The NBA continues on Saturday with a seven-game slate to look forward to, including a tasty Kayo/ESPN double header. We have you covered with a full preview and NBA betting tips for the key games of the day below.
NBA Betting Tips Saturday 1st February
Denver Nuggets at Philadelphia 76ers
11.30am (AEDT)
The Nuggets have been absolutely rolling of late. They're averaging 119.7 points per game over their last ten games, shooting an impressive 51.9% from the field. Nikola Jokic has been a standout, averaging 29.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game. Jamal Murray has also been contributing significantly with 20.1 points per game.
On the contrary, the 76ers have been struggling without their star player Joel Embiid, who is out due to a knee injury. The 76ers have a 9-13 record at home this season and have been averaging 111.6 points per game over their last ten games. Tyrese Maxey has been a bright spot for Philadelphia, averaging 27.1 points per game and leading the team with his playmaking abilities.
The Nuggets have had the edge over the 76res in recent history, winning their last two matchups, the most recent of which just 10 days ago in blowout fashion. Denver won by 35 points that night, and I think with Embiid still out of the line-up, they should win this one comfortably.
Boston Celtics at New Orleans Pelicans
12pm (AEDT)
The Celtics have been impressive on the road, boasting a 17-6 record away from home. Jayson Tatum has been a standout, averaging 26.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Jaylen Brown has also been contributing significantly with 23.2 points per game. They currently sit in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, but a whole 6.0 games behind the leading Cavaliers.
The Pelicans have had a dismal season to date, maintaining a 12-36 record and sitting in 2nd last place in the Western Conference. They have lost their last four games on the spin, and are a woeful 8-17 at Smoothie King Cente. They’ll be without key player Brandon Ingram for this clash, as he battles an ankle sprain.
The Celtics should be far too strong in this one but I think that lends credence to some lower output games from the likes of Tatum and Brown. They will likely blow the undermanned Pelicans out of the water here, meaning Tatum will play limited minutes. I think he goes under here. He has gone under 25.5 in all of his last five games.
Tatum Under 25.5 Points
$1.90
Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors
2.00pm (AEDT)
It’s a battle of two teams fighting for playoff contention in the Western Conference as the 9th placed Suns travel to San Fran to take on the 11th placed Warriors. The Warriors have won their last two games on the spin to start climbing the West rankings, but face a tough four game road trip in the coming week, so they’ll be desperate to win at home.
The Suns have been poor on the road this season, maintaining just a 9-13 record when travelling, the worst of any Western Conference team in the top 11. Devin Booker has been the standout for the Suns, averaging 25.5 points and 6.7 assists per game and will lead what will be a full strength Suns side here.
With their full compliment of stars playing in this one, I think the Suns can travel to Golden State and get the job done. They have won three of their last four games and look a different outfit when healthy. Back them to win what is a pickem here.
