The Brooklyn Nets finally seem to be getting back on track after a prolonged rough stretch. Thanks in large part to the brilliance of Kevin Durant, the Nets are riding a three-game winning streak and are holding steady in eighth place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
But Durant and co. must beware a slip-up against the Orlando Magic, who, despite being in last place in the East, have been putting up some impressive performances of late.
Meanwhile, the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns face off against their possible first-round playoff opponents in the New Orleans Pelicans, who could be getting a key player back.
Read on below as SBOTOP previews this four-game NBA slate.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Indiana Pacers
The Grizzlies are back in the groove as they’ve won three straight games to keep pace with the Golden State Warriors for the second seed in the West.
The Grizz are coming off a 125-118 win over the Thunder. Desmond Bane led the way with 21 points, while All-Star point guard Ja Morant had a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists.
There’s more good news for the Grizzlies as Dillon Brooks scored 15 points on his return after two months out due to an ankle sprain.
The Grizzlies have a great shot at extending their winning run to four in a row when they face the fading Pacers, who have lost four of their last five games.
Indiana lost 131-128 to the Hawks last time out. Atlanta’s Trae Young exploded for 47 points, the second point guard to top 40 points in Indiana’s last three games.
Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers’ top scorer at 19 points per game, missed the loss to the Hawks and is still questionable to play due to a concussion.
Betting Tip: Grizzlies -7.00 Asian Handicap @ 1.85
Brooklyn Nets @ Orlando Magic
Similar to the Grizzlies, the Nets are also resurgent as they’ve won three in a row after losing six of their previous seven games.
Unsurprisingly, Kevin Durant has been huge in their recent success. After dropping 25 points in the Nets’ blowout win against James Harden and the Sixers, KD scored a season-high 53 points in their most recent 110-107 win over the Knicks.
Seth Curry missed the Knicks game due to a sore ankle and remains questionable to return against the Magic. But Kyrie Irving will be back in the Nets lineup for this upcoming road game.
Irving has been in a tear of late, averaging 31 points over his last seven games. That includes a 50-point explosion in their win over the Hornets.
The NBA 2022 betting odds will have Brooklyn as massive favourites to beat the Magic, who are in last place in the East at 18-51.
However, the Magic have had some surprising NBA 2022 results of late, including wins over the seemingly playoff-bound Raptors and Timberwolves. Orlando also pushed both the NBA-leading Suns and the Joel Embiid and James Harden-led 76ers in close one-possession defeats.
Wendell Carter Jr. continues to play some of the best basketball of his career. The 22-year-old Magic big man is averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds over his last eight games.
Betting Tip: Magic +9.50 Asian Handicap @ 1.94
Detroit Pistons @ Miami Heat
After winning three games in a row, the Pistons have proceeded to lose their last three to the Bulls, Celtics, and Clippers.
But on the bright side, Cade Cunningham continues to show why he was the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft. Cunningham nearly had a triple-double with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists in the loss to LA. The rookie is averaging 22 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 44 per cent shooting over his last 10 games.
But Cade will have a tough challenge on his hands against the East-leading Heat. Miami will be keen to get back on track after losing two of their last three games at home to the shorthanded Suns and the Timberwolves.
Jimmy Butler missed out in the losses to the Suns and Timberwolves due to a toe issue, but he is finally set to make his return. Tyler Herro will also be keen to play the Pistons once again. The Heat sixth man, who is averaging 25 points on 50 per cent shooting over his last 10 games, is averaging 30 points in two games against Detroit this season.
Betting Tip: Pistons +13.50 Asian Handicap @ 1.92
Phoenix Suns @ New Orleans Pelicans
The Suns bounced back from their loss to the Raptors by humiliating the Lakers in a 140-111 rout. Devin Booker led the way with 30 points and 10 assists, while big man Deandre Ayton added 23 points and 16 rebounds.
The Suns are still without All-Star point guard Chris Paul as well as forward Cameron Johnson, but Booker’s return from the health and safety protocols has been a major boost. The All-Star guard is averaging 26.7 points and 8.3 assists over his last six games.
Phoenix will now face off against their possible first-round playoff opponents, the New Orleans Pelicans. New Orleans just snapped their four-game losing skid by blowing out the Rockets, 130-105.
Forward Brandon Ingram is still out with a hamstring injury, but guard CJ McCollum is questionable to return from the health and safety protocols. McCollum is averaging 27 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in 12 games since joining the Pels.
Betting Tip: Suns -5.50 Asian Handicap @ 1.98
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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