San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers (ESPN)
San Antonio face off with the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Centre to open ESPN’s Saturday double-header (all times AEST).
The Spurs are currently on track to miss the playoffs for the first time since the 1996-97 season and under Gregg Popovich’s tenure, currently sitting second last in the West in the midst of a seven-game losing streak.
Most recently they went down to an underwhelming Wizards outfit on the road on Thursday in a game where Dejounte Murray and Trey Lyles were relegated to the bench in favour of Patty Mills and Jakob Poeltl.
The Spurs’ 113.6 defensive rating ranks 28th in the league and there has been some talk that DeMar DeRozan could get traded.
Philly have started slow out of the gates for a team with championship aspirations but are starting to get it together on the back of two-straight wins, albeit, against the Cavs and Knicks. They remain undefeated at home this season at 5-0.
Ben Simmons finally knocked down his first career three-pointer against New York in a game that went down to the wire. Joel Embiid hasn’t quite been at the level he was last season, with his field goal and free throw percentage, rebounding, blocks and scoring numbers all down.
Josh Richardson missed the Knicks clash with a hip problem and remains questionable for this one.
Tip: Philadelphia to win @ $1.32.
Boston Celtics at Denver Nuggets
The Celtics head to the Mile High City to take on the Nuggets in an epic inter-conference blockbuster.
Boston have been somewhat of a surprise package in the East this season, leading the conference at 11-3. They have lost two of their last three, most recently going down to the Clippers in overtime on Thursday.
Jayson Tatum was massive in that one, posting a season-high 30 points with five triples, adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Celtics’ 102.4 defensive rating ranks 7th in the league but all three of their losses have come on the road this season.
The Nuggets haven’t been at their best over the first month yet still sit second in the West at 10-3, winning seven of their last eight games. Their 105-95 home victory over the Rockets on Thursday was arguably their best for the season, keeping the high-octane Houston to under 100 points for the first time this season.
Nikola Jokic finally broke out with a big game, tallying a season-high 27 points to go with 12 rebounds and four dimes.
Denver’s 102.6 defensive rating ranks 8th in the NBA and they’re always tough to beat at the Pepsi Centre.
Tip: Denver to win @ $1.53.
Houston Rockets at LA Clippers (ESPN)
The Rockets and Clippers face off at Staples Centre to cap off ESPN’s double-header.
Houston had their eight-game winning streak snapped against the Nuggets on Thursday but still sit third in the West at 11-4. James Harden recorded a season-low 27 points in that one but only took 16 shots while committing a season-worst eight turnovers.
Clint Capela has been crashing the glass at an insane rate recently, tallying at least 20 rebounds in his last five games. So much for Russell Westbrook stealing his boards.
The Clippers just got over the line in a narrow overtime win over Boston on Thursday in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard’s first game together. Neither of them shot the ball particularly well, with Lou Williams lighting it up for a team-high 27 points.
There is bound to be some growing pains with this newly formed Clippers team as coach Doc Rivers incorporates Leonard and George, but they are talented enough to beat anyone anywhere. There has been no talk of either of the star duo missing this one as they ramp up to full fitness.
LA’s 103.2 defensive rating ranks 9th in the league, but can the Rockets be stopped two games in a row?
The Rockets defeated the Clippers two weeks ago 102-93 at home.
Tip: LA to win @ $1.50.
