Toronto Raptors (32-27) at Brooklyn Nets (32-29)
The Raptors have lost back to back road games by large margins and should be eager to get back on track against the Nets. However, their offence and defence simply need to be better. Against the Hawks and Hornets, they've scored an average of just 96.5 pts. While on defence, they've been poor after allowing 126 points per game. This has also been a trend against the Nets this season as they've allowed 131 and 116 pts in the 2 meetings.
After a huge 126-123 win over the Bucks on Sunday, the Nets will be eager for 2 straight wins as they meet the Raptors. Kyrie Irving dominated the contest with 38 pts and the Nets successfully overcame an 8 point deficit at one stage. However, Irving won't be available in this contest due to his inability to play home games at the moment. So Curry, Drummond and Brown will look to fill the void on offence.
Despite missing the likes of Irving and Durant, the Raptors aren't showing much form coming into this matchup to suggest they can beat the Nets. We can also see the Nets stepping up without Irving and making a statement on their home court.
Stadium Record
The Nets have struggled at home with a 1-4 record and they've lost back to back games.
Head to Head Record
Brooklyn has won both of the 2 meetings this season.
Best Bet
Chicago Bulls (39-22) at Miami Heat (40-21)
The Bulls winning streak ended last time out against the Grizzlies in the 116-110 result and they'll be looking to bounce back against the Heat. DeMar DeRozan continued his fine season with 31 pts and his matchup with Butler will be one to watch. Zach LaVine also provided support with 28 pts. They have won back to back road games and have been playing well offensively as they're scoring 114.6 points per game in their last 5 games.
After 3 straight wins, the Heat will be fired up for this clash with the Bulls. Bam Adebayo comes into this clash with great form after 36 pts against the Spurs. Jimmy Butler provided good support with 27 pts and should enjoy facing one of his former teams. The Heat duo should continue to get a usage boost with Kyle Lowry on the sidelines as well. However, their offence hasn't skipped a beat as they're averaging 114 points per game in their last 5 games.
Jimmy Butler comes off an average of 25 points per game in his last 2 games and looks good value to reach the 25 point mark on Tuesday. There's extra motivation agianst his former team and the fact that Kyle Lowry is out.
Stadium Record
The Heat are 14-3 in their last 17 home games. Chicago has lost 5 of their last 7 in Miami.
Head to Head Record
Miami has dominated this matchup with 8 wins in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Player points - J. Butler 25+ = $2.05
Charlotte Hornets (30-32) at Milwaukee Bucks (36-25)
The Hornets will be looking to bounce back in Milwaukee after going down to the Pistons by a single point in overtime (127-126). They've been struggling lately with just 2 wins in their last 10 games and have also played in 3 overtime games over their last 4 outings. So a meeting with the Bucks in Milwaukee will pose a tough challenge. However, they should travel with confidence after beating the Bucks twice in early January.
After 2 straight defeats at home, the Bucks will be looking for improvement against the Hornets. Milwaukee has lost both of those games at home by 3 points against the Nets/76ers, mainly because their defence is struggling. In their last 5 games, they've allowed 124 points per game and will need to keep the Hornets fast-paced play in control.
Despite a back to back and a loss against the Pistons, the Hornets seem to have the Bucks number at the moment. In the 3 meetings this season, Charlotte hold a 2-1 record and the loss was by just 2 points as well. As mentioned, the Bucks defence is struggling to contain points and that should keep the Hornets in the contest to cover a generous line.
Stadium Record
The Bucks have lost 4 of their last 6 home games. Charlotte are 1-7 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Charlotte has beaten the Bucks in the 2 meetings this year.
Best Bet
