Milwaukee Bucks (26-16) at Charlotte Hornets (21-19)
With an undermanned lineup, the Bucks have struggled through a 4 game stretch where they've won just 1 game. For this re-match with the Hornets, they'll also be missing Jrue Holiday at point guard once again. However, they may get Connaughton back as he's currently listed as questionable. But without Holiday, their offence will continue to run through Giannis and Middleton. Giannis comes off 43 pts against the Hornets so he can't do much more and will need more help from his team-mates.
After a recent 8 point win over the Bucks, the Hornets will look for a rare back to back victory over the defending champs. The victory would've given the Hornets a lot of confidence that they can compete with the top teams in the NBA. In the win over the Bucks, Terry Rozier was one of the keys as he top-scored with 28 pts. The other positive for the Hornets is their starting lineup is looking like one of the healthiest in the NBA.
Considering the Hornets recently beat the Bucks at this venue a few days ago, they're great value to cause another upset. The Bucks are still undermanned and the Hornets have no such injury problems. Charlotte also has the wood over the Bucks with an 8-1 ATS record at this venue and they've won 4 of their last 5 at home this season.
Stadium Record
The Hornets are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 home games. The Bucks have failed to cover in 8 of their last 9 in Charlotte.
Head to Head Record
Charlotte recently beat the Bucks 114-106 at this venue. But the Bucks have won 7 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Indiana Pacers (15-25) at Boston Celtics (19-21)
The Pacers finally ended their 6 game losing streak with an important win over the under-strength Jazz on Sunday. They were led by Damontas Sabonis as he led the charge with a career-best 42 points. He'll be important against the Celtics as they face Horford/Williams in the frontcourt. Lance Stephenson also gave the Pacers a spark with 16 pts / 14 assists and he could be looking at a nice contract if this form continues. Indiana could also get LeVert and Brogdon back in the lineup as they're currently questionable.
After a 108-105 loss against the Knicks and blowing a 25 pt lead, the Celtics bounced back in the rematch on Sunday with a gritty defensive effort. They kept the Knicks to just 75 pts and ended a 2 game losing streak in the process. With the Pacers scoring 120+ pts in back to back games, Boston will need to put another large focus on their defence. Boston is also looking healthy as they're only missing Pritchard from their bench rotation.
This should be a close affair between two of the more underperforming teams in the East. The Celtics are known for blowing leads and they've covered in just 2 of their last 7 games. Meanwhile, the Pacers have covered in 4 of their last 5 and this seems like a good spot to consider they could end their 5 game losing streak at TD Garden.
Stadium Record
Boston is 12-5 at TD Garden in their last 17. The Pacers have lost all of their last 5 matchups in Boston.
Head to Head Record
The Celtics have won 8 of the last 10 meetings since 2019.
Best Bet
Brooklyn Nets (25-13) at Portland Trail Blazers (15-24)
Brooklyn will return to the road on Tuesday after a 1-1 homestand with a loss against the Bucks and a win over the Spurs. Kyrie Irving will return to the lineup as he can't play in New York due to his vaccination status. So the Nets backcourt will be strengthened with the likes of Harden and Durant. Aldridge is also a chance to return as he's currently questionable to play in this matchup.
The Trail Blazers will be on a back to back after an encouraging 103-88 home win over the Kings on Monday. Keeping the Kings to just 88 pts was a major positive as their defence has struggled at home of late. However, a matchup with the big-three trio of the Nets will pose a challenge. The Trail Blazers lineup is also under-strength as they're missing Lillard, McCollum, Powell and Nance Jr.
With Irving back in the lineup and the Trail Blazers missing key players from their starting lineup, the Nets should dominate this matchup. They've been a strong road team as they've covered in 4 of their last 5 away from Brooklyn.
Stadium Record
The Trail Blazers have struggled at home with a 2-10 record in their last 12. The Nets have covered in 5 of their last 6 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Portland won the last meeting 128-109 and hold a 7-3 record in the last 10.
Best Bet
