We’re a week removed from the earth-shattering trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, and it still feels so weird. In many ways, the entire NBA is still recovering from one of the trade deadlines of the ages.
Even now, it feels that most people will have the clash between the Lakers and the Mavericks after the All-Star break circled in their diaries.
We should get our first look at Doncic in Lakers uniform this week as they try to get him some minutes before the All-Star break, but before that, we have a trio of games to watch on Sunday evening here in Europe.
It’s strange with three early games and none in the late window, but there’s plenty of intrigue across the match-ups. Read on to see what we’re tipping…
NBA Tips
Charlotte Hornets @ Detroit Pistons
Total Points Over
Jaden Duren Points and Rebounds Over
Philadelphia 76ers @ Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard Total Assists Over
Tyrese Maxey 25+ points
Toronto Raptors @ Houston Rockets
Alperen Sengun Total Rebounds Over
- A Multi Match Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 13/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Charlotte Hornets @ Detroit Pistons – Total Points Over and Jaden Duren Points and Rebounds Over
Charlotte unexpectedly snapped a six-game losing streak by beating the Spurs, but it still feels as if they cannot contain the Pistons, who are chasing the Pacers for the fourth spot in the East.
The big worry for Detroit coming into this one is the status of star guard Cade Cunningham, who missed the win over the 76ers with a knock to his ankle.
Cunningham is listed as Probable on the latest injury report, so he should play, but it always feels a bit risky betting on an injury report, particularly in the first game of the night.
So, for that reason, we’ve gone for a Total Points Over and for a Jaden Duren bet after the young big man has had a nice run of games recently.
Philadelphia 76ers @ Milwaukee Bucks – Damian Lillard Total Assists Over and Tyrese Maxey 25+ points
The Bucks were busy at the deadline as they sent Khris Middleton to Washington as part of a big deal that saw them get Kyle Kuzma in return. They also picked up Kevin Porter Jr. from the Clippers, with MarJon Beauchamp going the other way.
Will it be enough to see them make a real run in the East? We’ll have to wait and see, but we do know that for the fourth game in a row, they will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo as he deals with a calf injury. It seems increasingly unlikely that we’ll see the star forward before the break at this stage.
In his absence, Damian Lillard has been playing well, particularly in the creative side of the game, so we like him to get over his assist over/under in this one. For Philly, Maxey remains hot, and with question marks over Joel Embiid’s status up in the air, the guard should easily get over 25 points.
Toronto Raptors @ Houston Rockets – Alperen Sengun Total Rebounds Over
Happening at the same time (and low-key a more fun watch?) sees Toronto travel south to play Houston. The Raptors have been struggling this season and they were very busy at the deadline.
In come Brandon Ingram, James Wiseman and PJ Tucker. Out go Davion Mitchell, Bruce Brown Jr and Kelly Olynyk and some picks. That’s pretty fun! We won’t see Ingram or Tucker in this one, but it’s certainly intriguing to see how the former, in particular, will gel with the young core in Toronto.
On the other side of the court, things aren’t too hot in Houston right now, with the Rockets on a six-game losing streak. Not only have the Rockets seen the Lakers catch them over this run, but that little cluster of teams behind them are also making ground.
It seems likely that, given Toronto can’t really stop anyone at the moment, Houston should get back on track, but we’re just keeping this simple and going for Sengun to have a big night in terms of rebounds.
NBA Tips
Charlotte Hornets @ Detroit Pistons
Total Points Over
Jaden Duren Points and Rebounds Over
Philadelphia 76ers @ Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard Total Assists Over
Tyrese Maxey 25+ points
Toronto Raptors @ Houston Rockets
Alperen Sengun Total Rebounds Over
- A Multi Match Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 13/1 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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