The NBA season is only a third of the way through, but the Los Angeles Lakers already have a sizable lead atop the Western Conference. The Lake Show have reeled off six wins in a row, and the SBOBET odds will have them heavily favoured to get No. 7 on Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks.
However, LeBron James is currently listed questionable to feature due to a sore elbow, which could potentially put their win streak in jeopardy.
And speaking of win streaks, the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets will look to keep theirs intact as they face Eastern Conference rivals, while the Pelicans will be desperate to end their disastrous 11-game losing skid against the Magic.
Orlando Magic @ New Orleans Pelicans
Something’s got to give when the Magic face the Pelicans. Orlando have lost their last three games in a row, although they were against three tough teams in the Bucks, Lakers, and Rockets. But New Orleans’ skid is nearly four times worse. The Pels have dropped their last 11 straight games, including one in dramatic fashion.
However, home advantage could play in their favour. They’ve won four of their six games this season at home, while the Magic have struggled outside Orlando, going just 3-8.
Brandon Ingram has been brilliant for the Pelicans. The 22-year-old is averaging 25 points per game and has topped 30 points in two of his last three games. He, J.J. Redick, and Jrue Holiday should have the firepower to overcome Orlando at home.
Charlotte Hornets @ Indiana Pacers
The Hornets will be gunning for their season-high fourth-straight win as they take on the Pacers. Charlotte have won three in a row, in large part due to the strong play of Devonte Graham.
The surprising second-year guard is averaging nearly 25 points per game in December, which includes a career-high 40-point explosion against the Brooklyn Nets. Coincidentally, Graham’s previous season-best was 35 points in a 122-120 overtime win over the Pacers.
Indiana have been consistently strong themselves with 10 wins in their last 13. They continue to impress with their balanced, team-oriented style of play. The Pacers have been outstanding at home (10-3) and they should have more than enough to top the Hornets.
However, the pesky Hornets have enough firepower in Graham and Terry Rozier to make things interesting.
Betting Tip: Hornets Asian Handicap +11.50 @ 2.00
Philadelphia 76ers @ Brooklyn Nets
The Sixers just continue to rack up the wins. They’ve now won five in a row and nine of their last 10 following their win over the Pelicans, which was also their 14th straight win.
After getting criticised by legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, Joel Embiid responded with a monster game of 38 points and 13 rebounds in a win against the Celtics and followed it up with 24 and 11 against New Orleans.
Philly will like their chances to extend their win streak on the road against the Nets, who are still without star point guard Kyrie Irving. Brooklyn have dropped back-to-back games and are just 3-7 against teams with winning records this season.
Betting Tip: 76ers Asian Handicap -5.50 @ 2.00
Los Angeles Lakers @ Atlanta Hawks
The big NBA 2019 news is that LeBron James is listed as questionable to play against Atlanta due to a sore right elbow. James has played every game thus far this season and has been integral to the Lakers’ recent six-game winning streak. He and Anthony Davis have formed quite a dynamic duo and recently combined for 82 points in a win against the Timberwolves.
But with Kyle Kuzma also ruled out, the Lakers will be quite short on offensive firepower behind star big man Anthony Davis if James does miss out. Needless to say, the NBA 2019 betting odds for this game will swing heavily on James’ availability.
The Hawks are currently tied for the worst record in the East at just 6-20, but they will like their chances of at least making things competitive against a shorthanded Lakers squad.
Betting Tip: Hawks Asian Handicap +11.50 @ 1.90
New York Knicks @ Denver Nuggets
The Knicks are tied with the Hawks for the worst record in the East, but New York are actually on a winning streak after beating the Warriors and Kings on their West Coast road trip. Julius Randle has stepped up big in both games, averaging 25 points and 11 rebounds.
However, the Knicks will be hard-pressed to extend that win streak further as they head to the Mile High City to face the Nuggets.
Denver will be on the second night of a back-to-back after they beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, 110-102. Nikola Jokic had one of best games of a largely disappointing season with a triple-double of 28 points (on 11-of-14 shooting) with 14 rebounds and 12 assists.
Despite being on a back-to-back, Denver are an impressive 10-3 at home and should have few problems taking care of a subpar Knicks team.
Betting Tip: Nuggets Asian Handicap -10.50 @ 1.90
Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors
Sacramento squandered a golden opportunity to go on a four-game win streak as they fell at home to the Knicks, which is an unacceptable defeat. Buddy Hield paced the Kings with 34 points. The sharpshooting swingman is averaging just under 26 points per game this month.
Hield and the Kings will have a perfect opportunity to bounce back as they face the struggling Warriors, who are now back to being the worst team in the league after a three-game losing skid.
As if the Warriors weren’t injury-ravaged enough, Eric Paschall is questionable to play due to a hip injury, which has reduced their already limited array of weapons. Even though they’re at home, the Kings should have enough to pull away and claim victory.
Betting Tip: Kings Asian Handicap -3.50 @ 1.98
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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