Brooklyn Nets (13-5) at Boston Celtics (10-8)
Kevin Durant returned to the Nets lineup against the Cavs and led his side to victory with 27 points in the 117-112 road win. The Nets have now won 3 in a row and six of their last seven games. There will be no Kyrie Irving in this rivalry matchup, which is always an intriguing storyline when these two teams play. Especially after the Nets swept the Celtics in the regular season last year and also beat them in the playoffs.
Jaylen Brown made his return from injury in the Celtics comfortable 108-90 win over the lowly Rockets last time out. It was just the 4th time that Brown and Tatum were on the court together in November. So Boston will be looking to continue to build that chemistry once again. Another key piece returned against Houston in Robert Williams and he should enjoy a nice matchup against an undersized Nets frontcourt.
With Brown and Williams back for Boston, their offence is going to be much improved going forward. As a result, a high scoring affair does look like a good play in this one. The Over has saluted in 5 of the last 6 meetings at TD Garden and the Nets are 5-1 against the Over on the road.
Stadium Record
Boston have won their last 5 at TD Garden. The Nets have a poor 3-9 record in Boston.
Head to Head Record
Brooklyn has owned the Celtics in the last 10 meetings with an 8-2 record.
Best Bet
Miami Heat (12-6) at Minnesota Timberwolves (8-9)
Miami will be on a back to back after beating the Pistons 100-92 on Wednesday. Tyler Herro was outstanding in the victory with a season-high of 31 points and has become an impressive 6 man option for Miami. Adebayo added 15 points and 9 rebounds in the win. He'll have an intriguing matchup with T-Wolves centre Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Timberwolves are starting to find form after 4 wins in a row and this will be a good challenge against the Heat. In the 4 game winning streak, they have played a few struggling teams like the Kings, Spurs and Pelicans. However, we can't forget their 43 point win over the Grizzlies recently. One of the keys to this matchup will be Karl-Anthony Towns against Adebayo. KAT is averaging 23 points and 9 rebounds this season.
Minnesota has enjoyed playing Miami at home recently and their form at the moment is hard to back against an upset. Miami will also be coming off a back to back and could look to rest the likes of Butler / Adebayo during the game. So we'll back the T-Wolves as home underdogs here.
Stadium Record
The Timberwolves have covered in 4 of their last 5 home games. Miami holds a respectable 9-4 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Minnesota holds a 6-4 record in the last 10 meetings but the Heat won the last encounter, 121-112.
Best Bet
Minnesota Timberwolves WIN = $2.12
Philadelphia 76ers (10-8) at Golden State Warriors (15-2)
The depleted 76ers continue to get the job done after an inexperienced starting 5 took down the Kings 102-94. They'll continue to be without Embiid and Simmons against the Warriors. However, Andre Drummond has proven to be a nice cover for Embiid and he comes off 23 rebounds. Harris, Curry (Seth) and Green could also return on Thursday after missing the win over the Kings. It would be interesting to see Seth against brother Steph in a potential shoot-off.
Steph Curry scored just 12 points against the Raptors last time out but it didn't impact the Warriors red-hot form as they crushed Toronto 119-104. Andrew Wiggins scored 32 points and the ever-improving Jordan Poole scored 33. It's a great sign for the Warriors that the team can still win without Curry scoring 30+ points per game. While on defence, they've held 7 teams to under 100 points in their 17 games this season and they're 7-0 in those matchups.
This matchup depends on the 76ers injury issues because their starting 5 against the Kings would struggle against the high-flying Warriors. Golden State is 7-1 ATS on their home court, 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games and has won 13 of their last 16 against the 76ers. So unless Philadelphia is playing with a full strength lineup, the Warriors look too strong in this matchup.
Stadium Record
Golden State has covered in 7 of their last 8 home games. Philadelphia has struggled on the road against the Warriors with a 2-7 record.
Head to Head Record
The Warriors won the last meeting 107-96 and hold a 7-3 record in the last 10.
Best Bet
