Phoenix Suns (52-13) at Miami Heat (44-22)
The Suns are coming off a back to back after a close but fairly ugly 102-99 win over the Thunder. Deandre Ayton and Landry Shamet both scored 21 pts for the Suns who were without Paul & Booker. Chris Paul is out for this clash but Booker is expected back after missing a few games. They'll need his scoring ability against a tough Miami defence. Meanwhile, the Suns gave up 132 pts against the Bucks on Monday so they'll need to be better defensively against the Heat.
Miami comes into this matchup after 3 straight wins and back to back 17 pt wins. They beat the Rockets by 17 on Tuesday as Tyler Herro scored 31 pts. Previously, they thrashed the 76ers by 17 in a statement win over a top East opponent. Their defence has been a major factor as they've allowed just 102 points in their last 5 games.
This could be a finals preview between the two #1 seeds in the NBA. However, the Suns are undermanned with Paul out and Booker hasn't played for about a week. Miami are playing at a high level defensively and should be looking to defend their home court and make a statement before the playoffs. However, the line does look a bit high so a 1-10 contest looks the best play for the Miami Heat.
Stadium Record
Miami have won 17 of their last 20 at home. The Suns are 3-8 at this venue in their last 11.
Head to Head Record
The Heat won the only meeting of the season 123-100 and hold a 6-4 record in the last 10.
Best Bet
Atlanta Hawks (31-33) at Milwaukee Bucks (41-25)
The Hawks are looking to bounce back after a disappointing OT loss against the Pistons on Tuesday, 113-110. Trae Young had a quiet game with just 14 pts so he'll be on to watch against the Bucks. While their road form hasn't been great lately (3-7), they do have a good record over Milwaukee this season with 2 victories.
On Wednesday, the Bucks easily accounted for the Thunder with a 27 point win in the 142-115 result. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the top scorer with 39 pts and Khris Middleton added 25 pts. They've now won 5 straight games and also hold a 3 game winning streak on their home court. While they have lost back to back games against Atlanta, this is the first meeting in Milwaukee.
This is one of the highest totals on the slate and we like the chances of the Over. The Bucks are scoring 128 points per game in their last 5 and the Over has saluted in 6 of their last 7 home games.
Stadium Record
The Bucks are 9-4 in their last 13 home games. Atlanta has lost 9 of their last 10 in Milwaukee.
Head to Head Record
Atlanta has won both meetings this season but the head to head is 5-5 since April 2021.
Best Bet
Portland Trail Blazers (25-39) at Utah Jazz (40-24)
The Trail Blazers rebuilding phase has begun as regular lopsided results are the trend. They've lost their last 5 games and they're struggling to score or contain points. On offence, they're scoring just 95 points per game in their last 5. Meanwhile, their defence is giving up huge numbers (127 ppg). In their latest game, they shot just 27% from the field as they went down to the T-Wolves 124-81.
Utah will be looking to get back on track after an 8 point defeat against the Mavericks in Dallas on Tuesday. However, they've won their last 7 home games and shouldn't have much trouble with the reeling Trail Blazers. They've also won the 2 meetings this season by 10+ margins.
This should get ugly as the Trail Blazers have lost their last 5 games by an average of 30 pts. They face a tough challenge against a full-strength Jazz team in Utah. So it's very questionable as to whether the Trail Blazers can get within 17.5 points.
Stadium Record
The Jazz are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. Portland has lost 4 of their last 5 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Utah is 2-0 against Portland this season.
Best Bet
