The defending NBA champions are off to a shaky start. With a 3-4 record, the Milwaukee Bucks are standing at 11th in the Eastern Conference.
Tomorrow, they’ll commence their seven-game East-laden stretch with a winnable match against the cellar-dwelling Pistons.
Meanwhile, the Heat and the Jazz have started the season strong as both clubs only have one loss each and they’re keen on extending their roll against their Western Conference counterparts.
The Suns and the Lakers, who are fresh from victories in the last time out, would prefer to boost their NBA 2021 odds as well with another win.
Read on below as SBOTOP previews tomorrow’s five-game slate in the Association.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Detroit Pistons
While there’s not much reason to be concerned if you’re a Bucks fan, they must make a statement following their defeat vs. the Jazz.
After their title run last season, the Bucks didn’t have the benefit of having enough rest and now they’re dealing with health issues to start their campaign.
Jrue Holiday is sidelined with a heel issue while Khris Middleton is out because of the league’s COVID-19 protocols, leaving Giannis Antetokounmpo to shoulder all the load.
As for the Pistons, they are on the back of a blowout loss against the Nets yesterday.
Top overall pick Cade Cunningham missed the previous game due to an ankle injury, but he’s likely a go for tomorrow since he’s no longer on Detroit’s injury list.
Miami Heat @ Dallas Mavericks
Miami plan to extend their winning streak to five games upon their visit to Dallas tomorrow.
Prior to this game, the Heat have won four straight against the Magic, Nets, Hornets, and Grizzlies as they’ve defeated them all in convincing fashion.
Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro have been superb for the Heat and they’re expected to do more of the same especially with Bam Adebayo iffy to play due to a sore knee.
Following their humiliating loss against the Nuggets last Saturday, the Mavericks bounced back with a close win over the Kings.
Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway, and Dwight Powell all played well for Dallas and they’ll need to be at their best again as Kristaps Porzingis continues to deal with a sore back.
Sacramento Kings @ Utah Jazz
The Jazz are aiming to claim the solo top spot in the Western Conference when they’ll host the Kings.
Utah are fresh from a morale-boosting win against the defending champions yesterday as four different players scored in double digits.
Donovan Mitchell had a game-high of 28 points, while Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, and Bojan Bogdanovic had 20, 15, and 14 respectively.
Rudy Gobert’s efforts, meanwhile, shouldn’t go unnoticed as he had nine points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks.
Following their loss to the Mavericks, the Kings are keen to get back on the winning track.
Harrison Barnes is off to a fantastic start for Sacramento. However, De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Richaun Holmes, and Buddy Hield will all have to do their share as well.
Betting Tip – Utah Jazz Asian Handicap -9.00 @ 1.94
New Orleans Pelicans @ Phoenix Suns
The Suns are planning to pile on the Pelicans’ misery as they’re searching for the third win of the season.
After suffering a brutal loss to the Kings with no thanks to Harrison Barnes’ game-winner last Thursday, the Suns grabbed a win vs. the Cavaliers last Sunday.
Chris Paul and Devin Booker lit up Cleveland by combining for 43 points and 19 assists while Deandre Ayton had 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Unfortunately for them, however, Deandre Ayton sustained a right leg contusion and he’s listed as questionable.
The Pelicans are the underdogs for this match especially with their growing injury list.
Brandon Ingram (hip), Devonte Graham (adductor), Garrett Temple (ankle) are all questionable while Zion Williamson (foot) is still listed as out.
Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are to host the Rockets for the second consecutive time tomorrow. Yesterday, Los Angeles defeated Houston with a score of 95-85 as their stars all came to play.
Midway during the second quarter, LeBron James submitted his entry in the NBA 2021 highlights reel when he got out on a fast break and gave the home crowd a jolt with a beautiful reverse jam.
The King may have only finished with 15 points but he got enough support from Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis – who combined for 59.
Five different players scored in double digits for the Rockets. However, their slow start in the first quarter was the main difference.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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