A big ESPN double-header in the NBA this Saturday as the Knicks take on the Bucks in the early game before we get a look at the league leading Warriors taking on the Grizzlies in the late game. A rough 1-2 day where we were very lucky to get the only win on Thursday means we are 27-18 on the season so far. Not a bad record but we will be looking to bounce back with a big 3-0 day in our 2016-17 NBA Betting Tips for Saturday, January the 7th.
New York Knicks at Milwaukee Bucks (12pm AEDT)
The Bucks gave us our only win on Thursday when they overcame the Knicks on fade-away buzzer beater by my new favourite player in the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The game was basket for basket up until half time, then the Knicks blew out to a 15-point lead in the 3rd quarter. Milwaukee managed to chip away at the lead all through the last quarter before the game was deceided on the last possession of regulation.
As I mentioned in Thursday’s preview, the Bucks have been one of the most inconsistent teams to bet on all year, and Thursday’s game was a prime example of that inconsistency. The Knicks were without star forward Kristaps Porzingus for the game, who should return to the court for Saturday’s matchup. Logic would suggest that he would be at least a 2 point difference in the teams 2nd matchup in three days, however, I’ll still be taking the Bucks to win this one as the Knicks really seem to have lost their way of late.
TIP: Milwaukee Bucks -4.5 – $1.87 at Crownbet
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors (2.30pm AEDT)
I’ve taken an inflated line in both the Warriors last two games now thinking they would blow out both the Mavericks and the Blazers. Both games finished as single digit wins for the Warriors, who don’t seem as interested in dominating teams like they did at the start of the season. Today they take on the Grizzlies, who despite their run of injuries this year are still one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. Marc Gasol has proven why he is a perennial contender for All-NBA teams putting up a healthy 20-6-4 on the season so far.
I’m dreading the day that I don’t take the Warriors line and they decide to blow a team out, but I think I’m safe with the 12.5 the Grizzlies are getting in this one. They are almost back to full strength, with Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons back in the mix I think they should be able to keep the Warriors to a fairly low score (by Warriors standards anyway) and cover the line.
TIP: Memphis Grizzlies +12.5 - $1.96 at CrownBet
Houston Rockets at Orlando Magic (12pm AEDT)
The Rockets are playing like the best team in the league at the moment, on offence anyway. They are putting up ridiculous numbers, consistently scoring over 120 and they visit a team that is 7-12 at home in the Orlando Magic on Thursday. James Harden has raced away in the MVP discussion, in my opionion, and is carrying the Rockets to a season that many thought was not possible with their roster at the start of the season.
The outstanding offence play can be put down to new coach Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun system, that sees them jacking, and making the most 3s in the NBA. They just have too much firepower for a struggling Orlando team that has lost 3 of its last 4 games. I like the Rockets to cover easily here, even away from home and the Beard to have at least 30.
TIP: Houston Rockets -5.5 – 1.88 at CrownBet
