The Sixers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA since they’re on an eight-game winning streak. They’ll take on the Wizards – who just won their second game this December – for the second night of their five-game road trip to cap off 2022.
Other than the Sixers-Wizards game, today, we are also going to cover the matches between the Clippers-Raptors, Suns-Grizzlies, Knicks-Mavericks, and Nuggets-Kings.
Philadelphia Sixers @ Washington Wizards
Philadelphia’s dismal start now feels like a lifetime ago. Since going 1-4 in those opening five matches, the Sixers have been the league’s second-best defencive team and they have the third-best net rating.
They are being spearheaded by the star duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden – who have found their groove together over the past few weeks. During this eight-game stretch, Embiid and Harden have posted 35.6 and 21.6 points per game, respectively.
And there’s more good NBA 2022 news on the way for them, as Tyrese Maxey is expected to return on Friday against the Pelicans after missing 17 matches.
As for the Wizards, they’re coming off a 125-111 victory against the Kings on Saturday. Kyle Kuzma is having a fine campaign as he intends to try to cash in on free agency next summer.
Betting Tip – Philadelphia Sixers Asian Handicap -4.50 @ 1.92
Los Angeles Clippers @ Toronto Raptors
Kawhi Leonard – who led the Raptors to their lone title in 2019 – will make his return to Toronto after sitting out in today’s game. He’ll rejoin Paul George and co. as they’ll aim to move up in the West standings, where they’re currently fourth at 20-15.
Los Angeles are fresh from a 142-131 comeback win against Detroit as they overcame a 14-point deficit late.
With 3:34 left in regulation, Clippers coach Ty Lue pulled his starters, but Luke Kennard, Terance Mann, Amir Coffey, Nicolas Batum, and Moses Brown forced OT with a 16-2 run. Los Angeles then outscored Detroit 14-3 in the extra five minutes for their third win in their last five.
The Raptors, on the other hand, have now won two consecutive games after losing six straight earlier this month. They’re currently the 10th seed with a 15-18 record.
Pascal Siakam was recently named NBA Player of the Week with averages of 38.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game.
Phoenix Suns @ Memphis Grizzlies
The Suns and Grizzlies meet for the second time in four days, and the SBOTOP NBA 2022 odds aren’t in favour of the former once again.
That is because the Suns don’t have a clean bill of health since Devin Booker (groin), Landry Shamet (Achilles), Cameron Payne (foot), and Cam Johnson (knee) were all declared out for tomorrow’s matchup.
Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton will shoulder the load against the third-seeded Grizzlies. Paul is averaging 15.0 points and 8.8 assists, while Ayton is posting 20.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game across their last 10 December matches.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are keen to bounce back following their Christmas Day defeat against the Steph Curry-less Warriors.
Betting Tip – Memphis Grizzlies Asian Handicap -7.50 @ 1.98
New York Knicks @ Dallas Mavericks
The Knicks will look to pull out of a slump when they begin their Texas road trip tomorrow. After enjoying an eight-game winning streak earlier this month, they now have lost three consecutive matches.
New York sees each of the league’s top two scorers in consecutive contests as they’ll take on Luka Doncic just two days after meeting Joel Embiid on Monday. They gave up 35 against Embiid, while Doncic scored 82 in his last two outings.
Former Maverick Jalen Brunson is questionable for Tuesday’s game because of a hip injury he suffered against Philadelphia. If he can’t play in his first game back in Dallas since leaving via free agency, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett are going to have to produce at a high level.
Denver Nuggets @ Sacramento Kings
Nikola Jokic might win MVP for the third consecutive season as he continues to produce video game numbers. In their thrilling 128-125 Christmas Day OT victory over the Suns, the Joker had a monstrous line of 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists.
Domantas Sabonis will look to emulate Jokic’s production for Sacramento, and he’s averaging 16.5 points, 18.0 rebounds, and 11.0 assists in his last two outings.
But the Kings center has been diagnosed with an avulsion fracture on his thumb and is questionable for tomorrow. There’s a decent chance that he’ll play through it, but it might affect his production.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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