Chicago Bulls (19-21) at Boston Celtics (28-12)
The Bulls are coming off 3 straight wins and will head to Boston with confidence. Last time out, they beat the Jazz by 8 pts on their home court as Lavine and DeRozan dominated for the home side. LaVine finished with a team-high 36 pts and DeRozan scored 30+ as well. Their chemistry has been questioned this season but Sunday's performance is a positive sign for Chicago. In team news, Alex Caruso is questionable but otherwise, the Bulls are looking healthy for this road game.
The Celtics have won back-to-back games since a woeful 33 pt loss against the Thunder last week. Jayson Tatum continued his push for MVP after 34 pts against the Spurs in San Antonio on Sunday. At the TD Garden, the Celtics are looking for a 5th straight win and will be keen to get back in front of the Boston faithful after 4 straight road games. Marcus Smart could miss this clash as he recovers from a knee injury so the likes of Brogdon and White should get more opportunities.
Chicago isn't getting much love in the odds but they're playing well enough to keep this one close. They also hold a 4-1 ATS at the TD Garden and only lost by 4 pts in the first meeting of the season in Boston in November.
Stadium Record
Boston hold a 4-1 record in their last 5 home games. Chicago has lost 7 of their last 9 in Boston.
Head to Head Record
The Bulls are 2-1 in the season series.
Best Bet
Milwaukee Bucks (25-14) at New York Knicks (22-18)
The Bucks are looking to respond after a disappointing defensive effort against the Hornets on Saturday. They gave up 138 pts and that included 51 pts in the first quarter. As a result of the blowout loss, Giannis only played 22 minutes so he should be fresh for this matchup in New York. They're still missing Middleton with an injury but Jrue Holiday is back in the lineup. This game will start a 4 game trip for the Bucks and they should be eager to improve their road form over the next week.
The Knicks are finding form after 4 straight wins and will welcome the challenge against the Bucks. They come off a 4 pt win over the Raptors on Saturday and the Knicks duo of Randle/Brunson was the key. Randle scored a team-high 32 pts and Brunson added 26. In team news, RJ Barrett is doubtful to play with a finger injury so Randle/Brunson will continue to be the focal point on offence.
After a tough loss against the Hornets, the Bucks should be fired up to bounce back against the Knicks. They also hold a 5-1 record at MSG and have beaten the Knicks in the first 2 meetings of the season. Bucks to cover behind a big game by Giannis.
Stadium Record
New York are 6-4 in their last 10 at home. Milwaukee holds a nice 5-1 record at MSG.
Head to Head Record
The Bucks have won 7 of the last 10.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Lakers (19-21) at Denver Nuggets (26-13)
The Lakers are on a 5-game winning streak and they're getting near the .500 mark after a sluggish start to the season. It's all about the form of LeBron James at the moment after his 38th birthday, he's scored 37+ pts in 3 of his last 4 outings. They'll be without Davis, Walker and Reaves on Tuesday so LeBron should be locked in for another high-usage game. Their road form has improved as well with 4 wins in their last 5 so they're a good chance of an upset.
The Nuggets are coming off two big wins at home and will look to make it 3 straight as they host the Lakers this Tuesday. They beat the undermanned Cavs on Saturday by 13 pts as Nikola Jokic scored a game-high 28 pts. On their home court, the Nuggets are 10-0 and their averaging 120 pts in their last 5 games. They get another favourable matchup against the Lakers leaking defence as well. In team news, they'll likely go with the same starting 5.
Games involving the Lakers are usually high scoring and with both sides in good touch, the Over looks the best play. As such, LA are 8-3 against the Over and 6-1 at this venue. Meanwhile, Denver are 4-2 against the Over in their last 6 and they average 120 pts in their last 5 games.
Stadium Record
Denver have won 10 straight games on their home court. Los Angeles has lost 15 of their last 21 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Lakers have won 2 of the 3 meetings so far against the Nuggets this season.
Best Bet
