The Warriors, unbeaten at home since opening night, are among our best bets on a busy night of basketball...
Golden State Warriors to beat Dallas Mavericks – {ODDS:120042724:5/134}
This one is a banker.
Golden State have won five of their last six and are currently averaging 112.9 points per game – the highest mark in the NBA.
They are formidable at Oracle Arena, where they lost just two of their 41 home games last season.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, are playing their second game of a back-to-back on the west coast, having beaten the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.
Rick Carlisle’s team have won just twice all season, and their scoring rate of 97.4 points per game is the fifth-worst in the league.
That they have conceded more three-pointers than all but two teams doesn’t bode well for them against two of the best long-range shooters ever, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
Indiana Pacers to beat Philadelphia 76ers – {ODDS:120041623:10/97}
The Pacers, known for being a physical, defensive team, have actually changed their identity this season.
Led by star forward Paul George and his 20.4 points per game, Indiana currently rank seventh in scoring and fifth in field goal percentage.
And while the Pacers have struggled defensively, they should improve on that end of the court against a 76ers team that simply cannot score.
Philadelphia’s anaemic 91.3 points per game is the worst average in the NBA, and they also boast the league’s fourth-lowest field goal percentage.
It is no surprise, then, that they are yet to record their first win of the season.
Boston Celtics to beat Washington Wizards – {ODDS:120041160:4/5}
Brad Stevens’ offensive system has helped the Celtics create easy shots this season, and they rank second in assists and first in field goal percentage.
And while they have lost two consecutive games, Boston did win three of their first four and handed the Charlotte Hornets their only defeat of the season.
They should break their cold streak against the Wizards, who have lost five of their six games this season, including their last two.
Washington have been below-average on both ends of the court, ranking 22nd in points scored, 19th in points against, and fourth in opponents’ shooting percentage.
They have been unable to protect the rim, and will be exposed in that area by the Celtics, who are the league’s sixth-best finishers from inside two feet.
Detroit Pistons to beat Phoenix Suns – {ODDS:120042166:10/17}
The Pistons were soundly beaten by the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, but should respond against the struggling Suns.
Phoenix have conceded more points than any other team, and have found it difficult to get their offensive system going. Their rate of 18 assists per game ranks second-last in the league.
They have already lost six times this season and have been taken to overtime in both of their victories, one of which was against the still-winless Pelicans.
Detroit are the superior team here. Their three defeats this season have come against teams that have a combined total of 13 wins and seven losses.
Their defence, which has conceded the fourth-fewest points in the NBA, should stifle the Suns and earn the Pistons their fifth victory.
Orlando Magic to beat Minnesota Timberwolves – {ODDS:120040793:5/7}
The Magic have dominated Minnesota over the past three seasons, winning each of the last five meetings between these teams.
That trend will likely continue here, considering the Timberwolves’ slow start to the campaign.
They have lost consecutive games, and have only won once all year.
Orlando, meanwhile, had won three in a row before they suffered a one-sided defeat to the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.
Their night off means they will be well-rested in comparison to the Timberwolves, who will be playing their second game in as many nights and their third consecutive fixture on the road.
