The Lakers look to improve their position when they visit Washington tomorrow. Placing fifth in the West, they cannot afford to slip up if they are going to avoid the play-in tournament spots.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers, Sixers, Celtics, Knicks, Heat, Grizzlies, Nuggets, Suns, and Kings have businesses to take care at home to round up the 10-game schedule in the NBA.
Orlando Magic @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Two cellar-dwelling teams have plans to end their losing skids tomorrow. The Cavaliers dropped three straight whereas the Magic are losers of six consecutive matches.
Big picture-wise, there’s not much incentive for both squads to win since it’ll hurt their NBA 2021 odds for a high pick. However, a victory should spur the development of their young stars.
Betting Tip – Cleveland Cavaliers Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 1.86
Atlanta Hawks @ Philadelphia Sixers
The Hawks are hoping that Trae Young’s recovery goes ahead of schedule when they’ll meet the Sixers in back-to-back nights.
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young shoots the ball during their NBA clash against the New York Knicks
Hawks CEO Travis Schlenk indicated that their star PG, along with De’Andre Hunter, could both return this weekend should things go according to plan.
Meanwhile, the Sixers look to solidify their spot in the East with another victory and they’ll be led by Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
Betting Tip – Philadelphia Sixers Asian Handicap -7.50 @ 1.87
Los Angeles Lakers @ Washington Wizards
SBOTOP fans are in for a treat when the Wizards host the Lakers.
Lakers guard Dennis Schroder suggested that LeBron James is “close” to returning, and that will boost the defending champions’ chances immensely.
Fans are hopeful that the King makes his return in as early as tomorrow. But nevertheless, the Lakers are to be led by Dennis Schroder, Andre Drummond, and Anthony Davis.
They’ll definitely have their hands full in dealing with Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook, who have helped the Wizards win eight of their last nine.
Betting Tip – Los Angeles Lakers Asian Handicap -3.50 @ 2.00
Charlotte Hornets @ Boston Celtics
Boston should shake off their inconsistencies when they meet Charlotte anew. They are losers of three straight after winning seven of their last eight.
The Hornets, on the other hand, would like to move up into the Eastern Conference standings as they’ve fallen to the eight spot after a lacklustre week.
Jaylen Brown would have to do a lot once more since Kemba Walker, Robert Williams, and Jayson Tatum are dealing with injuries.
Betting Tip – Boston Celtics Asian Handicap -6.50 @ 1.89
Chicago Bulls @ New York Knicks
Time is running out for the Bulls as they’ve yet to realise their promise. They’re currently at the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference, and they’ll look to move into the play-in with a win over the streaking Knicks.
The Knicks may have suffered a hiccup against the Suns yesterday, but they remain in good shape. Another win for New York tomorrow will mean that they’ll hold solo fourth in the East.
Betting Tip – New York Knicks Asian Handicap -4.50 @ 1.86
San Antonio Spurs @ Miami Heat
The Spurs aim for four straight when they face the Heat on the road.
DeMar DeRozan has been the Spurs’ main man during the win streak as he continues to bring numerous NBA 2021 highlights. But he’ll have his work cut out for him since they were annihilated by the Heat in their meeting last week.
Miami are dealing with injuries to their key players, so Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler are expected to carry the Heat’s offencive cudgels once again.
Betting Tip – Miami Heat Asian Handicap -4.50 @ 1.86
Portland Trail Blazers @ Memphis Grizzlies
The matchup between the Blazers and the Grizzlies is crucial since it’ll pose ramifications for the play-in tournament. Portland and Memphis will fight tooth and nail since they’re currently at seventh and eighth respectively in the West.
Ja Morant got the better of Damian Lillard in their previous encounter three days ago, and he’ll look to achieve the same result tomorrow.
Betting Tip – Memphis Grizzlies Asian Handicap -2.50 @ 2.01
New Orleans Pelicans @ Denver Nuggets
The Pelicans have a gargantuan task in trying to beat the Nuggets on the road tomorrow. Zion Williamson will do all he can in trying to help his team sneak into the play-in, but Nikola Jokic and co. are still rolling.
Denver have won six of their last seven and they are doing it without Jamal Murray, which means that they’re in great shape to extend their streak tomorrow.
Betting Tip – Denver Nuggets Asian Handicap -4.50 @ 1.99
Los Angeles Clippers @ Phoenix Suns
The Clippers are going to need a lot from Paul George. The swingman struggled mightily in their loss against the Pelicans as he was held to only nine points.
DeMarcus Cousins, meanwhile, churned out a double-double yesterday and he’ll be relied on to be a big interior force.
Perimeter defence should be their main point of emphasis as they’ll try to slow down the dynamic duo of Devin Booker and Chris Paul.
Betting Tip – Phoenix Suns Asian Handicap -2.50 @ 1.78
Utah Jazz @ Sacramento Kings
The Jazz pay a visit to the Kings to try and halt their two-game skid. Utah suffered back-to-back defeats against Minnesota after just clinching their playoff berth last week.
The Kings, meanwhile, are fresh from a surprising win over the Mavericks as Tyrese Haliburton led the way with a double-double.
Donovan Mitchell and De’Aaron Fox remain on the sidelines for this game, but Utah should be able to cruise since they have a deeper roster.
Betting Tip – Utah Jazz Asian Handicap -8.50 @ 1.89
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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The post NBA: Lakers Seeking Momentum as they Await The King’s Return appeared first on SBOTOP.