We are looking at the Eastern Conference’s top dogs for tomorrow’s live betting games.
Cleveland are looking to end the regular season on top this year. The addition of Deron Williams and Andrew Bogut to LeBron James’ team only makes the Cavaliers the sure favourite of many betting websites.
However, sports betting have taught us to never underestimate the power of the underdog. Anyone among the Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors can make the late surge to overtake Cleveland at the top.
New York Knicks @ Orlando Magic (March 2, 08:00 GMT+8)
Both the Knicks and the Magic are far from possibly competing for the eighth spot, so this game might end up being a snoozer. While both teams aren’t the most daunting opposition for the other, the Knicks have more talented players on their roster. It’s not a wonder if some will choose New York +1.50 @ 1.98.
Miami Heat @ Philadelphia 76ers (March 2, 08:30 GMT+8)
With Joel Embiid still ruled out with his knee problems, the Philadelphia 76ers still look as fragile as ever. However, the exciting brand of basketball brewing within the Sixers locker room should make their away game at Miami more interesting.
However, I still think the Heat will win the game with top games from Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic. Betting websites agree as they give Miami a -9.00 handicap for 1.99.
Atlanta Hawks @ Dallas Mavericks (March 2, 08:30 GMT+8)
Both of these teams mounted fantastic upsets thanks to solid team play. This game should be interesting as Dirk Nowitzki and Harrison Barnes cannot easily outdo a Budenholzer squad featuring Dennis Schroder, Dwight Howard and Paul Millsap. Dallas should keep the game close, so +5.50 @ 2.01 is not a bad punt to consider.
Washington Wizards @ Toronto Raptors (March 2, 08:30 GMT+8)
Washington’s February helped them catapult past the Toronto Raptors and into third place. Dwane Casey and the Raptors need this win if they want to compete for the second seed. This match is exciting as an eye-catching duel between the backcourts of Washington and Toronto will keep many neutrals on their toes.
I don’t think Toronto will lose in front of their Air Canada Centre crowd, but Kyle Lowry is out with a wrist injury. I’m sure John Wall and co will take advantage of this situation and ball hard for the W. I think Washington +4.00 @ 1.92 is the better bet to make.
Detroit Pistons @ New Orleans Pelicans (March 2, 09:00 GMT+8)
The Pistons have put on a string of impressive basketball games, winning against equal competition and bringing Boston to the limit before bowing out at the end. Meanwhile, DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis are still struggling to win while co-existing in the Big Easy.
With Cousins suspended for this game, it’s easy to say that Detroit have the sure advantage. Even with the bookies giving them a small +1.00 handicap, the Pistons can easily win this game and award punters with 2.01 odds.
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics (March 2, 09:00 GMT+8)
Cleveland won two of their four-game series with Boston, but their victories were far from comfortable. Brad Stevens, Isaiah Thomas and the rest of the C’s will be anxious to get even with the Cavaliers at the TD Garden. However, the potential debut of Deron Williams for the Cavs will surely dent Boston’s bench.
It’s not difficult to make a punt for Cleveland to win; a -1.50 handicap nets 1.99.
Denver Nuggets @ Milwaukee Bucks (March 2, 09:00 GMT+8)
Two of the most exciting European players clash for the second time this season.
Their first game at the Mile High city saw standout performances from Nikola Jokic and Jabari Parker. This time round, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be doing the heavy lifting as Jabari is out for the season with an ACL injury.
The Bucks should still be able to win this game easily, but the Nuggets have more than enough talent in their lineup to keep fighting. The score should end close, so my advice is to consider Denver +3.00 @ 1.90.
Indiana Pacers @ San Antonio Spurs (March 2, 09:30 GMT+8)
Jeff Teague played big for Indiana when they were in Houston. However, I am not entirely sure if they have what it takes to beat Gregg Popovich and his well-oiled machine in San Antonio. With many of his important players more than ready to play, the Spurs should hold the definite betting advantage. Betting on San Antonio with a -10.00 handicap gets you 1.99.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Utah Jazz (March 2, 10:00 GMT+8)
Make no mistake; Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns will become a force to be reckoned with when the right time comes. However, this time isn’t now as the Wolves visit Salt Lake City. The Jazz are too stable to be simply beaten by athleticism and hustle.
I suggest going big and punting for Utah with a -6.50 handicap for 2.00.
Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Clippers (March 2, 11:30 GMT+8)
Houston were given the shock of their lives when Indiana caught them off-guard and won by nine points. There will be no doubt that James Harden will double his efforts to win against the Clippers. The feat is possible for the visitors as Chris Paul and company buckle against tough competition.
Punting on this game should be a breeze: go for Houston +1.50 @ 1.99.
Brooklyn Nets @ Sacramento Kings (March 2, 11:30 GMT+8)
Save for the shock win against the Denver Nuggets, the Sacramento Kings are still struggling to win games without DeMarcus Cousins. They have a rare shot at victory when they host the Brooklyn Nets: the visitors haven’t won a game in ages and the trend doesn’t look to be stopping anytime soon.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.