It has been a while since the Lakers or the Clippers lorded the Western Conference. Nowadays, these two NBA teams based in Los Angeles are grinding their way to a playoff berth, with the Clippers as the fifth seed and the Lakers as the ninth seed. The Clippers are on a two-game winning streak while the Lakers are coming off a blowout loss, and these two teams continue their journey with games against the Timberwolves and the Heat, respectively.
Elsewhere, the Pistons, Pacers, Magic, and Hawks will visit the Celtics, Nets, Sixers, and Bucks to round out tomorrow’s six-game schedule. Among the 12 teams who will compete tomorrow, the Bucks are the most in-form team.
SBOTOP basketball fans should watch tomorrow’s games with great interest, including the three matches we’ll preview today.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Miami Heat
The Lakers and the Heat are eager to return to winning ways as soon as possible. However, only one of them can do so tomorrow in South Beach.
After the Lakers’ 109-80 defeat against the Timberwolves, fans and pundits voiced their concern about LeBron James’ form since he had one of his worst performances of his illustrious career. The four-time NBA champion had 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and six turnovers on 4-for-16 shooting from the field in 31 minutes. Anthony Davis didn’t have a good game either since he recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists on 4-for-14 shooting from the field. The Lakers didn’t get much else from the second unit either.
The Heat were without Jimmy Butler against the Celtics, and the six-time NBA All-Star received a questionable tag for tomorrow’s match due to a knee injury. The team misses Butler since he averages 22.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in his last six appearances. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Haywood Highsmith, and Duncan Robinson must do more against LA if Butler remains sidelined.
Betting tip – Under 219.00 @ 1.85
Atlanta Hawks @ Milwaukee Bucks
As mentioned, the Bucks are the hottest team in the league today, improving to an 11-9 record, a remarkable turnaround from their 2-8 start. The Doc Rivers-coached squad is coming off a 128-107 win against the Pistons on Tuesday to finish their NBA Cup group stage campaign with a 4-0 slate.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been on a roll during the Bucks’ resurgence. After dropping 42 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists against the Wizards, the Greek Freak registered 28 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists on 10-for-11 shooting from the field in only 27 minutes of play. Damian Lillard has also been productive lately, as he has scored at least 25 points and five three-pointers in his last three appearances.
The Bucks are still waiting for Khris Middleton’s return, but the three-time NBA All-Star is still working his way back, despite positive updates from the coaching staff. AJ Green, Taurean Prince, and Andre Jackson Jr. continue to soak up minutes in Middleton’s prolonged absence. Despite this, the NBA 2024 odds have Milwaukee winning tomorrow.
The Hawks are on a four-game winning streak after a rough stretch of NBA 2024 results. They have beaten the Cavaliers twice, the Hornets, and the Pelicans during this stretch.
Trae Young is in the midst of a shooting slump, probably because of his nagging Achilles knock, since he has only shot about 50-per cent once in his last four outings. However, he has been efficient in distributing the rock, leading the league in assists per game (12.2). Jalen Johnson, on the other hand, has been enormous during their undefeated run. The Duke product averaged 20.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks on 62.5-per cent shooting from the field and 50-per cent from three-point land in his last four.
Betting tip – Milwaukee Bucks Asian Handicap -5.00 @ 2.02
Minnesota Timberwolves @ LA Clippers
The Timberwolves and the Clippers will meet again following their 93-92 result in the NBA Cup last Friday. Minnesota halted their four-game slide by winning that game.
Anthony Edwards only had eight points on 3-for-13 shooting against the Lakers last Monday, but Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Donte DiVincenzo came to play, recording 18, 17, 15, 15, and 11 points, respectively.
The Clippers got a huge boost from Norman Powell, who has returned following a six-game absence due to a hamstring injury. The one-time NBA champion led LA in their 127-105 win over the Blazers on Tuesday, pumping in 30 points, four rebounds, five assists, and five three-pointers.
Betting tip – Minnesota Timberwolves Asian Handicap -3.00 @ 2.00
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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