hit in the last matchup.
Same Game Multi
The Lakers to cover gives this SGM a bit more value. Doncic and LeBron have looked good together in a 4 game-winning streak and they won the last meeting 122-97 in early Feb.
