The Thunder reclaimed the top spot in the Western Conference after improving to a 10-2 record, but they might give it back if things don’t go their way tomorrow.
Mark Daigneault and co. are going to host the Suns at Paycom Center, who are right behind them in the standings with a 9-2 record, in the resumption of the NBA Cup group stage phase.
This is Oklahoma City’s first game in the Cup, while Phoenix aim to go 2-0 after they opened their campaign with a win against Utah.
Elsewhere, the Magic, Raptors, Pacers, Spurs, Hawks, Knicks, Cavaliers, Pelicans, Rockets, Kings, and Warriors will host the Sixers, Pistons, Heat, Lakers, Wizards, Nets, Bulls, Nuggets, Clippers, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies, respectively.
SBOTOP is here to preview some of the top matchups from tomorrow’s 12-game schedule.
Brooklyn Nets @ New York Knicks
Despite dealing with different expectations, the Nets and Knicks are not far off from each other in the Eastern Conference standings, and they’ll face off for the first time this season.
The Knicks are the fourth seed with a 5-6 record, while the Nets are eighth at 5-7, and both teams are coming off losses against the Bulls and Celtics.
Karl-Anthony Towns popped off against the Bulls, notching 46 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three steals, but it wasn’t enough. The four-time NBA All-Star was given the questionable tag after banging knees with Zach LaVine during the fourth period.
If Towns sits this one out, Jalen Brunson will take over on offence. The one-time NBA All-Star is averaging 22.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in his last five outings.
Meanwhile, the Nets remain a ragtag group led by Cam Thomas. The LSU product was held in check by the Celtics on Wednesday, so he’s due for a bounceback performance.
Ben Simmons (calf) is expected to return to the lineup after a one-game absence. The former NBA Rookie of the Year is averaging 6.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game this year.
Chicago Bulls @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Much has already been said about the Cavaliers’ impressive winning streak, and the NBA 2024 odds fancy their chances to make it 14 straight tomorrow.
Donovan Mitchell flirted with a triple-double last time out against the Sixers, recording 23 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists.
His backcourt partner Darius Garland was the Cavs’ leading scorer with 25 points, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen had 14 and 11 points, respectively.
During the Bulls’ 124-123 win over the Knicks, Zach LaVine led the team with 31 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals on 12-for-17 shooting from the field.
LaVine has picked it up lately after his three-game absence, averaging 25.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists on 63.3-per cent shooting in his last three.
On the other hand, Nikola Vucevic remains a fixture in the NBA 2024 highlights reel, as he now has five double-doubles in seven games in November.
Betting tip – Cleveland Cavaliers Asian Handicap -11.00 @ 2.03
Phoenix Suns @ Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are back to winning ways after a hiccup against the Warriors, beating the Clippers and the Pelicans in their wake.
Oklahoma City’s vaunted defence was on full display against New Orleans, conceding only 88 points while scoring 106 on the other end.
Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 31 points, six rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and two blocks on 10-for-18 shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 29 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks, two days after dropping a new career-high 45 points.
As for the Suns, they’re coming off yet another loss against the Kings because they’re shorthanded. Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant were sidelined due to injuries, leaving Devin Booker all by himself, carrying the offencive cudgels.
Booker notched 18 points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals on Wednesday, but he’ll need to do more since Beal and Durant won’t play tomorrow.
Betting tip – Oklahoma City Thunder Asian Handicap -7.00 @ 1.88
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Sacramento Kings
Anthony Edwards recently called out the Timberwolves because they’re on a three-game losing streak, following a one-point loss against the Heat and back-to-back defeats against the rebuilding Blazers.
The Kings, as mentioned, are coming off a win against the Suns. However, they might not have DeMar DeRozan in the lineup due to a back injury.
If DeRozan is ultimately ruled out, Sacramento will rely heavily on De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray for production.
Betting tip – Minnesota Timberwolves Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 1.90
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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