Atlanta Hawks (4-3) at New York Knicks (3-3)
The Hawks are coming off easily their worst loss of the season after going down to the Raptors 139-109 in Toronto. They committed 18 turnovers to 7 and Toronto made them pay in the 4th quarter with 44 pts. As a result, the Hawks will need a quick turnaround as their 5 game road trip ends in New York. With an upcoming home stand against some tough opponents, they need to figure out their defensive issues and that starts on Thursday. However, Dejounte Murray has been solid for his new team and comes off scoring 20+ in 3 straight games so he looks like a solid bet in the 20+ pt markets.
The Knicks have lost back-to-back games in almost identical fashion. They went down to the Bucks by 11 pts on Saturday and the Cavs by 13 on Monday. However, they have been much stronger at home as they've won all 3 games at MSG this season. So they'll be the favourites to continue that form at home against the Hawks. The offence has struggled in the last 2 defeats but Jalen Brunson is a solid target in the player points markets as he'll get a favourable matchup against Trae Young.
Atlanta is coming to the end of a long road trip and it's probably showing after a couple of bad losses. Meanwhile, the Knicks are undefeated at home this season and hold an 8-3 ATS record after a loss. Take the Knicks at home on the back of Brunson.
Stadium Record
New York are 4-1 in their last 5 at home. Atlanta holds a 3-3 record in their last 6 at the venue.
Head to Head Record
The head-to-head is locked at 5-5 in the last 10 meetings since 2021.
Best Bet
Toronto Raptors (4-3) at San Antonio Spurs (5-2)
The Raptors will head to San Antonio with confidence after winning 3 of their last 4. They absolutely smashed the Hawks on Tuesday 139-109 and Pascal Siakam was the standout with 31 pts. They also beat the Heat in Miami in their last road game. Their defence will be one of the keys against the Spurs, considering they've allowed 90 pts in 2 of their last 4 and averaged just 106 points against in their last 5. They should also get Fred VanFleet back from injury at PG.
The Spurs are in winning form after 4 victories in their last 5. They come off a 9-point defeat of the T-Wolves on Monday and Keldon Johnson / Doug McDermott combined for 48 pts. However, they would want to improve on their 20 turnovers committed in the victory. At home this season, they're 2-1 and will play 4 of their next 5 at home. They will have a few injury issues to monitor for this matchup. Johnson is questionable with a calf and Vassell has already been ruled out with a knee injury. So their bench depth will likely be tested in this one.
Toronto look the stronger side in this matchup and should cover as a road favourite. They're coming off a 30 pt win and have beaten the 76ers/Heat in the last week. Meanwhile, the Spurs could be missing 2 of their best players and that will likely hurt their scoring ability.
Stadium Record
San Antonio has won 4 of their last 6 at home. Toronto have a poor 3-17 record at this venue in their last 20.
Head to Head Record
The Raptors hold a 6-4 record in the last 10 meetings since 2017.
Best Bet
Memphis Grizzlies (4-3) at Portland Trail Blazers (5-1)
The Grizzlies are coming back-to-back losses against the Jazz in Utah. However, they'll be happy to see the return of Ja Morant in Tuesday's defeat. He was excellent in a beaten side as he finished with 37 pts. They missed Desmond Bane with injury and he's questionable with an ankle complaint for this matchup with Portland. If he can't go, Morant will be even more important. They'll also need to improve defensively after allowing 120+ pts in 4 of their last 5. That won't be easy against a Portland side that's scoring 115 points per game.
The Trail Blazers will be fresh for this contest after playing last Saturday and they took down the Rockets 125-111. They were without Damian Lillard and he still hasn't recovered from injury for Thursday's game either. But he should be able to return in a few days. But Anfernee Simons is coming off 30 pts and will be the key on offence against the Grizz. Meanwhile, Sharpe will likely get the start at PG for Lillard. Josh Hart also has issues with a concussion and that's something to monitor before tip-off.
Both sides have their injury problems coming into this matchup but we do like the Trail Blazers as a home underdog. Despite missing Lillard, the Grizzlies defence has been leaking points and the likes of Simons/Nurkic should be able to take advantage. They're also 4-1 ATS when playing the Grizz.
Stadium Record
Portand are 3-1 at home this season. Memphis has lost 6 of their last 9 in Portland.
Head to Head Record
The Trail Blazers are 6-4 in the last 10 meetings since 2020.
Best Bet
