It’s a monster NBA slate on Thursday and we’re here to preview the top 3 matchups. The key storylines are – Can the Bucks do it without Giannis, will the Curry\/Butler combo overcome the Mavs too and how will the Grizzlies handle a back-to-back against the Clippers.<\/p>\n
The Bucks head into their matchup against the Timberwolves looking to turn things around after a rough 125-111 loss to the Warriors. Milwaukee has had the edge in recent meetings, winning three of the last four, but they’ll be missing their biggest weapon\u2014Giannis Antetokounmpo is out. That\u2019s a huge blow, considering he\u2019s averaged 34 points against Minnesota in the last three matchups, including a 33-point performance last time.<\/p>\n
The Bucks have struggled lately, going 3-7 in their last 10 games and 1-4 in their last five on the road. Defensive issues continue to be a problem, as they’ve allowed 118.8 points per game over their last five. With Giannis sidelined and Milwaukee on a bit of a cold streak, this could be a tough one for the Bucks.<\/p>\n
The Timberwolves are coming off a tough 128-107 home loss to the Cavaliers, where they struggled offensively, shooting just 40% from the field. Despite the setback, Minnesota has been solid lately, going 7-3 in their last 10 games and winning three straight at home. Anthony Edwards has been a consistent force against the Bucks, averaging 27 points over the last four matchups, including a 28-point performance in their most recent meeting.<\/p>\n
The Wolves have been putting up 117.8 points per game over their last five while allowing 112.8 on defence. However, they\u2019ve struggled against Milwaukee, going just 1-3 in the last four meetings. With both teams looking to bounce back from recent losses, this one could go either way.<\/p>\n
Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Minnesota are 6-4 in their last 10 at home. Milwaukee are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Timberwolves have lost 3 games against the Bucks in the last 4 meetings since 2022.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n There’s no Giannis for the Bucks so I think the Wolves turn around their poor form at home with a comfortable win in this matchup.<\/p>\n Timberwolves -5.5 = $1.83<\/a><\/p>\n Same Game Multi<\/strong><\/p>\n The Over is 4-1 in the Wolves last 5 games and the total has gone OVER in 12 of Milwaukee’s last 17 games.<\/p>\n Minnesota Timberwolves -5.5 \/ Over 224.5 = $3.50<\/a><\/p>\n The Warriors are riding a bit of momentum heading into their matchup with the Mavericks, having won two straight, including a big 14-point victory over the Bucks. Stephen Curry led the charge in that one, dropping 38 points, while Jimmy Butler added 20. Golden State has been putting up solid offensive numbers lately, averaging 120.2 points per game over their last five contests. However, their defence has been shaky, allowing 114.4 points per game in that same stretch.<\/p>\n On the road, the Warriors have had mixed results, going 4-6 in their last 10 away games but winning their last two. They also have a pretty even history against the Mavericks, holding a 4-5 record in their last nine meetings. Curry has been consistent against the Mavs, averaging 27 points over the last seven showdowns.<\/p>\n The Mavericks are looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking 129-128 home loss to the Kings. Despite the tough loss, Dallas has had the upper hand against Golden State recently, holding a 5-4 record in their last nine meetings. Luka Don\u010di\u0107 has been a nightmare for the Warriors, averaging 37 points in the last five matchups, including a massive 45-point performance in their most recent showdown. But of course, he’s gone to the Lakers now and Anthony Davis is already out for a month, ouch. Kyrie Irving has been productive without Luka and AD, he has also put up 27 points per game in his last two against Golden State.<\/p>\n Offensively, the Mavericks have been solid, averaging 117.6 points per game over their last five outings while shooting an efficient 51.6% from the field and 40.5% from deep in their last game. However, their defence has struggled, giving up 123.2 points per game in that same span. At home, Dallas has won two straight but has gone just 2-3 in their last five.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Dallas are 4-6 in their last 10 at home. Golden State are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Mavericks have won 5 games in the previous 9 matchups.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n The Warriors have looked great with Jimmy Buckets and Curry, while the Mavs haven’t looked too bad with Doncic gone. So I like the Over. It’s 6-1 in the Warriors last 7 games and 6-0 when they play on the road. The total has gone OVER in 9 of Dallas’ last 11 games too.<\/p>\n Over 233.5 pts = $1.91<\/a><\/p>\n Same Game Multi<\/strong><\/p>\n I think the Mavs have a point to prove after the Doncic trade and they’ve been playing well at home with a 5-1 ATS record in their last 6. They also love playing the Warriors at home, so I think they keep the margin close.<\/p>\n Dallas Mavericks +5.5 \/ Over 233.5 = $3.40<\/a><\/p>\n The Grizzlies are heading into their matchup with the Clippers riding some strong momentum, winning eight of their last ten games and coming off a solid 7-point victory over the Suns. Ja Morant led the charge with 26 points, while Desmond Bane added 20. Memphis has been on fire offensively, averaging 125.8 points per game over their last five outings, but their defence has given up 114.4 points per game in that same stretch.<\/p>\n On the road, the Grizzlies have been impressive, winning six of their last ten away games and currently riding a three-game road winning streak. However, they\u2019ve struggled in recent matchups against the Clippers, holding just a 2-6 record in the last eight meetings. That said, Morant has been a force against L.A., averaging 30 points in the last two matchups, while Bane has put up 26 per game over the last three. Tyus Jones has had big performances against the Clippers, scoring 25 points in their most recent games against them.<\/p>\n With their offence rolling and their road game clicking, the Grizzlies will look to break their struggles against the Clippers and keep their winning streak alive. If Morant and Bane can keep producing, Memphis has a good shot at grabbing another key win on the road.<\/p>\n The Clippers are looking to bounce back after a tough 20-point home loss to the Jazz, where they struggled defensively. Over their last five games, they\u2019ve gone 2-3 while allowing an average of 114 points per contest. Scoring has been up and down, with the team averaging 111.8 points per game in that stretch.<\/p>\n Despite their recent struggles, the Clippers have historically had the upper hand against the Grizzlies, holding a 6-2 record in their last eight meetings. They\u2019ve also been solid at home, winning seven of their last ten games in L.A., though they\u2019ve split their last five at 2-3. Their last outing saw them shoot an impressive 58% from the field and 42.3% from deep, despite the loss.<\/p>\n With a 29-23 record on the season, the Clippers need to regain consistency as they take on a high-scoring Memphis squad. They\u2019ll look to build on their recent home win and keep their dominance over the Grizzlies going, but they\u2019ll need a stronger defensive effort to slow down Ja Morant and company.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Los Angeles are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. Memphis are 4-2 ATS in their last 6.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Clippers hold a 6-2 record in the last 8 meetings.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n The Grizz are on a back-to-back so I think they may struggle against the rested Clippers. On the Clippers home court, they are 10-3 ATS as well.<\/p>\nGolden State Warriors (27-26) at Dallas Mavericks (28-26)<\/h3>\n
Memphis Grizzlies (35-17) at LA Clippers (29-23)<\/h3>\n