Boston Celtics (3-0) at Chicago Bulls (1-2)
The Celtics are looking for a perfect 4-0 start to the season when they head to the windy city on Tuesday morning. Boston were challenged in their latest high-scoring win over the Magic, 126-120. Tatum's hot shooting form continued with a 40-point spot and that included a quiet second half. Derrick White has also been impressive in the new season and comes off 27 pts against Orlando. After Chicago allowed 128 pts against the Cavs on Sunday, the Celtics have the scoring ability to easily match the same total in this one. Their front-court depth also gets stronger with the return of veteran Al Horford
The Bulls are 1-2 on the season and have lost back-to-back games after a first-up upset over the Heat in Miami. They'll be disappointed with their performance in their home opener on Sunday as they gave up 128 pts in a 32-point defeat. To make matters worse, DeMar DeRozan got himself ejected in the 4th quarter. In more positive news, Zach LaVine made his season debut with 23 pts as he manages a knee injury going forwards. Boston did give up 120 pts against the Magic in their last road game so the Bulls will need to get their offence going to keep up with the likes of Tatum/Brown.
With Tatum in MVP-type form, the Celtics are a solid bet at the line in most matchups. They take on an inconsistent Bulls team that hasn't covered in their last 7 home games and have a few injury issues. Boston also holds an 8-3 record in Chicago and that should continue on Tuesday.
Stadium Record
Chicago has lost all of their last 5 at home. Boston holds an 8-3 record in their last 11 at Chicago.
Head to Head Record
The Celtics are 6-4 in the last 10 meetings and won the last matchup at this venue 117-94.
Best Bet
Brooklyn Nets (1-1) at Memphis Grizzlies (2-1)
After a disappointing effort in their home opener against the Pelicans (130-108 defeat), the Nets big three responded against the Raptors. Irving led the scoring with 30 pts and Durant provided solid support with 27 pts. Ben Simmons showed good signs as well with 10 boards and 8 assists. He's good value for a double-double if that form continues against the Grizzlies. This will also start a tough 2 game road trip as the Nets will face the Bucks after this one. The Nets could be looking ahead to that matchup so they'll need to be prepared for the likes of Ja Morant.
The Grizzlies first loss of the season came on Sunday as they were thrashed by Doncic's Mavs. Memphis never held a lead throughout the contest as their defence had no answers, allowing 137 points in the 41-point defeat. So Memphis should be keen to bounce back on their home court. Their defence will need to stand up against Irving and Durant. Meanwhile, Morant had a quiet night against the Mavs but should get more freedom against the Nets.
These two sides usually play in high-scoring affairs together and this should be a similar result. Irving and Durant are in good form and will likely take advantage of the Grizzlies defence that allowed 130+ pts last time out. The Over has saluted in the last 4 meetings at this venue.
Stadium Record
Memhpis are 5-1 in their last 6 at home. Brooklyn has lost their last 4 in Memphis.
Head to Head Record
The Grizzlies easily won the last matchup 132-120 in March and hold a 7-3 record in the last 10.
Best Bet
Denver Nuggets (2-1) at Portland Trail Blazers (3-0)
The Nuggets are looking for 3 straight wins as they head to Portland. They shocked the Warriors on Saturday in a 5-point win on the road. Then, they beat the Thunder by 5 points as well on a back-to-back at home. Jokic was quiet scoring-wise against the Thunder but Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope picked up the slack with 43 combined points. They have a good recent record against the Trail Blazers so Denver will be confident.
The Trail Blazers are one of the last remaining undefeated sides in the NBA after winning their first 3 games. Their most impressive win was definitely an OT victory over the Suns on Saturday. They followed up that performance with a close win over the Lakers in LA. Damian Lillard has been scorching hot in their last 2 wins, scoring 41 points in both games. There's no reason to see him slowing down against the Nuggets leaky defence.
This should be a fast-paced game between these two sides and that has been the trend when they play each other. The Over is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings at this venue. Denver is 5-2 against the Over at home and 7-2 overall.
Stadium Record
Portland has lost 6 of their last 7 at home. Denver has won 3 of their last 5 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Nuggets hold a strong 7-3 record in the last 10 meetings and have thrashed them by 10+ pts in the last 2.
Best Bet
