The Brooklyn Nets beat the New York Knicks last night, perhaps to show James Harden that he’s coming to a good team.  Harden has been upset with his Houston Rockets and didn’t hold back on how he felt recently, but he can now put it behind him.  A four-team swap that involved the Nets, the Rockets, the Indianapolis Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers landed him on the Nets’ bench, paving the way for a massive superteam that could help head coach Steve Nash solidify himself as the team’s leader. The NBA Hall of Famer just started as Brooklyn’s newest head coach last September.  The Nets won’t play tonight, but other games on tap are sure to be a draw for fans and gamblers.

Sixers Take On A Weakened Heat

The Philadelphia 76ers took a hit from COVID-19, but are starting to bounce back.  They take on the Miami Heat tonight and Tobias Harris, Shake Milton and Matisse Thybulle are now listed as probable.  However, two big names that are questionable for tonight could cause issues if they’re not on the court.  Both Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are waiting to determine if they’re up for the game.

The Heat are still dealing with health issues of their own, which will prove devastating tonight.  Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic, Kendrick Nunn, Avery Bradley, Maurice Harkless, KZ Okpala and Udonis Haslem are listed as out and Tyler Herro can’t do it all on his own.  Unibet is completely confident that the Sixers win, giving them -590 and 10.5 points.  The Over/Under of 223 (-109) might be hard to find, given all the problems.

The Toronto Raptors may be recent NBA champs, but they’re not the same team they were two years ago.  They have now dropped eight as they host the 6-6 Charlotte Hornets tonight, hoping they can find their footing.  The Hornets have been averaging just over 108 points a game, but still haven’t been able to put enough wins on their list, partly because of a weaker defense.

The Raptors are averaging 111.1 points tonight and will look to keep LeMelo Ball out from under the net.  If they do, Toronto could find their rhythm.  Unibet oddsmakers believe they have a chance, giving the Raptors -420 and 9 points.  With the average scoring of both teams, the 221 (-108) Over/Under should hit.

Rockets Look To Recover

The Rockets will head over to San Antonio to take on the Spurs tonight, hoping that they can get settled in without Harden.  His move to the Nets scored the Houston three new players, Victor Oladipo, Dante Exum and Rodions Kurucs, who are now trying to get used to their new team.  However, they won’t be able to count on vet John Wall, out with knee soreness, and Eric Gordon is questionable.

The shakeup on the Rockets bench is going to give the Spurs an edge tonight.  They’re already favored at -265 and are getting seven points on an Over/Under of 218.5 (-109).  This game has the Spurs written all over it and the Over is going to hit.

The Portland Trail Blazers host the Indiana Pacers tonight in a game that pits two 7-4 teams against each other.  Indiana is fourth in the Eastern Conference; Portland is fifth in the Western.  This is going to be an intense battle.

This will be the first time these two have met this season, and the Trail Blazers are going to take the court without Keljin Blevins or Zach Collins.  However, the Pacers are looking at several potential absences, including those of TJ Warren, T.J. McConnell and Jalen Lecque, Jr., and are in a tough spot.  Portland is getting -143 and three points, which won’t be difficult to cover.  The 229 (-109) Over/Under seems a little low for this one.

Warriors Off To Colorado

The Golden State Warriors hit the road today for their first away game since last year.  They’re taking on the Denver Nuggets and, although the Warriors have probably enjoyed staying at home for a while, the upcoming travel schedule is not shaping up nicely.  One game of the three-game trip, against the Phoenix Suns tomorrow, has already been postponed due to “health and safety protocols.”

The Warriors just lost to the Pacers and have gone 3-2 across their last five games.  The Nuggets also lost their last one and are also 3-2 in their last five.  Since both teams are about even, and with a slightly better offense, Denver is getting the advantage.  They’re looking at -195 and five points, with an Over/Under of 225.5 (-109).  There may not be much play on the moneyline or the spread, but this game will definitely go over.