Denver Nuggets at Philadelphia 76ers (ESPN)
The Nuggets (37-17) visit Philadelphia (34-20) in a blockbuster clash between two of the league’s premier teams.
Denver are coming off consecutive road losses to the Pistons and Nets and for all their good work this season have been a sub-standard road team (14-13).
Recent injury setbacks to Garry Harris (groin) and Paul Milsap (ankle) have not helped their cause. However, Monte Morris and Malik Beasley have filled the void tremendously and will give Michael Malone rotation headaches when the Nuggets get fully healthy, if that ever happens.
The Sixers are one of the league’s best home teams (21-6) and vastly bolstered their line-up earlier in the week after trading for Clippers stud Tobias Harris.
Philly have dropped their last two games but should get Harris in for his Sixers debut in this one.
Last time these teams met just a fortnight ago in Denver, the Nuggets smashed the Jimmy Butler/Joel Embiid-less Sixers 126-110.
Tip: Philadelphia to win @ $1.50.
Milwaukee Bucks at Dallas Mavericks (ESPN)
The Mavs (25-28) host the Bucks (40-13) as two of the league’s European stars, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, go head-to-head.
Doncic is shaping as the unanimous Rookie of the Year following his stellar campaign (averaging 20.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists per game).
The Mavs made a two key changes to their roster ahead of Friday’s trade deadline (all times AEST), acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from New York and shipping Harrison Barnes to the Kings. These moves improve Dallas long-term, but show they aren’t serious about making the playoffs this season.
The Bucks are cruising after smashing Washington 148-129 for their fifth-straight victory on Thursday to hold the NBA’s best record.
Milwaukee bolstered their already star-studded team after landing Nikola Mirotic from the Pelicans on Friday, but the Spanish forward is unlikely to suit up in this one.
Milwaukee defeated the Mavs at home 116-106 in their last meeting two weeks ago.
Tip: Milwaukee -7.5 @ $1.85.
Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Pelicans
The Timberwolves (25-28) are in New Orleans (24-31) in the second of ESPN’s back-to-back.
Minnesota are currently shot with injuries to some of their key players in Robert Covington (knee), Jeff Teague (foot) and Derrick Rose (ankle), having lost four of their past five games.
Karl-Anthony Towns continues to lead this team sublimely (averaging 22.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game this season).
The Wolves have been written off by many but sit 12th in the West and with a host of teams around them on the slide, could make a playoff push in the second half of the season if they can get fit. However, they will be coming off a trip from Orlando in this one to make things tough.
The Pelicans have been dealing with the Anthony Davis trade rumours for the last couple of weeks and ultimately decided to hang onto him for now. The star centre has been aiding a hand injury and will likely return after the All-Star break if New Orleans elect to not shut him down.
Sending Mirotic to the Bucks signifies that winning is no longer a priority for New Orleans this season.
The Wolves won in their last meeting in Minnesota on January 13 110-106.
Tip: Minnesota to Win @ $2.78
