Four non-playoff teams a year ago find their way into this week’s “Best Teams” list after some promising starts ATS-wise. And rounding off the list, the defending champions, who are on a roll.
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Top Bet’s Best NBA Teams To Bet On – November 22
TEAM
TRENDS
Portland Trailblazers
7-1 ATS in last 8 games; 9-3 ATS (best in NBA)
Phoenix Suns
4-0-1 ATS on the road
Dallas Mavericks
5-1 ATS (6-0 SU) at home
Miami Heat
4-1 SU & ATS in last 5 games
Charlotte Bobcats
4-1 ATS in last 5 games
1. Portland Trailblazers
Games this week: vs CHI, @ GS, vs NY, @ PHO
The Trailblazers are more than living up to the hype and expectations placed upon them in the preseason. Portland is in the midst of an eight-game winning streak which has elevated its overall record to 10-2 SU, as well as a 9-3 ATS mark – both are 2nd best in the West. They are also 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games.
The Blazers have tough tests this week with Chicago and at Golden State, but by the way All-Star big man LaMarcus Aldridge (20+ points in 4 straight games) and reigning Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard (20 points/game) have been playing, they can beat just about anyone right now.
2. Phoenix Suns
Games this week: @ CHA, @ ORL, @ MIA, vs POR
The ATS magic has worn off for the Suns, who’ve lost their first two games ATS in the last week. A four-game losing streak (three of which were within three points) has also dropped Phoenix to 5-6 SU, the first time this year they’ve gone below .500.
However, the Suns are still an undefeated 4-0-1 ATS on the road, and they just so happen to have a road-heavy schedule this week. Leading scorer Eric Bledsoe (20.4 points) should be back in the line-up after suffering a bruised shin.
3. Dallas Mavericks
Games this week: vs UTAH, @ DEN, vs DEN, vs GS
The Dallas Mavericks are experiencing a resurgence after missing the playoffs last season. Dallas is 8-4 SU and ATS this season, and leading the charge has been free agent signing Monta Ellis (23.3 points), who’s having his best season since his Golden State days. [sc:NBA240banner ]
The Mavs are a league-best 6-0 SU at home (5-1 ATS), all as the favorite. They will have three games this week in Dallas, with two winnable games against the Jazz and Nuggets.
4. Miami Heat
Games this week: vs ORL, vs PHO, @ CLE
The defending champion Miami Heat swept last week with a dominating five-game winning streak; they also went 4-1 ATS. Dwyane Wade has missed the last two games with knee soreness, but LeBron James has been receiving contributions from the entire roster, which leads the NBA in field goal shooting at 52%.
The Heat can conceivably extend their streak to eight wins in a row with a relatively easy slate for this week; all three opponents (Orlando, Phoenix, Cleveland) currently have losing records.
5. Charlotte Bobcats
Games this week: vs PHO, @ MIL, vs BOS, vs IND
The Bobcats find themselves on the upper half of the Eastern Conference standings with an even 6-6 SU record through a dozen games. Big-money signing Al Jefferson has been out for all but three games this year due a bad ankle, turning Charlotte into the worst-scoring team in the NBA at 89 points/game.
But the Bobcats have stayed competitive despite his absence. Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last five games, all coming as underdogs. They could conceivably be favored for the first time this year in at least one of their three games this week: at home vs Phoenix and Boston with a trip to Milwaukee sandwiched in between.
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Bet now on all NBA action over at the Top Bet Sportsbook, and check back next week for another edition of the NBA Betting Power Rankings.
