The NBA will be relatively quiet with just a four-game slate on tap for Tuesday. But there could yet be something big to watch out for when the Portland Trail Blazers meet the New Orleans Pelicans. That game could see Carmelo Anthony make his much-anticipated Blazers bow.
The All-Star forward has been out of action for over a year and will be eager to showcase his talents once again to SBOBET NBA fans everywhere.
Elsewhere in the league, there will be several teams looking to overcome injuries to their point guards as the Warriors, Suns, and Kings look to get much-needed wins. Meanwhile, the Lakers will look to extend their current winning streak as they host the Thunder.
Golden State Warriors @ Memphis Grizzlies
Can things get much worse for the Warriors? Not only have Golden State lost seven straight games, but they’ve also lost D’Angelo Russell for two weeks due to a sprained thumb. With Russell out, rookie sensation Eric Paschall broke out for another big game last time out with 30 points against the New Orleans Pelicans, but it wasn’t enough as the Warriors went down, 108-100.
Paschall has been one of the team’s few bright spots this season. The second-round pick is averaging 16.7 points per game and already has two 30-point performances. But the Warriors are just way short on offensive weapons with Russell, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson all out.
The Grizzlies will look to capitalise upon the Warriors’ injury crisis. Memphis had their three-game win streak snapped last time out with a 131-114 defeat to the Denver Nuggets. After back-to-back games of over 20 points, Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant fell back down to earth with a quiet 13 points.
But Morant will have a great opportunity to bounce back against a Golden State defence which is one of the worst in the league, allowing 119.0 points per game.
Betting Tip: Memphis Grizzlies Asian Handicap -6.00 @ 1.84
Portland Trail Blazers @ New Orleans Pelicans
The struggling Blazers still can’t get their season on track. After a much-needed road win against the Spurs, they suffered a heavy 132-108 defeat on Monday at the hands of the Houston Rockets. C.J. McCollum led the team with 25 points, but Damian Lillard had an off-night as he finished with just 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting.
But the big NBA 2019 news for the Blazers is that Carmelo Anthony could make his debut for the team against the Pelicans. The 10-time All-Star forward hasn’t played since getting benched by the Rockets last November and will be eager to show that he can still play at a high level.
As for the Pelicans, they picked up their third win in their last five games at home against the injury-hit Warriors. The Pelicans have their own injury concerns, with Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart still sidelined.
But the veteran backcourt of Jrue Holiday and JJ Redick has stepped up in their absence. Holiday (22 points, eight rebounds, nine assists) had a great game against Golden State, while Redick is averaging close to 23 points over his last four games.
Betting Tip: Portland Trail Blazers Asian Handicap -3.50 @ 1.94
Phoenix Suns @ Sacramento Kings
The Suns’ recent six-game homestand wasn’t quite as successful as they would’ve hoped as they won just three of those six games. Although, two of their losses came against the two teams with the best record in the league in the Celtics and Lakers, as well as the 9-3 Miami Heat.
The Suns were also without starting point guard Ricky Rubio in last night’s loss to the Celtics due to back spasms. If he’s once again unable to go, the Suns will need another big scoring game from Devin Booker to keep pace with the Kings.
Sacramento are also without their star point guard in De’Aaron Fox, who suffered a sprained ankle. But even without Fox, they almost beat the Lakers on the road (they lost, 99-97) and did beat Boston, 100-99.
Buddy Hield, who had 35 points against the Celtics, has been on fire this month, averaging 22.7 points on 48 per cent shooting. He already burned the Suns for 28 points in the season opener, which the Kings lost, 124-95. But with the Suns shorthanded and on the second night of a back-to-back, the Kings will like their chances of evening up the season series.
Betting Tip: Sacramento Kings Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 1.92
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles Lakers
The Thunder’s road woes continued last night as they lost a close 90-88 battle against Paul George and the Clippers. They had a chance to pick up their first road win of the season, but George’s clutch 3-pointer gave the Clippers the lead and broke his old team’s heart.
Chris Paul had a team-high 22 points in a losing effort as the Thunder shot a woeful 37 per cent from the field as a team. Danilo Gallinari and Dennis Schroder combined for 26 points but went just 9-of-30 from the field.
That will have to improve significantly as they take on the Lakers, who are riding a four-game winning streak, one of which was a dramatic two-point win against the Kings. With Kobe Bryant in the building at Staples Center, they blew out the Atlanta Hawks, 122-101, last time out.
LeBron James put on a show with 33 points, seven rebounds, and 12 assists. Rajon Rondo also added 15 points off the bench as he works himself back into shape after missing the first month of the season.
Betting Tip: Oklahoma City Thunder Asian Handicap +9.50 @ 1.95
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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