Oklahoma City Thunder at Charlotte Hornets
OKC visit the Hornets’ Spectrum Centre in an inter conference clash on NBA Saturday (all times AEST).
The Thunder have been surprisingly competitive this season after dealing franchise cornerstones Russel Westbrook and Paul George in July. They currently sit seventh in the West at 15-14 overall, with the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, Chris Paul and Dennis Schroder keeping them competitive.
There has been plenty of talk that OKC might look to deal one of its veterans before the trade deadline, but with the way things are going, they might just keep this roster together and have a genuine crack at making the playoffs.
The Thunder have won their last four, however fair much worse on the road (4-9) than at home (11-5). They will be coming off a back-to-back from home.
Charlotte have been another big surprise package this season for a team that many predicted would be lottery bound, currently sitting ninth in the East at 13-20. James Borrego’s side have dropped their last three.
A large onus of their improvement falls on Devonte Graham, who is playing out of his skin and right up there in the Most Improved Player of the Year Award discussion. Graham has averaged 19.3 points, 3.8 threes and 7.5 assists this season.
Tip: OKC to win @ $1.48
Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic
Philly face off against Orlando at Amway Centre.
The Sixers are coming off a massive NBA Christmas Day 121-109 win over Milwaukee, shutting down Giannis Antetokounmpo and hitting a franchise record 21 3-pointers.
Joel Embiid came up big for Philly in that one, tallying 31 points, three triples, 11 rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes. It marked the Sixers’ third-straight win to improve to 23-10 on the season, sitting fourth in the East.
Brett Brown’s team have the league’s seventh best defensive rating (104.7).
The Magic have really dropped off lately, losing six of their last eight games. Steve Clifford’s team really struggled on their recent Western road trip, going 1-3, before getting things back on track with a win over Chicago on Tuesday.
Nikola Vucevic dropped 21 points on the Bulls, adding two threes, seven rebounds and two blocks. Orlando are still eighth in the East at 13-17 (9-6 at home) with not many genuine playoff contenders breathing down their neck.
The Magic defeated the Sixers at home 112-97 in their last meeting in mid-November.
Tip: Philadelphia -2.5 @ $1.91
Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat
The Pacers are in Miami in a massive Eastern Conference clash.
Indiana are one of the form teams of the league, winning six of their last seven, with the only loss in there coming to the Bucks. This collection of great but not star players continue to get it done, with the Pacers currently occupying the East’s fifth seed at 21-10.
A recent report stated that star guard Victor Oladipo was “hopeful” of making it back on the court by late-January, however, coach Nate McMillan said the team had not established a firm timetable yet.
The Pacers’ 104.4 defensive rating ranks sixth in the league.
Miami are third in the East at 22-8, and while a championship would seem out of reach for this much-improved side, they could do some damage in the playoffs.
The Heat are on a three-game winning streak, ousting the Sixers and Jazz in that span. Their 105.8 defensive rating ranks 11th in the NBA.
After having no All-Stars last year, Miami could have two this season, with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo both enjoying terrific campaigns. The Heat are 13-1 at home this season.
Tip: Miami to win @ $1.50
