Tuesday is hoops day as a couple of very exciting matchups are set to go down on the hardwood tonight. The NBA’s most explosive offense, the Dallas Mavericks, travel Chicago where they meet one of the league’s best defensive teams in the Bulls. Later on, the fast-paced offense of the Toronto Raptors head to Sacramento to face the Kings in a showdown between the best young talents in the league.
Looking ahead to a great week of action? Check out our complete picks and predictions for Week 14 of the 2014 NFL season as well as Thursday Night Football’s Cowboys vs. Bears, and read on for more in tonight’s best games to bet on.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Dallas Mavericks vs. Chicago Bulls (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Dallas Mavericks (+2) at Chicago Bulls (-2); total 203.0 – view these lines
The Mavericks’ league-best average of 109.1 points per game will be put to the test against a tough Chicago defensive unit tonight. The Mavs are 13-0 in games they scored more than 100 points and 0-5 in games with 100 or less this season.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Tyson Chandler has been terrific for Dallas recording three-straight double-doubles. On Saturday, Chandler had 20 points and 13 rebounds in a 110-103 road win over Philadelphia. He’ll have a tough matchup against last season’s Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah, who is averaging 1.57 blocks and 9.6 boards this season.
The Bulls are 2-3 straight up and 1-4 ATS as home favorites this season.
Writer’s Prediction
The Bulls are inconsistent at home. Take the Mavs (+2) to continue their high-scoring ways in Chicago.
Toronto Raptors vs. Sacramento Kings (10:30 PM ET)
Line: Toronto Raptors (-1.5) at Sacramento Kings (+1.5); total 203.5 – view these lines
The Toronto Raptors are in the midst of their first losing streak of the season, dropping back-to-back games to the Mavs and the Lakers. To make matters worse, Toronto’ All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan will miss this game with a groin injury. DeRozan leads the team with 19.4 points per game.
The Raptors’ backcourt remains solid despite DeRozan’s absence. Kyle Lowry scored 29 in a loss to the Lakers on Sunday, while Lou Williams had 19 off the bench. Filling in for DeRozan, Greivis Vazquez scored 19 points while shooting 50% in his first start of the season against Los Angeles.
The Raptors take on the front-court heavy Sacramento. The Kings may also be missing their main man on offense, DeMarcus Cousins, due to an illness. If Cousins continues to sit out, the bulk of Sacramento’s offense will be placed on Rudy Gay’s shoulders. Gay averaged 21.5 points on .516 shooting in the two games since returning from an Achilles injury.
Writer’s Prediction
A short-handed Kings won’t be enough to power past Toronto. Take the Raptors to win and cover on the road. Create a betting account now and get your daily dose of the world’s best sports action.
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