Philadelphia 76ers (34-18) at Boston Celtics (38-16)
The 76ers are looking to bounce back against the Celtics after a disappointing 108-97 loss against the Knicks on Monday. Despite leading by 21 at one stage, the 76ers couldn't get their offence going in the last quarter. However, Joel Embiid led the team with 31 pts and has now scored 30+ in 4 of his last 5 games. He always enjoys this matchup against Boston and should be the key if the 76ers cause an upset. While he is questionable for this matchup, he's been playing through his foot injury and likely won't miss this one either.
Boston are coming off a comfortable win over the Pistons on Tuesday, 111-99. Without Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum took full control of the offence and finished with 34 pts. Derrick White also added 23 pts. Boston are 8-2 at the TD Garden over their last 10 home games and they'll be favourites to make it 9-2 when they host the 76ers on Thursday. In team news, Brown, Williams and Smart are all questionable. So their starting lineup will need to be monitored before tip-off.
This rivalry matchup has been all about the Celtics and they look the best bet to cover. They've covered in 9 of the last 13 meetings at the TD Garden and also beat them 126-117 in the only meeting at the venue this season.
Stadium Record
Boston are 8-2 in their last 10 at home. Philadelphia are just 4-17 at this venue in their last 21.
Head to Head Record
The head-to-head is squared at 5-5 since late 2020.
Best Bet
Dallas Mavericks (29-26) at LA Clippers (31-26)
The undermanned Mavs are coming off an impressive 124-111 win over the Jazz in Utah on Tuesday. Without Luka Doncic, Hardy and Green stepped up for the Mavs as they both finished with 29 pts a piece. With Doncic ruled out for this contest as well, their last performance should give the team a lot of confidence. They also could get newly acquired Kyrie Irving into the lineup and that would give their offence an extra boost.
The Clippers are looking for 3 straight wins when they host the Mavs on Thursday. They're back at home after a long road trip where they won 3 of their last 4 games. It helps that their dynamic duo of George and Leonard are injury-free. Leonard has scored 30+ pts in 3 of his last 5 games and George is coming off 29 pts in their latest win over the Nets on Tuesday. Their starting lineup should remain the same against the Mavs and they're heavy favourites to win this matchup.
The head-to-head odds will likely change if Irving plays. However, the Clippers should get the job done at home regardless. They're 4-1 ATS against the Mavs and have won 8 of their last 10 games.
Stadium Record
Los Angeles are 5-5 in their last 10 at home. Dallas holds an 8-17 record at this venue against the Clippers.
Head to Head Record
Los Angeles are 6-4 in the last 10 and beat the Mavs in January 112-98.
Best Bet
Golden State Warriors (28-26) at Portland Trail Blazers (26-28)
Despite missing Steph Curry, the Warriors exploded for 141 pts in their 27 pt win over the Thunder on Tuesday. Klay Thompson dominated the contest with 42 pts and he nailed an impressive 12 threes. Jordan Poole also played well with 21 pts and 5 threes. They get another opportunity to pile on the points as the Trail Blazers are allowing 121 pts in their last 5 games.
The Trail Blazers are looking to end a 2 game-losing streak when they host the Warriors on Thursday. They're coming off a disappointing 19 pt loss against the Bucks on Tuesday as their defence continues to struggle. They're also missing Nurkic at the centre position and Eubanks is questionable for this matchup. Their chances will likely rest on Lillard and he's scored 40+ pts in 3 of his last 5 games.
Games involving the Trail Blazers are usually high scoring as defence isn't their speciality so we like the Over. It's 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. The Warriors are 15-2 against the Over on the road as well.
Stadium Record
Portland hold a 3-2 record in their last 5 home games. Golden State are 1-3 in their last 4 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Warriors are looking for a 4th straight win over the Trail Blazers.
Best Bet
