ESPN Australia are treating us to a great televised NBA double-header this Thursday, the 5th of March. The Bulls will travel to Cleveland for the early game starting at 12pm followed by the red hot Warriors hosting the Trailblazer at 2.30pm. A 1-1 day on Saturday takes us to a respectable 26-16 record on the season so far, with all bets coming at least line prices. Hopefully we can continue picking winners with our latest NBA betting tips.
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers (12pm AEDT)
Both teams will be coming off a day’s rest for this one as the East leading Cavs host the Bulls for just their second clash of the year. The Cavs were handed one of their seven losses on the season so far the last time they met, which was in Chicago in early December. However, the Bulls are in a massive slump of form at the moment, having lost 8 of their last 11 games. There woes could be increased on Thursday as well, with Dwayne Wade missing Tuesdays game against the Hornets with significant swelling in his knees. You’d think that he should return for this matchup as long as it isn’t anything more serious than that as it would mark 4 days since he had played last.
The Cavs also have their fair share of health concerns, Kyrie Irving has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, however he could return to the lineup Thursday as the Cavs website reports the injury doesn’t appear to be too serious. LeBron James and Kevin Love are also both battling illness, while they both played in Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans reports say that James was dealing with a flu and Love has lost up to 10 pounds in the days leading up to the game due to food poisoning.
All the health woes didn’t stop the Cavs from coming away with the W on Tuesday, and as long as James and Love are playing (Kyrie would be a bonus) I’m confident in the Cavs taking this one at home where they are 18-2 this year.
TIP: Cleveland Cavaliers at the line (-7.0) $1.95 at Sportsbet
Note: Irving and Love are both going to be out. That makes this a very speculative game to bet on.
Portland Trailblazers at Golden State Warriors (2.30pm AEDT)
Like the Bulls, the Blazers are coming up against one of the best teams in the league at the wrong time. They are without star point guard Damian Lillard, who has missed the last four games with an ankle injury. However, their form without him (2-2) has fared a lot better than their previous run of games, as they lost 9 of their last 10 games before he went out. They lack a real rim protector and allow a lot of points in the paint which in turn has opponents shooting 51% from the floor against them, which is the highest mark in the league.
Golden State on the other hand boast the best shooting percentage in the league at 49.8%, which smells disaster for the Blazers. The Blazers are able to stay in most games due to the dynamic offence they receive from guard duo Lillard and C.J McCollum. Without Lillard, I find it hard to envision a way they stay in this one when the Warriors look destined to score at least 120. The Warriors are only 16-18-1 against the spread this year but I back them to cover here.
TIP: Golden State Warriors at the line (-15) - $1.95 at Sportsbet
Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks (11.30m AEDT)
The Milwaukee Bucks have proved to be one of the hardest teams gambling wise this season so far. With a 17-16 record and a 16-17 record against the spread, you’ve really had to pick and choose with the Bucks, but the good thing about that is we have consistently been getting some pretty good value for them (about half the time). They could be without Aussie point guard Matthew Dellavedova in New York due to a hamstring injury, however, that did not concern them on Tuesday as they got over the line against the Thunder at home.
The ‘Greek Freak’ Giannis Antetokoumpo has been on an absolute tear this year and has firmly cemented himself inside the top tier of players in the league. Averaging 24 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists with 2 steals and 2 blocks, he is the complete player, and I’m not sure the Knicks possess a lengthy defender that will be able to handle him effectively. Knicks star Kristaps Porzingus is also doubtful for the game on Thursday, which gives the Knicks real problems on the offensive end. I like the Bucks to take this one comfortably away from home.
TIP: Milwakuee Bucks to Win – $1.89 at CrownBet
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Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
