The Heat are determined to re-establish themselves in the Eastern Conference after being a play-in team in the past few years. After an uneven start to the 2024-25 NBA campaign, the Erik Spoelstra-coached squad is now the fifth seed, thanks to a three-game winning streak. Miami are favoured by the NBA 2024 odds to extend their unbeaten streak to four games since they’ll host the Raptors tomorrow at the Kaseya Center.
Meanwhile, the Celtics and Pelicans will welcome the Pistons and the Kings, respectively. Boston had a five-day rest, and they’re coming off a home loss against the Grizzlies last Saturday. Meanwhile, New Orleans have lost back-to-back games against the Thunder and the Spurs.
Although we only have three games tomorrow, SBOTOP basketball fans will still get their fair share of NBA 2024 highlights. Continue reading below for a preview of the games.
Detroit Pistons @ Boston Celtics
The Celtics will meet the Pistons for the third time this season, and the hosts have won their first two matchups against the visitors, including a 130-120 result last Thursday.
Without Jayson Tatum, Boston won the game with a balanced effort, as six players scored in double digits. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 28 points, and Kristaps Porzingis, Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, Al Horford, and Derrick White added 26, 20, 19, 14, and 14 points, respectively. Jayson Tatum might not play again tomorrow since he has been dealing with a knee injury, and Al Horford (toe) and Sam Hauser (adductor) are questionable to play.
The dynamic backcourt duo of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey will continue to spearhead the Pistons’ charge. After losing to Boston last Thursday, these two spearheaded a 120-111 win over New York by combining for 45 points. Cade Cunningham tallied his fifth triple-double of the season with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists. Detroit are now 10-15 on the season, good for 11th in the Eastern Conference.
Betting tip – Boston Celtics Asian Handicap -12.00 @ 1.84
Toronto Raptors @ Miami Heat
The Heat have experienced an upturn in form, as Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Jimmy Butler have all played well during their three-game winning streak.
Herro has scored at least 31 points in two of his last three appearances, including a 31-point explosion against the Lakers last Wednesday, where he made nine three-pointers. Bam Adebayo averaged 18.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists on 57.9-per cent shooting in his last three outings. Jimmy Butler has suited up in three consecutive games after a one-match absence, averaging 19.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists.
Miami have been a hot topic in the latest trade chatter, as they’re open to trading Jimmy Butler. The six-time NBA All-Star is reportedly open to joining the Suns, Mavericks, Warriors, or Rockets if ever he gets moved. With that said, expect the 35-year-old swingman to go on a solid stretch of games to boost his market value, barring injuries.
The Raptors are on a three-game losing streak, and they suffered another massive injury blow. After an 11-game absence due to an eye injury, Scottie Barnes will miss the next several weeks after sustaining an ankle injury against the Knicks last Monday.
Toronto will likely use a committee approach to fill in for Barnes, with RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, and Jakob Poeltl shouldering the heavy load. RJ Barrett has been averaging 26.2 points per game since the beginning of December, and he notched his seventh 30-point game this season against New York.
Betting tip – Miami Heat Asian Handicap -10.00 @ 1.92
Sacramento Kings @ New Orleans Pelicans
The Kings are determined to hit the .500 mark after recording back-to-back victories against the Spurs and the Jazz, while the Pelicans plan to end their newest losing skid.
During their blowout win over Utah last Sunday, Sacramento had six players in double-digit points. Kevin Huerter had a team-high 26 points off the bench. De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Doug McDermott, and Malik Monk added 21, 19, 18, 18, and 16 points, respectively. DeRozan and Sabonis also led the way against the Spurs last Friday by combining for 45 points.
After recording an upset win against the Suns, the Pelicans had back-to-back losses. New Orleans still have the worst record in the Western Conference (5-20) due to their horrific injury luck. Brandon Ingram is the team’s newest injury casualty, as the former NBA Most Improved Player of the Year is out indefinitely after injuring his ankle against the Thunder last weekend. Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, and Brandon Boston Jr. are candidates for increased roles.
Betting tip – Sacramento Kings Asian Handicap -5.00 @ 1.80
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE BASKETBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
