The Houston Rockets’ visit to Oracle Arena to play the Golden State Warriors is the headliner this Friday, but there’s a lot more to watch in the three-game NBA day.
Sure enough, the Rockets-Warriors match-up will still be the main talking point. After all, both teams are in a winning run, particularly Houston who have undoubtedly rediscovered their form of last season following a poor start this year.
However, Kawhi Leonard‘s return to San Antonio shouldn’t be missed too. The Spurs and Leonard quite had an awful split this summer and, just like any ugly breakup, the two parties will be eager to show they are in a better position now.
Also, Denver’ game against Sacramento has the potential to be a classic. Nikola Jokic is having an MVP-calibre season, and it will be interesting if he can keep his Nuggets at the top against a surging Kings squad.
Toronto Raptors @ San Antonio Spurs (January 04, 09:00 GMT+8)
The much-awaited return of Leonard to San Antonio is about to happen. There will be boos and jeers from the home crowd at AT&T Center, but that is expected to pale in comparison to the battle that will take place on the court.
Toronto seem to have won the summer blockbuster trade that landed them Leonard. The two-time All-Star is averaging 27.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game this season, proving that he remains one of the best two-way threats in the league.
Leonard also prepared well for this encounter, scoring a career-best 45 points against the Utah Jazz in their New Year showdown.
The Raptors are 28-11 so far, second in the Eastern Conference. In contrast, the Spurs are clinging to the eighth seed in the loaded Western Conference.
It should give San Antonio some hope that Gregg Popovich is still at the helm. Coach Pop knows a lot about winning, and it should be noted that he made life hard for the Raptors in their meetings last year.
Not to mention that the Spurs have DeMar DeRozan who, unlike Kawhi, will be more than determined to show the Raptors what they lost. DeRozan made it known that he was hurt when he was traded, and that should give him extra motivation when he faces his former team.
Betting Tip: Raptors First Half Draw No Bet @ 2.02.
Denver Nuggets @ Sacramento Kings (January 04, 11:00 GMT+8)
Nikola Jokic for MVP? But wait, who’s Jokic?
That’s probably what some fans are thinking as the Nuggets’ big man made headlines recently for his spectacular play for the West-best Denver.
Put simply, Jokic is one of the best players and, perhaps, the most skilled big man in the league right now. The 7-foot Serbian is currently leading his team in rebounds (9.9), assists (7.6) and steals (1.5) while scoring 18.0 points per game.
In fact, Jokic grabbed the NBA 2019 highlights on Wednesday when he recorded a triple-double to power Denver past New York for their third consecutive victory.
He is the biggest reason why the Nuggets are no.1 in the West, and without him, the team would not even be in contention for a playoff spot.
It will be interesting to see how the Kings will neutralise Jokic at the post. They play really fast, thanks to De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield, but they might be lacking quality up front with rookie big man Marvin Bagley III out with a bruised knee.
Betting Tip: Nuggets Asian Handicap -3.50 @ 1.96.
Houston Rockets @ Golden State Warriors (January 4, 11:30 GMT+8)
Houston and Golden State meet for the second time this season. Nonetheless, it’s a bit different this time for the two teams.
The Rockets thrashed the Warriors 107-86 in their first game this campaign, but with Chris Paul and Eric Gordon injured and out for Clutch City, the NBA 2019 odds at SBOBET naturally lean on a Warriors domination.
While it isn’t wrong to expect that, it might be foolish to completely write off Houston who have been benefitting from James Harden‘s out-of-this-world performances.
Houston have won 10 of their last 11 games. Over that stretch, the reigning NBA MVP has averaged 39.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 2.1 steals while shooting 44.1 percent from the field, 41.5 percent from three-point territory and 87.2 percent from the free-throw line.
Of course, the Warriors have two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry to counter Harden, but the champs are still expected to have a hard time especially with their defensive anchor Draymond Green and sharpshooter Klay Thompson both struggling.
Betting Tip: Rockets Asian Handicap +8.00 @ 1.99.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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