Kawhi Leonard “wasn’t a leader,” according to Gregg Popovich. Now, the two-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year is ready to prove he is one.
Leonard was the talk of the NBA these past few days, thanks to his former San Antonio Spurs coach who said that he was never the leader of the Texas team. The 27-year-old forward is currently with the Toronto Raptors—following an offseason trade—and has since moved on from his days as a Spur.
However, following Coach Pop’s remarks, Leonard is undoubtedly raring to let his game do the talking and show to the Spurs and Popovich what they lost.
New York Knicks @ Detroit Pistons (November 28, 08:00 GMT+8)
The New York Knicks, perhaps unsurprisingly, are on a roll. They started the season with only four wins in 18 games, a stretch that includes four- and six-match losing streaks. Nonetheless, they have now won three straight and seem to be developing some much-needed confidence.
Even more remarkable, their wins are against teams that are above .500. It started with a dominant victory over the Boston Celtics and they have never looked back ever since. Tim Hardaway Jr. continues to lead the Knickerbockers, though it was Emmanuel Mudiay‘s resurgence that resuscitated them back to life.
It remains to be seen if they can keep the streak going against a Detroit Pistons side that is also on the rise. The Motor City have won their last two matches (against the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns) behind big performances from the trio of Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson.
Betting Tip: This fight could be close, so the Knicks Asian Handicap +6.50 @ 2.05 should be a solid choice.
Atlanta Hawks @ Miami Heat (November 28, 08:30 GMT+8)
The Hawks are high in confidence after beating the Charlotte Hornets, but it’s really hard to trust anything that Atlanta are doing. They are rebuilding and while they have spurts of brilliance, there’s a reason why they remain bottom of the East and the NBA.
It is encouraging that they are up against a shorthanded Miami Heat team that will be without starting point guard Goran Dragic. Not to mention that they already beat the Heat in their first meeting this campaign.
However, Miami still have Josh Richardson who is averaging 20.4 points per game. And there’s also Dwyane Wade, fresh from providing one of the best NBA 2018 highlights with a vintage performance versus the Raptors.
Toronto Raptors @ Memphis Grizzlies (November 28, 09:00 GMT+8)
Much has been said about Leonard’s quiet nature and lack of leadership qualities, especially after last season’s drama with the Spurs that led to his break-up with the team. But there’s no doubt he’s changing that narrative with the Raptors.
Toronto are currently enjoying a five-game winning streak and boast the best record in the league (17-4). Leonard has played a huge role in their success, leading the Canada-based squad in points (24.7), rebounds (8.5) and steals (1.7).
Memphis, fourth in the Western Conference with a 12-7 record, are capable of making life hard for Leonard and Toronto. It should be noted, though, that the Grizzlies are winless in two and recently lost at FedExForum to the Knicks.
Betting Tip: Toronto have too much depth, so it’s not wrong to expect them to dominate and beat an Asian Handicap -5.00 that pays at 2.02.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Denver Nuggets (November 28, 10:00 GMT+8)
As Luke Walton noted after the Los Angeles Lakers’ defeat to the Orlando Magic, they are “killing” themselves with missed free throws and turnovers. The Purple and Gold had 18 turnovers in the game and missed 11 freebies—which could have given them the W if they were just a little bit better.
Los Angeles certainly cannot afford to repeat their mistakes, especially against the Denver Nuggets who rank no.3 for the least points allowed.
LeBron James and his Lakers already beat the Nuggets this year, but the NBA 2018 odds at SBOBET don’t expect them to repeat that feat. After all, Nikola Jokic and his Nuggets are undefeated in three, taking down the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and…the Magic.
Betting Tip: Home-court advantage counts for something, so betting on the Nuggets Asian Handicap -4.50 @ 2.11 doesn’t seem bad at all.
Indiana Pacers @ Phoenix Suns (November 28, 10:00 GMT+8)
The Pacers are brimming with confidence right now, having just blown out the Utah Jazz to the tune of 121-88. They continue their road trip at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Arizona where they have a chance to win the second game of a back-to-back.
Although Victor Oladipo will miss what could have been a thrilling match-up with Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, it’s still set to be an epic encounter after Doug McDermott stepped up and scored 21 against the Jazz.
Final #NBA Scores
🏀 Pelicans 107-124 Celtics
🏀 Jazz 88-121 Pacers
🏀 Warriors 116-110 Magic#ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/wgu5Vz0QOn— SBOBET (@SBOBET) November 27, 2018
Bojan Bogdanovic, Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis also showed improved play to raise hopes up that the Pacers can beat the Suns.
Phoenix aren’t a strong team, but their last-gasp victory over the Milwaukee Bucks has proven they can pull off a surprise from time to time.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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