In tonight’s NBA double-header, the Thunder aim to protect their perfect homecourt record against the bearish Bulls, while the Warriors try to do the same against the Spurs minus a certain Frenchman.
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Sports Betting Preview for December 19
NBA – Heat Pay Back Pacers
After last week’s road defeat, the Miami Heat returned the favor with a 97-94 win over the Indiana Pacers. The Heat are now just 1 game behind the Pacers in the Eastern Conference.
NBA – Wolves Maul Blazers
Damian Lillard’s second straight 36-point effort couldn’t prevent the Portland Trailblazers from falling 120-109 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the loss, the Blazers (22-5) have fallen off their perch atop the Western Conference.
NCAAB – Tar Heels Fall to Longhorns
After taking down Kentucky last week, North Carolina fell to the Texas Longhorns, 86-83 in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels have now suffered three SU losses this year — all to unranked schools.
Top Bet Games to Bet On
Chicago Bulls vs Oklahoma City Thunder (8:00 PM ET)
The Chicago Bulls are seriously in need of Derrick Rose’s – or frankly anyone else’s – scoring. Since losing their All-Star guard in late November, the Bulls have failed to break 100 points in 11 of their 13 Rose-less games so far. The result hasn’t been pretty on their record, either; Chicago is just 3-10 SU and 2-11 ATS in those games. [sc:NBA240banner ]
The Thunder have no such problem scoring. OKC – the new leader in the West – is third in the NBA with 105.6 points/game, which has fueled their recent 9-1 SU run in their last 10 games. Kevin Durant has led the game in scoring in 8 of those 10 games. The Thunder are the only NBA team still undefeated at home.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors (10:30 PM ET)
The San Antonio Spurs didn’t need Tony Parker, who is out with a shin injury, to beat the upstart Phoenix Suns yesterday, and the French guard will also be missing their trip to Oakland tonight. But who needs Parker when Manu Ginobili can back the clock with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists in just 27 minutes? The Spurs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 meetings with Golden State.
Parker’s absence is one less player Andre Iguodala will have to worry about. The versatile swingman made a winning return to the Warriors line-up against the Pelicans on Tuesday to snap a two-game skid. Stephen Curry has been on a tear, scoring over 20 points in each of the last 11 games. The Warriors are 7-3 SU in their last 10 home games.
