The NBA has given European fans an absolute treat this weekend, as two of the best teams in the league do battle at 20:40. The top seed in the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder, are hosting the defending champions, the Boston Celtics.
Putting aside the joy of watching the best go against the best what is also interesting about this clash is that both these sides come into this one off the back of some impressive wins. The Celtics took down the Rockets (second-place in the West) whilst the Thunder beat the Knicks (third-place in the East), Cleveland aside this is a match-up between two of the best basketball teams around right now.
Speaking of the Cavaliers they highlight the late window when they welcome a struggling Charlotte team to Ohio then for the nightowls the aforementioned Rockets welcome the Lakers who are on a two-game win streak.
Read on to see what Peter Sharland is tipping this week.
NBA tips
20:40: Boston Celtics @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Isiah Hartenstein over 15.5 rebounds and assists
Derrick White over 15.5 points
23:10: Charlotte Hornets @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley over 19.5 points
Monday 00:10: Los Angeles Lakers @ Houston Rockets
LeBron James over 30.5 points and assists
Anthony Davis 10+ rebounds
- A Multi-Match Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 15/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
20:40: Boston Celtics @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Isiah Hartenstein over 15.5 rebounds and assists
Derrick White over 15.5 points
The first thing to start with is injury news and it’s pretty big. Chet Holmgren remains out for OKC but he’s now joined by Alex Caruso and rising rookie star Ajay Mitchell in a big blow for the hosts. For Boston they are sweating the fitness of Jaylen Brown, who is questionable going into the game.
We’re big fans of Hartenstein in this column and there’s probably going to be more put on his plate, hence going for his combined rebounds and assists here. He has just missed this figure in three of his last five (going 15, 14 and 15) but in the other two he has hit it so we’re going for this game to be one where he gets over that elusive mark. For White he’s one of the hot hands for Boston at the moment, having gone over his points total (also 15.5 weirdly) in each of his last four games. Whether Brown plays or not he’s good bet here despite the Thunder’s monstrous defense.
23:10: Charlotte Hornets @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley over 19.5 points
There isn’t too much to say here. The Cavs are one of the best teams in the league (the best by record) and the Hornets are one of the worst, losing nine straight. Mobley remains one of the best in the league at what he does and his points total being set at just 19.5 seems too good to ignore.
Monday 00:10: Los Angeles Lakers @ Houston Rockets
LeBron James over 30.5 points and assists
Anthony Davis 10+ rebounds
LBJ is hot at the moment and has played starring roles as the Lakers have beaten the Hawks and Blazers to move up to fourth in the West. As we said earlier the Rockets are second but this is a banged up unit who are reeling, having lost three of their last four so we like the Lakers to continue their good form.
James’ total for points and assists in this one is set at 30.5, something he’s done in four of his last five games. Heck he’s got 30 or more points in three of his last four, clearly the King is feeling himself at the moment and we like him to stay hot here. For the final bet of the night we’re keeping it safe with AD getting into double-digits for rebounds.
NBA tips
20:40: Boston Celtics @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Isiah Hartenstein over 15.5 rebounds and assists
Derrick White over 15.5 points
23:10: Charlotte Hornets @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley over 19.5 points
Monday 00:10: Los Angeles Lakers @ Houston Rockets
LeBron James over 30.5 points and assists
Anthony Davis 10+ rebounds
- A Multi-Match Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 15/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Read More
- Get the latest NBA Basketball odds on PaddyPower.com
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