Cleveland Cavaliers (31-21) at Charlotte Hornets (28-24)
Cleveland have been a bit up and down lately with 2 losses in their last 3 games against the lowly Rockets and Pistons. But they should be confident in Charlotte considering they've won 6 of the last 9 meetings at this venue. They will continue to be without PG/SG Darius Garland, which is a big blow to their offence. So they'll need to lean on their frontcourt combination of Mobley, Love and Allen.
The Hornets will look to get back into some form after back to back defeats against Boston and the Clippers. However, LaMelo Ball was brilliant against the Celtics on Thursday, scoring a career-high 38 pts. With the Cavs backcourt struggling with injuries, the likes of Ball and Bridges should dominate this matchup on offence. They also could get Gordon Hayward back for this one after he's missed the last 6 games with covid protocols. As a result, PJ Washington will likely revert to a bench role.
Betting on the Over when the Cavs are away from home has proved to be successful as it's 5-0 in their last 5 road games. The Over has also saluted in 4 of the last 6 meetings and has hit in the 2 matchups this season as well.
Stadium Record
The Hornets are just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. Cleveland has covered in 7 of the last 9 meetings in Charlotte.
Head to Head Record
Best Bet
Brooklyn Nets (29-22) at Utah Jazz (31-21)
The Nets are currently on a 6 game losing streak and as a result, they've dropped to the 6th seed in the East. So it's been tough going without the injured Kevin Durant and the team will be looking to step up against the Jazz. Especially James Harden as he comes off a complete shocker against the Kings where he finished with just 4 pts, 2 of 17 and 6 turnovers in 37 minutes. However, Nic Claxton had one of the games of his career with 23 pts and he should enjoy this matchup against the Gobert-less Jazz.
Meanwhile, the Jazz finally broke their 5 game losing streak against the Nuggets on Thursday. There's also more good news for Saturday's matchup as Donovan Mitchell has been cleared to return from concussion protocols. They will continue to be without Gobert and Ingles (season) but Mitchell is a huge in. Whiteside and Clarkson both missed the win over Denver but could return as they're questionable for this contest.
With the return of Donovan Mitchell and the Nets struggling on offence, we simply have to like the Jazz to cover. They have a great record against Brooklyn on home court, highlighted by a 30 pts win last March. The Nets have also been poor on the road with a 1-4 ATS record and there's no Kevin Durant to save them.
Stadium Record
The Jazz have lost 4 of their last 6 at home. Brooklyn are 0-5 at this venue since 2017.
Head to Head Record
Utah has owned this matchup since 2017 with an 8-2 record.
Best Bet
Philadelphia 76ers (31-20) at Dallas Mavericks (29-23)
Philadelphia ended their homestand with a disappointing loss against the Wizards so they'll be looking to hit the road with better fortunes, starting with Dallas. Despite the loss, the 76ers should be thrilled with Tyrese Maxey's form as he comes off a near triple-double against the Wizards (22 pts, 8 rbs, 7 asts). Meanwhile, Joel Embiid returned to the court on Thursday after missing the thrilling OT win over the Grizzlies. He should enjoy this matchup against a Dallas team that can struggle against elite Centres.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks have lost to the Thunder and Magic in back to back games, which is not a good sign for this matchup. However, Doncic comes off 40 pts and 10 assists against the Thunder and has scored 30+ in 3 straight games. Without the injured Porzingis, his shooting form is a good sign for Dallas to get out of this funk. They're also missing Tim Hardaway Jr. but Reggie Bullock has stepped up in his absence. Reggie comes off 23 pts and 8 boards against the Thunder.
The head to head odds are close for this matchup so we'll steer clear and suggest betting on a total that looks a tad low. Doncic is in great shooting form for the Mavs and they've been a much better team at home both recently against the 76ers. Meanwhile, the 76ers are 4-2 against the Over when playing the Mavs and the likes of Embiid and Maxey should continue their shooting form on Saturday.
Stadium Record
Dallas has won 8 of their last 10 at home. Philadelphia doesn't have a good record here at 2-13 in their last 15 games.
Head to Head Record
The 76ers won both meetings last year by 10+ margins and have won 6 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
