Phoenix Suns (7-4) at Memphis Grizzlies (6-6)
The 7-4 Suns will finally return from a Covid outbreak as they take on the Grizzlies this Tuesday. Phoenix haven't played since a shocking 128-107 loss to the Wizards but they should be well rested for this matchup. Despite that loss, Devin Booker and Chris Paul have led the Suns to 7 wins this season and their combination should give the Grizzlies plenty of headaches.
Memphis are starting to find form after 4 straight wins and key PG Ja Morant is back from injury. He scored 17 points in their 2 point win over the 76ers last time out. Tillman also continues to play well off the bench and added 15 pts in the victory. Generally, Memphis have struggled at home this season (2-5) but their red-hot form at the moment should be tough to match.
This is a tough game to bet on considering the Suns haven't played for a while. But looking at the Memphis defence, they've given up huge rebound numbers to Centres, which means DeAndre Ayton is in for a big game. In 3 of his last 4 games, he's also got 12+ rebounds so the 13+ marker looks a solid bet here.
Stadium Record
The Grizzlies are 2-5 at home this season. The Suns are 3-9 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Grizzlies won the last meeting last January, 114-109. Since 2017, Memphis are 6-4.
Best Bet
Milwaukee Bucks (9-4) at Brooklyn Nets (8-6)
The Bucks are 9-4 and lead the Eastern Conference after 4 straight wins. In their most recent 112-109 over the Doncic led Mavericks, Giannis and Middleton led the way as usual with the pair combining for 56 points. But the Greek Freak's woeful free throwing shooting (1 of 10) could become a problem in the playoffs unless he finds a fix soon.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets acquired James Harden and will be fully expecting a run at the finals with a potential meeting with the Bucks in March. In Harden's first appearance for his new team, he didn't disappoint with a triple-double as the Nets beat the Magic. With Kyrie Irving expected back soon, sharing the ball between 3 superstars will be intriuging to watch.
This should be a really high scoring matchup with so much talent on the floor. The combination between Harden and Durant will be hard to stop. Meanwhile, the Nets are fairly undersized and Giannis should be very dangerous. As a result, we like the chances of the Over in what should be a free flowing / fast pace contest.
Stadium Record
The Bucks have won their last 5 at this venue against the Nets. Brooklyn hold a 4-1 home record.
Head to Head Record
Since 2017, the Bucks hold a 7-3 head to head advantage.
Best Bet
Golden State Warriors (6-6) at Los Angeles Lakers (11-3)
The 6-6 Warriors currently hold the 8th seed in the West and they should enjoy another challenging outing against the best team in the NBA. Golden State have lost their last 2 against the Nuggets and Pacers. Steph Curry is obviously their key man and he's coming off 35 points in the Denver loss. But if the Warriors are looking to make some noise in the playoffs, they can't rely on Curry to score 30+ every game.
Los Angeles own the best record in the NBA at 11-3 and have looked unstoppable in their 5th game winning streak. In their last 4 alone, they've thrashed the Pelicans, Thunder and Rockets (twice) by 17 or more points. The scary part is LeBron and Anthony Davis have struggled with a few injuries lately. But the Lakers have the depth to cover the two superstars.
Last February, the Lakers thrashed the Warriors by 30 points and while we don't see a similar blowout margin, Los Angeles are just too good at the moment. As mentioned, the Warriors rely heavily on Curry and the Lakers defence should be able to shut him down. They've allowed an average of around 100 points in their last 4 games and we can't see the Warriors scoring much more. So take the Lakers at the line.
Stadium Record
The Lakers are 11-4 at home in their last 15. Golden State hold a 3-1 record at this venue against the Lakers.
Head to Head Record
Since 2019, the Lakers hold a 3-0 head to head record and have won 2 of those games by 20+.
Best Bet
