Sacramento Kings at Philadelphia 76ers
The Kings (33-33) visit Philadelphia (43-25) in an interesting inter conference battle.
Sacramento are still striving to make the playoffs despite their inconsistent play of late, dropping five of their last seven. Their chances of making the post-season are quickly diminishing if they haven’t already, sitting four and a half games behind the eight-placed Clippers.
Additionally, Dave Joerger ‘s team will be coming off a trip from Boston on Friday (AEST).
They run into Philadelphia, who are one of the best home teams in the league and looking to consolidate a top four seed in the East.
The Sixers have won two in a row and are a much stronger team with Joel Embiid back in the rotation.
This is the first meeting between these teams this season.
Tip: Philadelphia to win -9.5 $1.92
Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat
The Bucks are in Miami as the Heat look to hang onto eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee have hit an initiable lull for the season over the last fortnight, splitting their last six games 3-3, including a loss in Phoenix. They continue to put up massive scoring numbers and will look to get rolling again down the stretch of the season.
The Heat are currently a game and a half ahead of the ninth-placed Magic and must keep winning games to book their playoff berth. Miami have won five of their last six games after finally solidifying their rotation for the first time this season.
Last time these sides met in mid-January, Milwaukee won at home 124-86.
Tip: Milwaukee to win - $1.50
Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans (ESPN)
Portland (41-26) venture out to the Crescent City to tackle the Pelicans (30-40).
The Blazers are one of the best teams in the league when they fire, as seen as in their 125-104 rout against the Clippers in LA on Wednesday behind a 35-point explosion from CJ McCollum. Terry Stotts’ team has been hard to trust on the road this season, where they are a below average team (16-17).
Portland’s mid-season additions of Enes Kanter and Rodney Hood round out this team nicely and give them the depth they needed earlier in the campaign.
New Orleans are arguably the league’s biggest mess, with Jrue Holiday (abdomen) currently sidelined and Anthony Davis on a minutes restriction. The Pels have dropped their last four and will look to play as many youngsters in the remaining games.
Last times these teams met in January, the Blazers took it at home 128-112.
Tip: Portland to win -7.5 $1.92
