It was a frustrating Saturday for The Big Dog, as both players picked to have big nights were especially quiet. All the talk was around the classic double-overtime encounter, in Boston. The Warriors would extend their record to 24-0 with a nail-biting 124-119 win… but at what cost? With both teams also playing today, The Big Dog isn’t missing an opportunity to take advantage of the after-effects.
Boston Celtics @ Charlotte Hornets
There is probably a list of things you don’t want, the day after losing a hard-fought game to the defending NBA Champions, in double overtime. A trip to face the team with the second-best home record in the Eastern Conference is probably high on that list. That is the challenge that lies ahead for the Boston Celtics. Although only sitting in the 8th seed with a modest 13-10 record, recent close losses to the Spurs and last night to the Warriors, have really showcased the improvement of the Celtics roster. A similar level of improvement can be seen in the Charlotte Hornets, who have quietly slipped into second in the East, on the back of the longest active winning streak (4 games) in the conference. The absence of injured/suspended centre Al Jefferson has not made the impact it was supposed to, as the Hornets have won 10 of 13 at home, with two of those losses coming against the respective conference leaders. Under normal circumstances, it would be very hard to categorically dismiss the Celtics in this game… but the battle they went through last night will almost certainly be evident down the stretch. The Hornets, both in-form and rested, should pull away for a solid win and easily cover this line.
Selection
Charlotte Hornets (-3) @ $1.95 (William Hill)
Golden State Warriors @ Milwaukee Bucks
It’s been said more times than anyone cares to remember… but the Golden State Warriors are a phenomenon. Now 24-0 for the season and 14-0 on the road, time and time again they have made the plays they needed to make, to keep their streak alive. Last night was undoubtedly their biggest test and they needed an extra ten minutes of game time to get through it. So once again, just as they did after a tough win in Toronto, they come up against an opponent they could easily take lightly, on the second leg of a back-to-back set. They put in a typically ruthless display against the Brooklyn Nets, winning 114-98 and there is sure to be an element of expectation that says the Warriors will simply steamroll the 9-15 Bucks, on their way to 25-0. On closer inspection, this game looks a lot more dangerous than that. To begin with, the Bucks, although utterly hopeless on the road (2-10), are 7-5 at home, including a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They also play at the second-slowest pace of any team in the NBA (ahead of only the Utah Jazz), meaning their strategy will be to create a half-court game and run their offense through centre Greg Monroe. At this point, it’s impossible to tip against the Warriors and it’s likely that they will again find a way to win this game… but with the effort they needed to put in yesterday, as well as Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes still expected to be sidelined with injury, an eight-point start to a home team with a record over .500 in their gym looks like it might be a little too much.
Selection
Milwaukee Bucks (+8) @ $1.95 (William Hill)
Washington Wizards @ Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards have been among the most inconsistent teams in the NBA lately… but while the Mavs appear to be getting healthier, the Wizards are moving in the opposite direction. Bradly Beal, who missed yesterday’s two-point loss to the Pelicans, has been ruled out for two weeks with a stress reaction in his leg. With their primary perimeter shooter missing, Washington lose their biggest statistical advantage against Dallas, a mere 2.5% differential in three-point shooting. On the other side, the Mavericks hold the ascendancy in opposition scoring (-4.7), free-throw percentage (3.3%), rebounding (+3.4) and turnovers (-2.6) per game. Without Beal being a factor for the Dallas defence, Wesley Matthews will more than likely be given the job of limiting the influence of John Wall and unless the Wizards can have their best night in a long time, on the defensive end (they rank 23rd overall, allowing 105.0 points per contest), the Mavericks will win this one comfortably.
Selection
Dallas Mavericks (-6.5) @ $1.95 (William Hill)
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