Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets (ESPN)
The Mavs visit Houston to open ESPN’s Saturday double-header (all times AEST).
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that star guard Luka Doncic rolled his ankle during practice and is set to have an MRI. He will miss this clash and is not expected to play against Atlanta on Sunday.
It is believed to be the same sprain Doncic suffered earlier in the season that caused him to miss four games. It’s a major blow for Dallas, who are sitting fifth in the West with a 29-18 record and coming off a loss to Phoenix.
Russell Westbrook, Clint Capela and James Harden all returned for the Rockets in Thursday’s clash in Portland but lost 125-112. Capela didn’t look healthy, playing just 17 minutes, while Harden shot 5-of-18 from the field for his 18 points.
Houston have the same record as Dallas at 29-18, making this clash all the more important. The Rockets have lost two of their last three.
The Mavs won this matchup in late November in Houston 137-123.
Tip: Houston to win @ $1.23
Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks
The Nuggets are in Milwaukee in a blockbuster inter-conference clash.
Denver are injury-plagued and could be missing three of their five starters in this one – Jamal Murray, Garry Harris, Paul Millsap - plus back-up centre Mason Plumlee.
Mike Malone’s team has gotten by during their crisis, winning two of their last three. Jerami Grant has stepped up his play with the extra opportunities, averaging 20 points, three triples, 5.7 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block over the last week while shooting 46% from the field and 91% from the line.
Denver’s injuries have made it nearly impossible for them to gain any sort of momentum, but still sit third in the West at 32-15.They will be coming off a home clash against Utah on Friday.
The Bucks continue to go about their dominant ways, sitting first in the East with the best record in the league at 41-6.
They are currently riding a nine-game winning streak and it’s hard to see this team losing right now, especially at their home fortress.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (shoulder) sat out Wednesday’s clash against Washington, but it mattered not, as Khris Middleton’s 51 points led the Bucks to a 151-131 victory. The Greek Freak is questionable for this one.
Tip: Milwaukee @ $1.23
Portland Trail Blazers at LA Lakers (ESPN)
The Blazers and Lakers cap off the ESPN double-header at Staples Centre.
It marks the Lakers’ first hitout since the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant last week, with Wednesday’s clash against the Clippers getting postponed given the emotional state of the city.
Frank Vogel’s team will be fresh and rearing to go, coming off a six-day break where they fell to Philadelphia on the road 108-01 last Saturday. Given there will be tributes pre-game tributes to Kobe, emotions will be running high for LA in this one.
They are currently 3.5 games clear on the top of the West at 36-10.
The Blazers are coming off an impressive home win over Houston as Damian Lillard continued his unbelievable run of form, tallying his first career triple-double with 36 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
The star guard is averaging a whopping 44.3 points, 7.3 triples, 10.7 assists on 56% shooting from the field and 87% from the line over the last week.
Portland have now won three of their last four as they look to make a run for the eight seed, currently sitting three games behind Memphis. Carmelo Anthony will sit this one out for personal reasons.
LA have beaten the Blazers in Portland twice already this season.
Tip: LA to win @ $1.12.
