After an up-and-down weekend, The Big Dog looks to take advantage of the “bonus day” at the end of Summer. With LeBron James taking the night off and the Cleveland Cavaliers struggling in his absence, against the Washington Wizards (Wizards lead 96-70 at the final break), the “Play of the Day” will see their closest rivals in the East get even closer. For that and more, read on.
Toronto Raptors @ Detroit Pistons
Lead by a career-high 43 points from All-Star Kyle Lowry, the Toronto Raptors completed one of the best comebacks of the season, coming back from 14 down late in the third quarter to beat the Cavaliers 99-97. The Raptors sit just two games back from Cleveland in the race for the top seed in the Eastern Conference and with the Cavaliers heading for a loss against the Wizards in this morning’s early game, that gap could be down to a single game, if the visitors can get the job done at The Palace of Auburn Hills. It will be a tough ask against the Pistons, who play significantly better at home (17-11) and sit just half a game out of the eighth seed, currently occupied by the struggling Chicago Bulls. Toronto are used to getting it done on the road, winning a conference-high 18 away games, including a 103-89 victory in Detroit on February 8th. The Big Dog expects this game to be closer but the Raptors should complete a 3-0 sweep of the season series.
Selection
Toronto Raptors 1-10 (Margin) @ $2.95 (William Hill)
Miami Heat @ New York Knicks
The New York Knicks had lost 13 of 15 before a much-improved performance in a 108-95 win over the Orlando Magic. A big concern for the Knicks has to be the fact they haven’t beaten a team with a winning record since beating the Heat in Miami, way back on January 6th. Despite losing their last two, the Heat have maintained a position in the top bracket of the Eastern Conference, despite dealing with some significant names missing from the lineup. Miami will continue to lean on the video-game-like production of Hassan Whiteside, who leads the NBA in blocks per game (3.9), is second in field goal percentage (61.7) and fourth in rebounds per game (11.5), in the absence of Chris Bosh. He’ll have additional help in this game, with the newly-acquired Joe Johnson playing his first game for the Heat since reaching a buyout agreement with the Brooklyn Nets. His ability to make shots will be vital to a team that only averages 96.9 points a night (29th in the NBA) but they have prospered on the back of their defence, which also only allows 96.9 points per game (2nd in the NBA). Miami have performed admirably on the road (14-14) and should have enough to outlast the Knicks, who are trying to get back to .500 at home (15-16). Just like in Detroit, The Big Dog likes the value in the visiting team winning a close contest.
Selection
Miami Heat 1-10 (Margin) @ $3.00 (William Hill)
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