We had a 1-1 day in our Saturday NBA tips but will be looking to improve here as we preview some of the key games in the NBA’s 7 game slate this Tuesday, the 21st of March. We’ll take a look at both games in the ESPN televised double-header as well as big Eastern Conference clash between the Wizards and Celtics.
Golden State Warriors at Oklahoma City Thunder (11am AEDT)
After suffering 3 losses in a row to the Celtics, Timberwolves and Spurs, Golden State received a much-needed temporary respite in scheduling in their last few games and found some form with wins over the 76ers, Magic and Bucks. They’ll embark on a two-game road trip Tuesday starting with the Russel Westbrook led Thunder and then to Dallas to take on the Mavs on Wednesday. With a 3-game stretch coming up that sees them play the Spurs wedged in between playing the Rockets twice, the Warriors will be looking to put some distance in between them and their competitors in the upcoming games.
The Thunder are currently on a 5-game win streak with great wins over the likes of the Spurs and Jazz. Russel Westbrook continues to dominate on a nightly basis, and should have another big game here as the Warriors lack an imposing defender at the guard position. Klay Thompson will likely get the job on Westbrook, but we don’t expect much defence to be played on either part here. Both teams have been efficient at scoring the ball this year, and both have allowed their opponents to score the ball efficiently.
TIP: Total Points OVER 221.5 - $1.95 at bet365
New York Knicks at Los Angeles Clippers (1.30pm AEDT)
The Knicks are arguably in the worst form in the league now, with just 6 wins from their last 21 games. With just 13 games left in their season, there mission will be to lose as many as possible to move themselves up the draft lottery standings. We have the benefit of coming into that part of the season now where we know the teams who are out of playoff contention will start to rest players and intentionally try to lose games, so we think at home, the Clippers should definitely win this game. Whether they can cover the large 10.5 line is the question.
The Knicks haven’t played a team of LA’s calibre in a while and in their last game all the way back on Friday, they suffered a 11-point loss to the 13-55 Brooklyn Nets. Kristaps Porzingus missed the Knicks last game with a thigh injury and while he’s listed as probably for this game, he’ll likely be under a minute’s restriction. The Clippers will have everyone available for the tilt so we expect them to cover the line.
TIP: Los Angeles Clippers -10.5 - $1.95 at William Hill
Washington Wizards at Boston Celtics (10.30am AEDT)
The Celtics stumbled to their first defeat in star point guard Isaiah Thomas’ absence on Monday with a 6 point loss to the 76ers in Philly. While Al Horford picked up some of the slack with 27 points, the help wasn’t there for Boston as they succumb to Dario Saric and the 76ers. They’ll get a tough test on Tuesday as they come up against the Wizards, who will be gunning for a win to close the 1 game margin between them and the 2nd placed Celtics.
It’s a crucial game for both sides and Thomas is eyeing a return in this one, whether or not he can have his regular massive impact is the question. The Wizards have their own health concerns, with forward Markieff Morris questionable after missing the last two games through illness. It’s really a toss of the coin here between these two Eastern Conference playoff contenders, so we’ll go with the home team providing Thomas suits up.
TIP: Boston Celtics to win - $1.65 at TopBetta
