Giannis Antetokounmpo is unhappy with this season’s Christmas schedule, as the Bucks are left out despite their recent resurgence. After winning the NBA Cup last week, the Bucks have won two of their next three games, and they’re keen to extend their two-game unbeaten streak when they head back to the Fiserv Forum tomorrow to host the Nets.
However, the Bucks are not the only ones who were left out of the Christmas schedule and will play tomorrow, as the Pacers, Magic, Wizards, Hawks, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Blazers, and Kings will host the Thunder, Heat, Hornets, Bulls, Raptors, Rockets, Jazz, and Pistons, respectively.
Just in case you missed the Christmas games, worry not, as you will get your fair share of NBA 2024 highlights from tomorrow’s games. Continue reading below for the SBOTOP preview of the top three matches.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Indiana Pacers
After losing to the Bucks in the NBA Cup final, the Thunder have won three straight games against the Magic, Heat, and Wizards to maintain their hold at the top of the Western Conference table with a 23-5 record.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had been superb during Oklahoma City’s three-game unbeaten run. Against Washington last Monday, the two-time NBA All-Star dropped 41 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks on 14-for-25 shooting from the field and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line.
Free agent signing Isaiah Hartenstein has also contributed hugely to the Thunder’s recent run. The former Knicks center has been a double-double machine since recovering from a hand injury that delayed his Oklahoma City debut. Last Monday, Hartenstein recorded 16 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists on 7-for-12 shooting from the field.
The Thunder will be up against an improving Pacers team. After losing five of their last six from late November to early December, Indiana have won five consecutive games against the Sixers, Pelicans, Suns, Kings, and Warriors.
Tyrese Haliburton has been fueling the Pacers’ undefeated run by averaging 19.2 points, 10.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 43.8-per cent from three-point range. Oklahoma City would also need to deal with Pascal Siakam, who is averaging 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game since the start of December.
Betting tip – Oklahoma City Thunder Asian Handicap -5.00 @ 1.95
Miami Heat @ Orlando Magic
The Magic are keen to assert their mastery of the Heat when they host their Florida rivals at Kia Center tomorrow. Orlando have beaten Miami twice already this season, including last Sunday’s 121-114 result.
Their 25-point comeback ties a mark set in November 1989 against the Cavaliers. Cole Anthony led all scorers with 35 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists off the bench. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Goga Bitadze, and Anthony Black added 24, 18, and 10 points, respectively.
Orlando followed it up with a huge upset victory against Boston (108-104) last Monday, where they rallied from a 15-point halftime deficit. Tristan da Silva had a team-high 18 points, and Trevelin Queen, Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr., and Cole Anthony notched 17, 16, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
Miami recently ended their three-game losing streak with a timely win against Brooklyn last Monday. Bam Adebayo had 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists on 8-for-12 shooting from the field. Nikola Jovic added 18 points off the bench, and Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and Alec Burks registered 17, 17, and 12 points, respectively.
Jimmy Butler has missed the Heat’s last three games due to “conditioning.” Don’t be surprised if the six-time NBA All-Star is out for tomorrow after confirming he wants out of South Beach.
Betting tip – Orlando Magic Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 2.03
Brooklyn Nets @ Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are coming off a 112-91 win over the Bulls last Monday to make it two consecutive wins. It is a confidence-boosting win for the reigning NBA Cup champions since they secured the blowout victory without Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Khris Middleton stepped up for Milwaukee in the absences of his star teammates. The three-time NBA All-Star poured in 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 9-for-15 shooting from the field in 23 minutes of play. Brook Lopez also had 21 points, and Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., and AJ Green added 19, 14, and 10 points, respectively.
The Nets have lost five of their last six matches, so the NBA 2024 odds are against them tomorrow. Noah Clowney, Cameron Johnson, Keon Johnson, and Tyrese Martin led Brooklyn in scoring with 19, 19, 15, and 14 points against Miami.
Betting tip – Milwaukee Bucks Asian Handicap -9.00 @ 1.78
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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