Boston Celtics (8-5) at Philadelphia 76ers (10-5)
After 2 straight defeats, the Celtics will look to get back on track this Saturday as they head to Philadelphia for a back to back matchup with the 76ers. Just a few days ago, the Celtics collapsed in the 4th quarter as they went down 117-109. Jayson Tatum will be out again so the trio of Walker, Smart and Brown on offence is the key for Boston causing an upset. While on defence, they need to figure out a gameplan behind stopping Joel Embiid (42 pts).
The 76ers currently lead the East with 10 wins on the season and come off a confidence building comeback victory over the Celtics at this venue. Embiid monstered the Celts with 42 points and 10 rebounds. So it's hard to see him slowing down considering the Celtics are undersized in this matchup. Shake Milton also continued his good form off the bench with 16 points and Tobais Harris was solid with 22 points in 40 minutes of action.
While the Celtics fell apart in their recent 117-109 loss to the 76ers, there's a good chance they can rebound. They did hold a lead for the majority of that game and if they can stop the Embiid show, they're a good chance of a big upset. After back to back defeats, this is a massive game in the context of the Celtics season and playoff standings so look for them to come out firing.
Stadium Record
The 76ers are 8-1 in their last 9 home games. Boston is now 2-4 at this venue in their last 6.
Head to Head Record
Philadelphia beat Boston a few days ago, 117-109. But the Celtics are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Best Bet
Brooklyn Nets (9-7) at Cleveland Cavaliers (7-7)
The Brooklyn trio of Irving, Durant and Harden made his first appearance of the season and it was as expected - entertaining! In their Double OT loss to Cavs, Irving scored 37 points in his first game back from a personal break. Durant added 38 points and Harden dished out plenty of assists as usual, finishing with a triple-double. However, the concern was always going to be their defensive efforts and it's fair to say, it wasn't pretty against a mediocre team like the Cavs. They conceded 34 points in double OT as Collin Sexton ran riot from beyond the arc.
As mentioned, it was the Collin Sexton show against the Nets last time out. He finished with 42 points and actually managed to score 20 straight points in OT. Sexton was absolutely on fire from 3 as he nailed 5 threes for the game. Former Nets, Prince and Allen also provided good contributions off the bench and Cedi Osman played a massive 50 minutes, resulting in 25 points.
A +10.5 line for the home Cavaliers is worth taking on after their 147-135 win over the Nets a few days ago. They also held a 14 point lead in the 4th quarter of the last meeting and with Brooklyn not playing much defence, the likes of Sexton should give them another chance at victory.
Stadium Record
The Cavs have won 6 of their last 9 home games. Brooklyn now holds a 3-11 record in their last 14 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Cleveland beat the Nets 147-135 a few days ago. Since 2017, the head to head is now locked at 5-5.
Best Bet
Denver Nuggets (7-7) at Phoenix Suns (8-5)
The Nuggets are a bit up and down at the moment but they would've picked up some confidence in their most recent outing, smashing the Thunder 119-101. Jokic continued his fine season with 27 points and 12 rebounds. His matchup with Ayton will be an intriguing element in the clash with the Suns. Jamal Murray had a quiet game with just 5 points but the blowout margin was a major reason why he only played 21 minutes. As a result of the margin, the Nuggets were able to play their full squad so their starters are going to be well rested here.
Meanwhile, the Suns have returned from their long Covid break with a 1-1 record after a loss to the Grizzlies and a 6 point win over Houston. As we expected, Booker got back on track after a quiet game against the Grizzlies with 24 points. Ayton had a field day with 26 points and 17 rebounds as well.
Tough & close game expected here between the improving Nuggets and the Suns are just getting back to their best after a long break. The two sides also played in a 3 point margin at the start of the new year (106-103). So we do like the look of the Under after the last meeting totalled just 209 points and the Suns are 10-4 against the Under in their last 14.
Stadium Record
The Suns are 9-1 in their last 10 home games. Denver are 7-1 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Suns beat the Nuggets on New Years Day, 106-103. But since 2018, the Nuggets 8-2.
Best Bet
