Los Angeles Lakers (30-41) at Cleveland Cavaliers (41-30)
LeBron James returns the Cleveland for the first time this season and he'll be looking to get the Lakers out of this slump. Los Angeles have lost 4 of their last 5 games and their defence continues to struggle, giving up 125 points per game in their last 5. But LeBron comes off 38 pts and he should be a lock to get over 30 pts in his former city.
The Cavs have won back to back close games against the Pistons and Nuggets in OT. They've been a good team at home lately with 4 wins in their last 5. Darius Garland comes off 24 pts against the Pistons and Osman provided support with 16 pts. In this matchup, their defence will need to be quell the influence of James as he has dominated the last few meetings since joining the Lakers.
This game is all about the King - LeBron James as he always seems to setup when he plays in Cleveland. So we can see the Lakers playing a close one with the Cavs as they've won 6 of the last 7 meetings.
Stadium Record
The Cavs are 4-1 in their last 5 home games. LA has lost 11 of their last 15 in Cleveland.
Head to Head Record
The Lakers are 4-0 against Cleveland since 2020.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Lakers +6.5 = $1.82
Miami Heat (47-24) at Philadelphia 76ers (43-27)
The Heat should welcome the challenge against the 76ers after comfortable wins over the Thunder and Pistons. In their recent 12 pt win over the Thunder, Tyler Herro was excellent with 26 pts as the Heat held a 29 pt lead at one stage. They have been without Butler for a few games but he's questionable for this matchup. However, Oladipo and Vincent have been ruled out for Tuesday's game.
Meanwhile, the 76ers are on a back to back after a 5 pt loss against the Raptors on this court. They would be disappointed with the loss after letting a 16 pt lead slip and they'll look to get back on track against the Heat. Joel Embiid played 37 mins against the Raptors but he has been struggling with a back injury. So he may rest him soon, especially with an upcoming West roadtrip.
The Heat recently beat the 76ers by 17 pts and their defence was the key as they allowed just 82 pts. With the 76ers coming off a back to back and a disappointing scoring display against the Raptors, we can see the Heat taking this one on the back of their defence.
Stadium Record
The 76ers are 6-4 in their last 10 home games. The Heat have a poor 3-10 record in Philadelphia.
Head to Head Record
The Heat are 2-1 in this season's series and won at this venue by 5 pts in December.
Best Bet
Minnesota Timberwolves (42-30) at Dallas Mavericks (43-28)
The Timberwolves are seeking a 5th straight win in what's been an impressive run. They trashed the Bucks by 19 on Sunday and also beat the Heat in Miami by 9 pts last week. Their road form has been just as good with 4 wins in their last 5. With Dallas just ahead in the West standings, this a key game for the T-Wolves and their hopes of finishing in the top 6. They do have an injury concern with Towns and his forearm. But he has played the last 2 games with this injury and should be fine.
The Mavericks head back onto their home court this Tuesday after a crushing defeat against the Hornets. At one stage, the Mavs were down by 32 pts as they fell to a 129-108 loss. Doncic was their only brightspot on offence with 37 pts. But overall, they're scoring just 106 pts in their last 5 games. However, Dinwiddie missed the game against the Hornets with injury but he's listed to play against Minnesota.
This total looks a bit too high. The Mavs are a good defensive team, especially at home with a 19-6 Uuders record. So they should be able to control this Timberwolves offence.
Stadium Record
Dallas are 15-4 in their last 19 home games. The Timberwolves have lost 5 of their last 6 in Dallas.
Head to Head Record
This season's head to head is locked at 1-1 and Dallas has won 7 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
