The 2015/16 NBA action continues post-Christmas heading into the new calendar year over the next seven days starting with 11 matches playing out today (AEST), Tuesday December 29.
Wednesday’s action sees the Eastern Conference leaders the Cavaliers taking on Denver, after Cleveland play the Suns on Tuesday (AEST), while on Thursday the Western Conference leaders Golden State Warriors play the Dallas Mavericks.
Below are previews of the highlight NBA games happening around the States this week that feature some top class betting opportunities for punters!
We’re offering the top NBA betting markets and odds all week so check out our odds today!
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets
Wednesday, December 30, 12:00pm (AEST)
Cleveland top the Eastern Conference’s Central Division and after a Tuesday afternoon (AEST) match against the Suns, on Wednesday they take on Denver. They were defeated 76 – 105 by the Trail Blazers on Sunday and are looking to bounce back, but shouldn’t be in crisis mode just yet with a 19-9 East-leading record one-third of the way through the season. The Nuggets get the home advantage at Pepsi Center and that’s the test for Cleveland whose offense has drifted to nearly 10 points per 100 possessions worse when playing outside of The Q.
Washington Wizards vs Toronto Raptors
Thursday, December 31, 10:30am (AEST)
The Wizards are last in the EC’s Southeast Division, giving the Raptors an easy game to win at the Air Canada Centre on Thursday morning (AEST). Washington defeated the Nets on Sunday and play the L.A. Clippers on Tuesday so will be pretty worn out by the time they take on Toronto. The Raptors beat the Bucks on Sunday and also have a tough game against Chicago on Tuesday, so will also need to be firing. At home Washington have an awesome recent 4 – 7 record, but Toronto will be boosted by the return of DeMarre Carroll (knee) and Jonas Valanciunas (hand).
Indiana Pacers vs Chicago Bulls
Thursday, December 31, 11:00am (AEST)
The Pacers are fifth overall in the Eastern Conference and second behind Cleveland in the Central Division after a 102 – 88 win over the Timberwolves on Sunday (AEST). They take on Atlanta on Tuesday before this Thursday blockbuster against Chicago who are third in the same division and seventh in the conference despite a Sunday loss to the Mavericks by just seven points. Indiana coach Frank Vogel has done so much for his team and that’s been the key. No consistency to the Bulls’ week after a Saturday win over Thunder before losing the plot down the stretch in Big D. Can they return to winning form?
Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks
Thursday, December 31, 11:30am (AEST)
Steph Curry’s Western Conference leaders the Warriors are making the history books this season and only need to finish an achievable 39 – 14 in over their final 53 games to join Michael Jordan’s Bulls (1995-96 and 1996-97) in winning 65-plus games in consecutive seasons. They stamped their authority with an 89 – 83 win over Eastern Conference leaders Cleveland on Boxing Day (AEST) and play the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday before their second match two days later against Dallas. The Mavericks get the home center advantage and last played a cracker when beating the Bulls 118 – 111 on Sunday, but will have a tougher time against the Warriors.
Phoenix Suns vs San Antonia Spurs
Thursday, December 31, 11:30am (AEST)
Current second ranked in the Western Conference, the San Antonia Spurs should have no problems getting the better of the Suns at the AT&T Center in Texas. They beat the Nuggets on Sunday (AEST) and don’t play again until this so they should be fresh and ready for the clash. The Suns will be at big odds after going down to the 76ers on Sunday and are in all kinds of trouble after firing two assistants in an attempt to give coach Jeff Hornacek new life. Trouble on and off the court then with more to come against the in-form Spurs and their record breaking power forward Tim Duncan.