CHARLOTTE HORNETS AT PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
January 4th – 7:00 pm ET – Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia
The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the hottest teams in the entire National Basketball Association. With big early season victories against the likes of the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors, the 76ers are proving they are legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference.
The Charlotte Hornets on the other hand, have not looked so impressive losing early season contests to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder – both on the road. Until the Hornets prove they can travel and win away from home, it is difficult laying any money on them. Monday’s affair will also be Charlotte’s third game in four nights and we could see a tired side at the Wells Fargo Center.
The 76ers should be a lock to get the job done on their home court. The over may also be worth investing in.
PICKS: Philadelphia
Over
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS AT BROOKLYN NETS
January 7th – 7:30 pm ET – Barclays Center
There may not be a team in the entire NBA with more pressure to perform than the Brooklyn Nets. With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving joining during the offseason last year, expectations of an NBA championship were immediately fostered. After sitting out for an entire season, Durant hasn’t missed a beat either and looks as dominant as ever.
The visitors have been one of the brightest teams in the league to tip off the campaign, but will be in tough on Thursday against the Nets. This will be Philadelphia’s third game in four nights and the second half of a back-to-back that sees them play in Philadelphia against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
Brooklyn will have played five straight home games by the time Philadelphia arrives and will be well-rested for their opponents. Take the home team to pick up a big win against a team they could end up meeting in the playoffs.
PICKS: Brooklyn
DETROIT PISTONS AT MILWAUKEE BUCKS
January 4th – 8:00 pm ET – Fiserv Forum
Nobody has any doubts as to whether Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks can perform during the regular season. The issue they have always had has been getting it done when it really matters during the playoffs. Nonetheless, they will still be looking to send a signal of intent to the rest of the league after disappointing inside the NBA bubble this summer.
The Detroit Pistons have gotten off to an abysmal start to the campaign, with their schedule only getting tougher. The Pistons can be forgiven if they come into Monday’s contest in Milwaukee a little sluggish after having to play in Detroit on Sunday afternoon against the Boston Celtics. Not only do they have back-to-back games against two of the best teams in the entire league, but will also be forced to travel as well.
This game could be over before it even starts with the Bucks cruising to a victory at the Fiserv Forum.
PICKS: Milwaukee
BOSTON CELTICS AT TORONTO RAPTORS
January 4th – 7:30 pm ET – Amalie Arena
The Toronto Raptors seem to still be adjusting to life in their new home in Tampa Bay. The Canadian government has still not given them permission to play home games in Toronto yet and the Raptors are just trying to make the best of the situation they find themselves in.
They have struggled to start the season though and have not looked anything like the team that won an NBA title in 2019. Despite their woes, Toronto remains a top team and one that will be looking to prove a point against the Celtics on Monday night.
Boston will be travelling to Tampa Bay after their game against the Pistons in Detroit and could be quite fatigued coming into the contest at the Amalie Arena. Boston has looked good early on this season, but have shown they are capable of stumbling as well.
Take the Raptors to pick up a big win against the Celtics in Tampa Bay.
PICKS: Toronto
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS AT GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
January 6th – 10:00 pm ET – Chase Center
After reaching the NBA finals for five straight seasons, the Golden State Warriors missed out on the playoffs entirely last year with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson suffering from injuries. Thompson remains out, but Curry is back looking to lead his team to the top once again. He has quite the daunting task ahead of him on Wednesday night though against Kahwi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Despite their embarrassing loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the Clippers have actually looked like one of the best teams in the league. Leonard missed time early on due to a mouth laceration caused by Serge Ibaka’s elbow, but he’ll back and ready to go in this one. Leonard won an NBA title with the Toronto Raptors against the Warriors and will be fired up for this affair.
This should be a fun one to watch for both neutrals and fans alike, but ultimately the visitors should prevail. Take the Clippers to pick up a big win on the road.
PICKS: Los Angeles
* All odds are via Parx Sportsbook.
GET A RISK-FREE BET
UP TO $500
WELCOME BONUS
