NBA Betting Preview: Day 9

Day 8 of the NBA season was not kind to the Stats Insider Expert Tipster, as an initially promising slate soon turned disastrous. Dallas blew a 25+ point lead to Atlanta, New York wasted a first-quarter lead against Miami to get blown out, before Zach LaVine shot the lights out against Charlotte.

On to tomorrow, standing with a 7-9 record for the season. The day 9 slate gives us four games, and three chances at redemption. Focused in on the day will be Portland's visit to Orlando, the Cavs trip to Detroit and the Lakers hosting the Nuggets.

Portland @ Orlando

Damian Lillard and the Blazers will look to bounce back from a tough overtime loss to Washington to take on a 2-1 Orlando Magic outfit still buzzing from a win in Boston. Portland's got a favourable backcourt matchup, and it could be a crucial factor.

It'll be a real test for Orlando and new coach Steve Clifford to try and slow down the Blazers scorching hot offense, and put up enough points to make it a tough fight.

Key Stats and Trends: the Blazers are 3-0 O/U this season, but that's only because they went to OT against the Wizards when they were Under at the time. Orlando are 1-3 O/U and Steve Clifford always builds a tough-nosed defensive style with his teams. 

The Magic will be no different. They'll make Portland earn every point.

Key Play: Under 218.5 Points

Cleveland @ Detroit

A surprisingly 3-0 Detroit Pistons host the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will be on a back to back after an embarrassing loss to Brooklyn yesterday. Blake Griffin is in MVP-type form to start the season, and Kevin Love will go head to head with him in an intriguing frontcourt battle.

Detroit have a good opportunity to continue their bright start to the season, and will want to ensure their undefeated season continues without a blip.

Key Stats and Trends: Two bottom 10 defenses will go head to head in this one. Cleveland are already 29th whilst the Pistons sit 21st despite their success. There should be plenty of points in this one, and the Cavs are 3-1 O/U this season, and the Pistons are 2-1.

Expect an open contest with both teams' Power Forwards filling it up offensively.

Key Play: Over 223.5 Points

Denver @ L.A. Lakers

A Los Angeles Lakers team fresh off its first win of the season over the Phoenix Suns will back up again tonight when they take on the red-hot Denver Nuggets squad that's started the season 4-0.

With Brandon Ingram and Rajon Rondo still suspended, the already stretched Lakers will be seriously tested particularly with 0 days rest. The Nuggets match up against Los Angeles well and LeBron will have his work cut out for him to lead his young squad to a win.

Key Stats and Trends: the Nuggets have opened the season 4-0 ATS, the Lakers just 1-3. The Lakers offense has been scorching, good for 4th in the league, but the Nuggets #1 ranked defense will provide a stern test.

Lakers' games are too hard to call on Totals but I think the Nuggets matchups and depth will overwhelm Los Angeles. Take the Nuggets line and have faith in the Joker to lead Denver to a win.

Key Play: Denver -3.5

Season Record: 7-9

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!