The Cavaliers are the only undefeated team left in the NBA, further strengthening their grip on the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
After blowing out the Warriors on Friday, the Cavaliers will play another game at home when the Nets visit town tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Spurs, Hawks, and Clippers will host the Jazz, Bulls, and Raptors, respectively, as these six teams plan to improve their win-loss records to end the week on a high note.
We may not have a full slate, but SBOTOP basketball fans should continue to get their fair share of NBA 2024 highlights on Saturday evening.
Utah Jazz @ San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have a real shot at getting back to the .500 mark because they’re facing the worst team in the league record-wise. After beating the Blazers on Thursday, they can make it two wins in a row against the visiting Jazz.
Victor Wembanyama has picked up where he left off this season, averaging 17.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game. However, his efficiency leaves to be desired since he hasn’t shot above 50-per cent in his last seven outings.
One of the reasons the Jazz are currently 1-7 is Lauri Markkanen’s three-game absence due to a back injury. The Finnish forward, who signed a five-year, $238 million extension this offseason to stay in Salt Lake City, returned against the Bucks, finishing with eight points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
With Wembanyama and Markkanen likely to cancel each other out, this game will boil down to who has a better supporting cast, and the Spurs have the edge.
Chris Paul seems to enjoy playing in San Antonio, averaging 11.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game, and they’re going to get their second-leading scorer (from last season), Devin Vassell, back in the mix.
Betting tip – San Antonio Spurs Asian Handicap -6.50 @ 1.93
Chicago Bulls @ Atlanta Hawks
The Bulls are on a four-game losing streak, and they’re keen to put an end to it when they visit the Hawks.
Similar to the Jazz, the Bulls lost consecutive games because of the absence of Zach LaVine (thigh), one of their best players. According to reports, he is questionable to play in Atlanta.
If LaVine sits this one out, big man Nikola Vucevic will continue to shoulder the heavy load on offence, which he has been doing in the past few games.
The Montenegrin international has scored at least 20 points in six of his first nine appearances this season and has seven double-doubles.
On the other hand, the Hawks just lost by one point against the Pistons, with no thanks to Cade Cunningham’s clutch play.
Trae Young, who recently shook off a rib injury, will continue to lead the way for Atlanta, but his field goal percentage (38.4-per cent) has to be way better for the Hawks to recover their surprising form earlier this campaign.
Zaccharie Risacher also deserves a shoutout for turning the corner lately. The French rookie contributed 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and three steals during the team’s previous victory against the Knicks.
Betting tip – Atlanta Hawks Asian Handicap -3.50 @ 2.05
Brooklyn Nets @ Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers surged to 10-0 to kick off their 2024-25 campaign, making them the first NBA team since the 73-9 Warriors to do this particular feat.
They’ve been particularly dominant on the offencive end under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, which was on full display when they took a 41-point halftime lead against the Warriors yesterday.
Six Cavs scored in double digits, with Darius Garland leading the way with 27 points, including six three-pointers made. The one-time NBA All-Star has been scorching from deep, shooting 48.6-per cent from three-point range.
The Nets, meanwhile, almost secured their fifth win of the season but fell short down the stretch against the Celtics. Brooklyn are led by the dynamic guard combo of Cam Thomas and Dennis Schroder.
Betting tip – Cleveland Cavaliers Asian Handicap -13.00 @ 1.93
Toronto Raptors @ LA Clippers
The Clippers are slowly climbing in the top half of the Western Conference standings due to a three-game winning streak.
Norman Powell picked up his scoring during their undefeated run, averaging 26.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 52.1-per cent shooting from the field and a staggering 64-per cent from three-point land.
The NBA 2024 odds have the Raptors as the underdogs because they’re missing key players in Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) and Scottie Barnes (eye).
Betting tip – Los Angeles Clippers Asian Handicap -8.00 @ 2.02
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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