We just have one-quarter of the NBA regular season left, which means that every game means now more than ever. Unfortunately, a string of injuries could derail several team’s once-promising seasons.
That’s when sports bettors need to be smart and make sure to check the lineups before tip-off. Key absences could change the entire landscape of a game, especially when fatigue hits at this point in the season.
With that in mind, we’re going to take an in-depth look at some of the most exciting games for Saturday’s NBA slate, and we’ll share our top pick for every single one of these can’t-miss matchups.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been stung by the injury bug. Still, they’ve been a tough team to beat, and they seem to have cracked the code as to how to take down the Boston Celtics.
Even so, they might not have enough firepower to get past the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves lost Karl-Anthony Towns, but the Cavs will be down two starters, as Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are nursing injuries of their own.
The Timberwolves can’t lose ground in the race for the No. 1 seed, so they should win this game by a margin.
Pick: Timberwolves -1.5
New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic haven’t been as dominant on the road, and they couldn’t keep the pace from the early season. Nonetheless, they’ve gotten better since the All-Star break, and they’re almost at full strength.
The same cannot be said of the New York Knicks.
Jalen Brunson is back after a brief absence. But they continue to struggle without OG Anunoby and Julius Randle, so we like this one to be a close matchup.
Pick: Magic +2
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Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat
The Oklahoma City Thunder can match up with any team in the league, and it’s become more than evident that they’re already ahead of schedule. Even so, they still need to prove themselves against winning teams.
They’re solid at home, and the Miami Heat have struggled to find consistency this season. However, they still have a slow-tempo offense and a solid defense, so this might as well be a low-scoring contest.
Pick: Under 223.5
Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be one of the most inconsistent teams in the NBA. They alternate great efforts with head-scratching losses, and you never know what version of them you’re going to get game in and game out.
Nonetheless, they’ve usually fared better against contending teams than against bottom feeders. We like them tobe at their best in this game as well, and while they may not win, they could make it a close one.
Pick: Lakers +2
Los Angeles Clippers vs Chicago Bulls
The Los Angeles Clippers have kind of hit a wall over the past week or so.
Russell Westbrook’s injury was a big blow to their second unit, and they’ve also gotten to some slow start to games. That’s why hosting a beatable team might be just what they need to get back on track.
The Chicago Bulls, on the other hand, have found some balance without Patrick Williams and Zach LaVine, but they still don’t have enough firepower to keep up with a team like the Clippers, and this shouldn’t even be a close one.
Pick: Clippers -6.5
