NBA Betting Preview: Day 14
Last updated: Oct 29, 2018, 9:36AM | Published: Oct 29, 2018, 9:33AM
Another weekend of NBA action is in the books. Steph Curry destroyed Washington, Kevin Durant destroyed the Knicks and the Golden State juggernaut kept on rolling. Meanwhile, in both Conferences, struggling contenders tried to find their feet whilst surprising hot-starting teams tried to maintain their momentum.
On today's Betting Preview, we'll focus on the Warriors trip to Chicago, the Lakers visit to Minnesota and San Antonio hosting the Mavericks in an all-Texas showdown.
Golden State @ Chicago
The youth and offensive talent of the Chicago Bulls hosts the reigning Champions in the Windy City, as the Warriors come to town. Steph Curry and Kevin Durant are on fire at the moment, both averaging over 30 points per game this season.
Zach LaVine has started the season in brilliant form for the Bulls, averaging 29.3 points (on 52.7% FG and 39.5% from deep), 4.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists. If the Bulls are to stand any chance, LaVine must lead this Bulls squad and score efficiently.
Key Stats and Trends: it's all about the Warriors here - they're already ranked 1st in Offensive Rating in the NBA, posting 116.7 points per 100 possessions. They're ranked 9th in Defensive Rating and 2nd in Net Rating. They aren't yet engaged on defense but are firing on offense, and that should be enough to overcome Chicago comfortably.
The Bulls are 3-3 ATS and Warriors are 3-4 ATS, but take the form side here. Warriors to cover.
Key Play: Golden State -11
LA Lakers @ Minnesota
LeBron James' Lakers' squad comes to town to take on the turmoil covered Timberwolves, who cannot seem to escape the dramas surrounding Jimmy Butler's trade request. Andrew Wiggins is not yet confirmed for the game, so check his availability closer to tip-off.
The Lakers have played well the last four games and could have won each of them. Minnesota is a team surrounded by controversy, and they're making it hard to back them.
Key Stats and Trends: this game is a case of the Lakers' high-powered offense against Minnesota's leaky defense. Los Angeles is ranked 8th in Offensive Rating at 112.9 points per 100 possessions, whilst the Wolves give up 113.4 points per 100, ranked 23rd.
Both teams are 2-4 ATS, so there's no track record here. It's LeBron as a road underdog against a struggling Minnesota. Take the point on offer for the Lakers.
Key Play: LA Lakers +1 (or take the win for extra value)
Dallas @ San Antonio
Dallas backs up from last night's loss to Utah with a trip to visit the Spurs, as San Antonio looks to go 3-0 against teams with losing records this season. The Mavericks defense will be in for a stern test, as they struggle to match up against DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge.
The Mavericks have shown flashes offensively, and they'll try to expose San Antonio's 30th ranked defense. Just how Dallas will respond on a back to back will be the ultimate question for an average Mavericks squad.
Key Stats and Trends: San Antonio are 2-1 ATS at home this season, but so early in the season it's tough to make a lot out of small sample sizes. San Antonio's offense has looked superb so far this season though, ranked 7th in the NBA.
Most teams should be able to exploit San Antonio's Point Guard issues, but Dallas can't. They'll struggle backing it up from yesterday, and Gregg Popovich's Spurs will make them pay.
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