Russell Westbrook is the eye of a storm in Oklahoma City, but the storm is not of the good sort.
Betting websites saw Thunder be fighting for the top spots of the Western Conference, given the fact they boast a starting five featuring Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Anyone with a smudge of basketball know-how would have bet online for this team to dominate nine times out of ten.
However, Sam Presti’s second crack at a super team hasn’t worked out so far: the Thunder have shocked betting odds with curious losses against teams like Brooklyn and Charlotte.
Can this team turn their season around and mount a fierce resistance against the Warriors in the playoffs?
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Indiana Pacers (December 14, 8:00 GMT+8)
There’s no better place to rediscover their winning ways than in Indiana.
Victor Oladipo has re-established his position among Indiana’s basketball greats this season with his All-Star play. For the Thunder to win over their former man, Paul George must contain his successor defensively. Russell Westbrook must learn to stop himself from doing everything by his lonesome again. Carmelo Anthony must think a bit more before chucking threes.
I doubt any of these will happen in this game and these issues will cost them the game. Indiana have been impossible to beat at home. I’d advise punters to go for Indiana -2.00 @ 2.05.
LA Clippers @ Orlando Magic (December 14, 8:00 GMT+8)
There are other games to cover, and this one’s an intriguing game to catch.
The Clippers have somehow found ways to win without Blake Griffin. DeAndre Jordan, Danilo Gallinari, Austin Rivers and Milos Teodosic have strung two wins for the Clippers. However, an energetic Orlando will test the Clippers when they head to The City Beautiful.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Washington Wizards (December 14, 8:00 GMT+8)
The Grizzlies continue their downward spiral as they struggle to notch Ws without Mike Conley. Marc Gasol just isn’t his usual effective self without Conley leading along. I think they can put up a bit of a fight against the Wizards, but I’m not sure if they can complete mum Bradley Beal.
Denver Nuggets @ Boston Celtics (December 14, 8:30 GMT+8)
The Celtics will likely field Kyrie Irving for the Celtics, and the reason they’re doing so is obvious: they find it hard to win games without their star guard. However, they are hosting a struggling Denver team. Nikola Jokic and Al Horford will give the TD Garden an entertaining duel, but the C’s should easily get the W.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Miami Heat (December 14, 8:30 GMT+8)
Both of these ball clubs are getting by through different schools of basketball coaching. Portland live and die by Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, while Erik Spoelstra has successfully established a brand of team basketball that won’t lose out to Miami’s Big Three era.
Portland are definitely struggling as of late, but Hassan Whiteside’s absence might prove too much for Miami. If I were you, I’d bet on Portland +3.00 @ 1.92.
Utah Jazz @ Chicago Bulls (December 14, 9:00 GMT+8)
These two clubs could not have a more opposite run of form these past five games.
The Bulls have turned things around, winning their past three games against strong competition. Meanwhile, the Jazz struggled against the West’s top dogs and lost their last three games. Looking at momentum alone, it would be outrageous not to place your money on Chicago +4.00 @ 1.95.
Milwaukee Bucks @ New Orleans Pelicans (December 14, 9:00 GMT+8)
This is an interesting match to see. Are we going to see Giannis Antetokounmpo carry his team past the Pelicans? Or will Rajon Rondo sprinkle some of his magic dust and put a notch on their loss column? All I’m sure of is that this will be a great game to catch.
Toronto Raptors @ Phoenix Suns (December 14, 10:00 GMT+8)
To be honest, it would take a miracle for the suns to beat the Toronto Raptors. If they cannot beat the Wizards at home, how could they even hope to fend off the Raptors? It’s really not hard to write off the Suns this season.
Charlotte Hornets @ Houston Rockets (December 14, 10:30 GMT+8)
I really like how Dwight Howard has made himself at home in Charlotte. However, I don’t see him beating his former team in Houston. The Rockets have the better star and the better team. Moreover, they have the best record in the league. There’s no reason to bet other than Houston -12.50 @ 1.97.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
