After a successful in-season tournament, the NBA regular season is back with a hefty slate. Teams in the league are hoping for a strong finish before the calendar year ends, and with how the conference standings are looking, it’s safe to say that the NBA landscape could still go through a drastic shift as the season continues.
At this point in the season, a handful of narratives have emerged, like the Zach LaVine saga in Chicago, the emergence of the Timberwolves, the Nuggets’ case to be the NBA 2023 odds favourites to win the championship, and many more.
So, before the regular season resumes, continue reading below as SBOTOP gives a roundup of the upcoming marquee matchups in the NBA.
Chicago Bulls @ Milwaukee Bucks
A lot of questions surround the Chicago Bulls and their star, Zach LaVine. The former All-Star is currently sidelined for a couple of weeks dealing with a right foot injury. His injury came at the most inopportune time, given that the 28-year-old has been headlining NBA 2023 news regarding his future in the Windy City.
Amidst trade rumors, LaVine keeps a steady head and is still committed to the team. This season, the UCLA standout is averaging 21 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists with the Bulls.
“It’s funny to me to see all the narratives that people run with. It is what it is. I go out there and put my heart on for Chicago whenever I put that jersey on. When I get back out there, I’ll continue to do that.” LaVine exclaimed.
To stir the pot some more, with LaVine sidelined, the Bulls are turning their lackluster start to the season around and are on a four-game winning streak. Their success without their star forward will definitely be considered if and when the Bulls decide to move on from LaVine.
Meanwhile, the Bucks have proved that the Damian Lillard experiment is a success. They’re 15-7 after 22 games and are currently third in the Eastern Conference, only below the Boston Celtics and the steamrolling Orlando Magic.
With a solid 10-2 record at Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee, the Bucks have been nearly unbeatable there; nevertheless, they have split their away games 5-5. Giannis is having an MVP-calibre season with 24.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks while Damian Lillard continues to be Dame Time with 25.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1.1 steals.
Betting tip – Under 232.50 @ 1.96
Minnesota Timberwolves @ New Orleans Pelicans
The Minnesota Timberwolves are the team to beat in the Western Conference, having the best record in the entire league and are currently riding a six-game winning streak.
The Wolves boast the best defence in the entire NBA, and the cornerstone of this success is none other than Rudy Gobert. The Stifle Tower is the current frontrunner for the DPOY and is doing a stunning job of locking down the paint for Minnesota night in and night out.
On the other end of the floor, it’s Anthony Edwards who is carrying the Wolves’ offence. The 22-year-old is playing beyond his years as he continues to produce at a high level even against formidable opponents. The Georgia native is averaging 24.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals this season for the Timberwolves.
Another team on the rise are the New Orleans Pelicans. Amidst an injury-riddled season, the Pelicans managed to make a deep run in the in-season tournament. Considered to be one of the deepest teams in the league, the Pelicans have thrived even without the likes of Ingram and CJ McCollum.
Now, they have a full core and are ready to make strides in a stacked Western Conference.
Dallas Mavericks @ Memphis Grizzlies
The Dallas Mavericks suffered a devastating blow with their star point guard Kyrie Irving suffering a foot injury with still no timetable for his return.
The veteran guard was seen grimacing on the floor versus the Blazers at Moda Center after athletic big man Dwight Powell fell on the 31-year-old’s foot. The Mavericks will surely miss Irving’s contributions, as the former NBA champion is averaging 23 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.2 steals for the Mavs.
Now, Luka Doncic is once again left to lead the Mavs and carry the team to victories, and we all know he is more than capable of doing so. This year, Luka is posting prime LeBron James numbers with 27.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1.1 steals
Luckily for Jason Kidd, he can slowly ease his team into a system without Irving as they play against a struggling Memphis Grizzlies squad. Without their leader, Ja Morant, the Grizzlies are 6-15 after 21 games.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins has been trying to deal with an injury-riddled season. Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Steven Adams, and Brandon Clarke are all in street clothes, and it’s evident that the Grizzlies miss their contributions on the floor.
Desmond Bane is left to carry the load alongside JJJ. Bane is currently averaging 24.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals, while Jackson is also carrying his own with 19.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 blocks.
Betting tip – First Half Asian Handicap Dallas Mavericks -1.00 @ 1.94
Denver Nuggets @ Atlanta Hawks
The Denver Nuggets continue their title defence when they visit State Farm Arena to face the Atlanta Hawks.
Nikola Jokic finally has his running mate Jamal Murray back on the floor after missing practically the whole month of November due to a right ankle sprain. Murray’s workload is starting to ramp up after playing 31 minutes against the Houston Rockets. There, he posted 21 points, 4 triples, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Meanwhile, for the Hawks, their star point guard Trae Young missed their last game against the 76ers due to illness, leaving Dejounte Murray with the responsibility of running the floor for the Hawks.
Murray was an assist shy of posting a double-double versus the Sixers, where he got 20 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and a steal. If Trae Young continues to miss time, expect more of the same from Dejounte Murray.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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