After a fairly lengthy All-Star break, the NBA returns this Friday, February 24th with a six game slate. Our last day of tips before the break saw us go a disappointing 1-2 to take our season tally to a still manageable 47-40-1. The .500 mark is creeping up on us so we’ll try to put some distance into it by going 3-0 today. ESPN are treating us to a pretty decent double header with the Knicks at Cavaliers followed by the Warriors hosting the Clippers. We’ll take a closer look at the two games plus the much anticipated New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets.
New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers (12pm AEDT)
It still unclear whether or not the Knicks will make a move before the trade deadline, which is 5 hours before tip-off of this game. Rest assured, if it happens, we’ll update this post accordingly, As of writing, however, they are yet to make a trade and could possibly head into the back half of the season with the same roster. At 23-34, they are surprisingly only 4 games behind a playoffs spot, but a lot of things will have to go their way if they are to push up into contention.
The Cavaliers had a few troubles heading into the All-Star break and now find themselves just 3 games up on the Celtics. They will look to come back from the break rejuvenated, however, and continue their dominant ways. With Kevin Love still out for at least another 3-4 weeks, the Cavs will have to make do playing small ball for the majority of games, but with Kyle Korver starting to find his feet in a Cavs uniform, they have a plethora of 3pt options to make playing that style pretty effective.
I think the Cavs will be too strong in this one, and if the Knicks do end up making a trade, it’ll only make their team worse for this one as the new recruit won’t suit up. Comfortable taking the Cavs to win by double digits here.
TIP: Cleveland Cavaliers -9.5 - $1.84 at Unibet
Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors (2.30pm AEDT)
One of the better NBA rivalries over the last few years reignites Friday as the Warriors host the Clippers. No trades so far for either of these sides means the two teams will go into the matchup near full strength. The only absentees will be Clippers star point guard Chris Paul, who is still sidelined with a thumb injury and possibly the Warriors Zaza Pachulia, who is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury.
It’s always hard to pick a winner between these two teams. While Golden State have had the wood over the Clippers in the past, nearly every one of their matchups has been a closely contested battle. The Warriors had a few issues before the All-Star break, losing to the Nuggets and Kings in the leadup, I think the Clippers bring their A-game here and keep it relatively close. The 12-point line seems a little high to me, barring the Clippers shipping Blake Griffin before the deadline. Watch this space.
TIP: Los Angeles Clippers +12 - $1.95 at William Hill
Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans (12pm AEDT)
The much-anticipated debut of DeMarcus Cousins in a New Orleans uniform will headline the slate on Friday. Cousins was traded to the Pelicans for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway and picks following the All-Star game and teams will team with Anthony Davis to create the best frontcourt in the NBA. It’s a daunting prospect for any team having to guard arguably the two best big men in the game at the same time. Coach Alvin Gentry will likely stagger their minutes as well, so that either one of them is on the court at all times, which is very dangerous considering the are the 10th and 13th in player efficiency rating over the course of the season.
It’ss be especially tough for Houston, who really only possess one defensive big in Clint Capela, who will still have problems with the two monsters. Their other options defensively are Nene, and that’s it. The Pelicans could change the landscape of the NBA and a lot of teams who play smaller power forwards will have to adjust when they play against them. With all that being said though, it will most likely take some time before the Pelicans start to click, but just for the sheer fact that Houston will struggle to hold the duo, I like the Pelicans to take this game as underdogs.
TIP: Pelicans to win - $2.44 at Sportsbet
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