MIAMI HEAT AT PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
January 12th – 7:00 pm ET – Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia
Games on consecutive nights are always difficult in the NBA, but having to travel as well only makes the situation even harder. The Philadelphia 76ers will be in tough on Tuesday night against the Miami Heat, having played the Hawks in Atlanta the night prior. While it is still early in the season and fatigue shouldn’t be too much of an issue, the home team will certainly not be at 100%.
The Miami Heat went all the way to the NBA final last season before falling to Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. They have not been as dominant this season though as we saw in the bubble this past summer.
However, the Heat will be looking forward to this game in Philadelphia knowing their hosts were in action the previous night. Take Miami to win in Philadelphia on Tuesday, despite the 76ers looking impressive early on this year.
PICKS: Miami
ORLANDO MAGIC AT BOSTON CELTICS
January 13th – 7:30 pm ET – TD Garden
The Boston Celtics were expected to compete for top spot in the Eastern Conference coming into the 2020-21 NBA season. They reached the Eastern Conference final last season, losing to the Miami Heat. While they have gotten off to a good start, winning five of their first eight games they would like to be more consistent – especially against the league’s elite.
Orlando has been one of the biggest surprises of the early season, winning five of their first seven games including victories against a big victory against the Heat. However, this may be their biggest test of the season thus far.
While Orlando has looked good and deserve a ton of credit for how they have played early in the campaign, it is hard to go against the Celtics on their home court. Take Boston to squeak out an important win on Wednesday night.
PICKS: Boston
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS AT LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
January 13th – 10:00 pm ET – Staples Center
Zion Williamson continues to prove he was worth all the buzz he generated when he entered the league as a rookie last season. However, it remains to be seen whether he can remain healthy and injury-free for the duration of an entire campaign. On Wednesday, the New Orleans Pelicans head to Los Angeles looking for a big win against a top contender in the Western Conference.
The Clippers have already had their fair share of ups and downs this season, but have looked stellar when they are playing at their best. Although, they have not been nearly as consistent as they need to be if they are to reach their goal of winning an NBA title. Kawhi Leonard is back in action after missing time due to a mouth laceration. With Leonard and Paul George in the lineup, New Orleans will be in for a long night at the Staples Center.
The Pelicans are on the right track and will be a team many will be scared to play against, but go with the home side to pick up the win on Wednesday night.
PICKS: Los Angeles
TORONTO RAPTORS AT PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
January 11th – 10:00 pm ET – Moda Center
The 2019 NBA champions have not looked like the team we are used to seeing. They have been abysmal to start the campaign, with fans questioning what exactly is going on. The Toronto Raptors have been forced to play all their home games in Tampa Bay though with the Canadian boarder remaining closed and it could be having a real impact on the team’s performance on the court.
Portland hasn’t exactly been lighting the NBA on fire either, but they have been better than their opponents on Monday evening. Toronto will also be playing against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday evening in California, giving quite an advantage to the hosts.
There is still plenty of time in the season for the Raptors to regain their form, but don’t expect it to happen at the Moda Center on Monday night. Take the home team to win big against Toronto.
PICKS: Portland
WINNER: Portland
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS AT ATLANTA HAWKS
January 11th – 7:30 pm ET – Phillips Arena
The Philadelphia 76ers have gotten off to an impressive start, which was crucial for the club coming into the campaign. They have won six of their first seven games and are looking to prove they are legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference after disappointing in the playoffs for the past couple of seasons.
Atlanta has also gotten off to a decent start, but are not quite as hot as the 76ers are. The Hawks will be competing for a playoff spot all season long and will not be a pushover for any team, especially on their home court.
This could prove to be a close contest going down to the last minute. Ultimately though, Joel Embiid and the 76ers should be too much for Atlanta to handle. Take the visitors to get the job done away from home, with the under also worth laying money on.
PICKS: Philadelphia
WINNER: Hawks
* All odds are via Parx Sportsbook.
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