After a concerning loss of form, which saw them beaten in four consecutive games, the Los Angeles Lakers have fought back like the champions they are.
LA, who are 5/2 to win the 2021 NBA finals, slipped off top spot in the Western Conference following defeats to Brooklyn, Miami, Washington and Utah in February.
But as the doubters were starting to circle, Lebron James and co have responded with back-to-back victories – a 102-93 success over Portland and then a 26-point success over Golden State.
Up next for the Lakers is a clash with Westeran rivals Phoenix Suns, who currently sit two places below LA on the ladder.
The Suns head to the Staples Center having won five of their last six matches, scoring 100+ points in each of their last 17 matches and are now 16/1 to win the Western Conference.
Monty Williams’ men beat Minnesota 99-118 on Sunday and guard Devin Brooker shone, scoring 43 points – following on from the 22 points he amassed in the previous win over Chicago Bulls.
It is Utah Jazz who lead the way in the West, with guard Donovan Mitchell on fire in recent games, with the 24-year-old having scored 30+ points in his last three matches.
Utah have a 27-7 record and face the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, with the Jazz looking a good option at 11/10 with -8 on the handicap.
Nets and Bucks Looming in the East
Meanwhile in the East, Philadelphia 76ers top the table with a 22-12 record but they have been showing signs of slipping in recent weeks – losing five of their last nine matches.
The alarm bells will be ringing at the Wells Fargo Center after their last defeat, going down 109-112 in overtime against Cleveland Cavaliers – with the Cavs currently second from bottom in the standings.
Despite a surprise loss to Dallas last time out, Brooklyn Nets still look like the team to beat in the East – Steve Nash’s men are now 6/5 to win the Eastern Conference.
The Nets roster is so strong that even if one big name is having an off night, another will step up and drag the team through. This was highlighted in back-to-back wins over LA duo, the Lakers and Clippers, in February.
James Harden, Kyrie Irving and co face another West Coast outfit on Monday, when they clash with Sacramento Spurs. The Nets are are 5/8 on the Moneyline, with the Spurs 7/5 to claim the victory.
Another team to watch in the East are Milwaukee Bucks, who have won their last five games to lift them up to top spot in the Central Division.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is up to speed now and the ‘Greek Freak’ scored 36 points in Sunday’s 105-100 home win over the Clippers. Giannis is currently 12/1 to be named the Regular Season MVP.
*All odds correct at time of writing