It’s been a wild first week of action so far in the NBA. We’ve seen the defending champs lose twice, injuries to numerous key players, and a Head Coach already fired. Here, we’ll wrap up the first week of action as we preview our NBA betting tips for Tuesday, 24th October!
2017-18 NBA Preview & Betting Tips for Tuesday, 24th October
Philadelphia 76ers At Detroit Pistons (10:00am AEST)
Early season form suggests ‘The Process’ is far from finished for the Philadelphia 76ers. They are winless through three games after losses to Washington, Boston, and Toronto, and are set to take on another quality Eastern Conference team when they face the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday morning. Although still on a minute’s restriction, star player Joel Embiid will return for Brett Brown’s men. Embiid’s offensive game was sorely missed in their latest defeat to the Raptors, where they were blown out in the third quarter and couldn’t find a way back. He will be required to score heavily in this one, as well keeping Andre Drummond off the glass. Ben Simmons has been the sole shining light for the 76ers early in the season. Currently averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists, he has reinforced why the Philadelphia 76ers made him the first pick of the 2016 draft.
The Detroit Pistons rallied back from 21 points down to beat Knicks at Madison Square Garden in their latest game, so they will be coming into this one with a lot of confidence and looking to carry the momentum forward. The win improved the Pistons to a 2-1 record, with the next two games to be played at home, so they could be looking at their best start in years if they continue their form. Tobias Harris (24.3PPG, 6.3RPG) has led the way for the Pistons early in the season, with Andre Drummond (12.7PPG, 12.3RPG) continuing his dominance inside. However, Reggie Jackson’s early form could be the most promising of all. Plagued by injury last season, Jackson (16.7PPG, 6.7AST) has regained his burst of speed and has put up three impressive performances thus far, which could see him rewarded with more playing time going forward.
The Piston’s will be eager to capitalise on their early season form with a victory in a very winnable game here. The 76ers are yet to give us a reason to fear betting against them, so we see Detroit getting a comfortable win at home here.
TIP: Detroit Pistons at the line (-3.5) - $1.95 at Sportsbet
Atlanta Hawks At Miami Heat (10:30am AEST)
The Atlanta Hawks will play their second game of a back-to-back when they travel to Miami on Tuesday. The Hawks enter this game with a 1-2 record after going down in 104-116 loss to the Nets. Adding salt to the wounds, they most likely be without key player Denis Schroder, as he didn’t finish the duel with the Nets due to an ankle injury. It’s hard to see how Atlanta are going to post a winning score with Schroder’s absence. The most likely to be asked to step up are veteran guards Marco Belinelli and Kent Bazemore. Belinelli played 31 minutes off the bench in the loss at Brooklyn and finished with 19 points, although he is just 6-of-23 from the field over his last two games, whereas Bazemore tallied 16 points from 32 minutes on Sunday. Rookie John Collins, was a bright spot for the Hawks, posting a double-double with 14 points and 13 boards.
The Miami Heat come into this clash eager for a win after splitting the points in their first two games of the season. Goran Dragic bounced back from his poor season opener with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Dion Waiters was a reliable option on offense as he added 19 points. Hassan Whiteside is questionable to return after surprisingly missing their latest game with a knee injury. This will likely provide Kelly Olynyk with more minutes once again, after tallying 13 points and 9 rebounds from 27 minutes in their latest match.
With or without Hassan Whiteside the Heat should be far too strong for the Hawks in this one. Denis Schroder has been the Hawks only reliable option on offense this season and will likely struggle to get anything going in his absence. The Bookies have given a generous line in this one and we think the Heat will cover.
TiP: Miami Heat at the line (-9) - $1.91 at Ladbrokes
Memphis Grizzlies At Houston Rockets (11:00am AEST)
The Memphis Grizzlies have started the new season in dream fashion posting wins in both of their games. They managed to knock off the reigning champions in their last outing on the back of a great team performance. Gone are the days of the ‘Grit & Grind’ style of basketball that the Grizzlies have been renowned for over the past decade, as they’ve shifted to the ‘Pace and Space’ style that has become so popular around the league. After their performance against the warriors it’s safe to say that the Grizzlies should be able to hold their own against an offensive-minded Houston Rockets on Tuesday, although they will be looking for an improved performance from star PG Mike Conley, who managed just 10 points on 3-of-14 shooting against the Warriors. Marc Gasol was at his brilliant best with a 34-point performance, as the Grizzlies were able to ride his hot hand to the finish line.
Much like Memphis, the Houston Rockets couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2017-18 season. They boast a 3-0 record after impressive wins against the Warriors, Kings, and Mavericks. The win against the Mavs on Sunday was as comfortable as they come with their starting 5 sitting out for the majority of the fourth quarter. James Harden (29 points, 7 assists) was doing James harden things, Eric Gordon added 18 points and Clint Capela had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Rockets dominated from the get-go and led by as many as 35 points during the third quarter. Chris Paul has sat out their last two games and is unlikely to return for this one.
The Rockets have one of the most potent offenses in the NBA and should post another big score here at home. The Grizzlies will be confident that they can match them with their improved offensive game plan. We feel that the scoreboard will get a workout and are confident that this one goes over.
TIP: Total Points Over (210.5) - $1.95 at Sportsbet
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