San Antonio Spurs (31-30) at Boston Celtics (33-30)
A slow start against the Heat ultimately cost the Spurs in their last game as they went down 116-111. So they'll be looking for a better first-quarter performance in Boston. Which will likely come through the combination of DeRozan and Murray. Both scored 20+ pts against the Heat and Murray has a good matchup against the Celtics, who've struggled against point guards lately.
After 3 straight defeats, the Celtics got a much-needed win over the Hornets 120-111. Jaylen Brown continued his excellent form with 38 pts and should enjoy a favourable matchup against the Spurs. In terms of injuries, Kemba Walker is expected to miss this clash so Marcus Smart will continue to get more minutes/usage.
The Spurs have proved to be a bogey team for Boston so we like the road underdog here. San Antonio has covered in 7 of their last 8 at this venue and have also won 16 of 18 against the Celtics.
Stadium Record
The Celtics are 5-2 in their last 7 home games. San Antonio has a strong 8-1 record at TD Garden.
Head to Head Record
The Spurs have the wood over the Celtics with 8 wins in the last 10 meetings, which includes a 110-106 victory this season.
Best Bet
Portland Trail Blazers (34-28) at Brooklyn Nets (43-20)
The Trail Blazers have both games on this road-trip so they'll be a confident team as they head to Brooklyn on Saturday. In those 2 wins, Portland has crushed the Grizzlies 130-109 and Pacers 133-112. Their offence should have plenty more success against a Nets team that isn't always the best at containing high scoring teams.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn are hitting form at the moment with 4 straight wins. Despite missing Harden and Irving on Friday, Kevin Durant led the way against the Pacers in their 130-113 victory. Durant finished with 42 pts and he should enjoy more of the same against the Trail Blazers defence. After Irving missed Friday's game, he'll be questionable for this matchup so we'll await a game-time decision.
We're expecting a high scoring affair between two teams that play at a fast pace and come off scoring 130 pts. The injury status of Irving is something to consider as the Trail Blazers should take advantage if he sits. Even so, Portland has a nice record at this venue and we like their chances of an upset.
Stadium Record
The Nets are 12-1 at home. Portland has won their last 5 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Nets beat the Trail Blazers this season 116-112. But Portland holds a 7-3 record in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Utah Jazz (45-17) at Phoenix Suns (44-18)
After disappointing back to back losses against the Timberwolves, the Jazz let off some steam against the Kings in a crushing 154-105 victory. Bogdanovic and Clarkson led the scoring with 47 combined points. Their starters also got plenty of rest in the blowout win, which should give them a good chance of an upset over the Suns. However, they're still missing Donovan Mitchell and Conley with injury.
Congrats to the Phoenix Suns as they've secured their first playoff spot in 11 years. However, they still will be hunting the Jazz's #1 spot in the West standings this Saturday. Coming into this matchup, the Suns have knocked off the Knicks and Clippers in back to back games. So they'll be tough to beat on their home court.
The Jazz are a bit undermanned with Mitchell and Conley so it's hard to back against the Suns here. They beat the Jazz on their home court earlier this season and will be motivated to earn the #1 seed in the West.
Stadium Record
The Suns are 11-1 in their last 12 home games. Utah holds a 4-1 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Suns beat the Jazz 117-113 at this venue in early April. But Utah has won 7 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
