To kick off the first weekend in December we have a big nine-game slate of NBA action on Saturday. Here, we run you through our best spread and player prop bets for the day. Good luck to everyone following!
NBA Betting Tips: Saturday, 4th of December
Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks
State Farm Arena, 11:30am AEDT
The 76ers have continued to lose despite superstar Joel Embiid returning from injury. He was woeful in their one-point loss to the Celtics last time out where they managed to score just 87 points. The 76ers have now lost three of their last four and nine of their last 12 games and are quickly slipping down the standings in the East.
The Hawks lost six of their first seven games in November and were well down the standings, but they’ve been able to find some of their best form since then to reel off wins in eight of their last nine game. Most recently they were able to run over the top of the Pacers on the road thanks to Trae Young’s fifth straight 30+ point game.
Despite the contrasting form between these teams in recent weeks, the Hawks will start as very narrow favourites against the 76ers on Saturday. When you also consider the fact that the Hawks have one of the best home records in the league at 8-2, they certainly jump off the page as one of the best value plays in this big slate.
Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets
Toyota Center, 12pm AEDT
The Magic were finally able to snap their losing streak at seven when they came from behind to defeat the Nuggets in impressive fashion on Thursday. Cole Anthony’s return from a short injury layoff certainly helped, as did Franz Wagner who’s enjoying an impressive rookie campaign. Regardless, the Magic still have just five wins to their name this season and are yet to win back-to-back games.
The Rockets lost 16 of their first 17 games to start the season but have reeled of wins in each of their last four games in one of the more unlikely streaks we’ve seen this season. They look to have settled on a more experienced starting group to the one they were rolling out early on, which is clearly paying dividends. The Rockets now return home where they’ve won three straight games while scoring 100+ on each occasion.
Both at the bottom of their respective conferences, there certainly won’t be too many eyeballs on this game, however we believe there’s money to be made by backing the Rockets line. They’ve managed to win cover the spread in each of their last four games and should be able to extend that streak to five.
Houston Rockets -2.5
$1.90
Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors
Chase Center, 2pm AEDT
The Suns enter this game with a franchise record 18 consecutive wins under their belt, one of which came against the Warriors just a couple of days ago in Phoenix. That win certainly came as a cost however, with star guard Devin Booker injuring his hamstring. The Suns managed to find a way to win against the Pistons last time out, but will struggle to cover Booker’s absence against better teams going forward.
The Warriors had a stranglehold on the top spot in the East until they were knocked off by the Suns earlier in the week. They’ve now had a few days to recover from that defeat and will enjoy being back on their home deck for their next fixture. Steph Curry only managed to hit on 4-21 field goals in their recent loss and will be eyeing off a big bounce back performance on Saturday.
It’s hard to knock the Suns who went unbeaten in the month of November, but they now face the toughest task in basketball at the moment when they travel to take on the Warriors without Booker. We’re expecting a much better performance from Steph Curry and for him to guide his team to a big win against the undermanned Suns.
Golden State Warriors -6.5
$1.90
Player Props
11am Heat at Pacers – Kyle Lowry 16+ Points ($1.95 TAB)
11am Cavaliers at Wizards – Jarrett Allen 30+ PRA ($1.90 TAB)
11:30am Timberwolves at Nets – James Harden 23+ Points ($1.85 TAB)
11:30am 76ers at Hawks – Trae Young 27+ Points ($1.87 Sportsbet)
12:30pm Pelicans at Mavericks – Brandon Ingram 23+ Points ($1.90 Sportsbet)
1pm Celtics at Jazz – Mike Conley 13+ Points ($1.85 Sportsbet)
2pm Clippers at Lakers – Reggie Jackson 18+ Points ($1.95 TAB)
