New Orleans Pelicans (2-12) at Washington Wizards (9-3)
The Pelicans are coming off a morale-boosting second win of the season after they took down the Grizzlies 112-101. Brandon Ingram was a key addition after missing 7 games with injury and Nickeil Alexander-Walker continues to impress after scoring 21 points in the win. But the in-form Wizards will pose a tougher challenge.
Washington lead the East with a 9-3 record, which has been surprising after losing Westbrook in the offseason. But the likes of Harrell, Kuzma and Dinwiddie have been great additions. Once again, Bradley Beal is out for this matchup and that opens up a starting spot for Aaron Holiday.
This is a good spot for the Wizards to continue their winning ways. The Pelicans have been poor defensively against point guards, centres and shooting guards. So the combination of Dinwiddie, Harrell and Kuzma should be too much for the Pelicans lacklustre defence to handle.
Stadium Record
Washington has won 6 of their last 7 at home. The Pelicans are 0-5 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Wizards hold a 7-3 record in the last 10 meetings and won the last clash in April, 117-115.
Best Bet
Washington Wizards -2.5 = $1.91
Denver Nuggets (9-4) at Dallas Mavericks (8-4)
Denver will be coming off a back to back as they smashed the Lillard-less Trail Blazers 124-95. The victory also capped a 5 game winning streak on their homestand. However, they have lost their last 2 road games and will be eager to overturn that against Dallas. An injury to monitor will be Will Barton with a back complaint and Bones Hyland took full advantage on Monday with 18 points.
Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic both scored 32 points in a comfortable 123-109 win over the Spurs last time out. There's extra motivation in this matchup with Denver as the Mavericks lost the last meeting by a massive 31 point margin. They have 5 of their last 7 since that defeat so they'll be confident of a bounce-back performance.
The Under has been a strong play with the Nuggets involved lately and we like it here as well. In the Nuggets last 6 road games, the Under is 5-1 and also 4-2 when they meet Dallas. Meanwhile, Dallas holds a 6-2 Unders record on their home court.
Stadium Record
Dallas is 5-1 in their last 6 home games. Denver has lost 4 of their last 12 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Nuggets owned the Mavs in the first meeting of the season, 106-75.
Best Bet
Chicago Bulls (9-4) at Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
After a brutal 119-93 loss against the Warriors, Chicago bounced back nicely with a 100-90 win over the Clippers on Monday. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 35 pts and LaVine added 29. Without Vucevic, the pair always get a good usage boost and will be the key against the Lakers. There will also be personal motivation for Lonzo Ball as he meets his former team as a Bull and he should enjoy a good matchup against Westbrook.
Following a terrible performance against the T-Wolves and an Anthony Davis spray, the Lakers got back on track with a 114-106 win over the Spurs on Monday morning. Davis was unstoppable with 34 points and 15 rebounds. Without LeBron on the court, he is the key pillar for Los Angeles and will need similar numbers against a tough Chicago team.
There's no LeBron James for the Lakers and that can only help the Bulls pull off another win at Staples. They beat the Clippers on this court on Monday and look good value to continue the Lakers struggles. Los Angles have covered in just 5 of their last 17 home games and we'll back the Bulls to get the job done.
Stadium Record
Los Angeles has won 7 of their last 9 home games. Chicago holds a 1-3 record at Staples against the Lakers since 2016.
Head to Head Record
The Lakers have owned this head to head with an 8-2 record since 2016.
Best Bet
