Injuries and recent acquisitions play a considerable role in some of the remaining NBA matchups prior to All-Star break. There are multiple NBA games tipping off today. First off, Atlanta are -130 favorites, as they travel to take on Cleveland in the latest NBA lines available at Sports Betting Dime.
Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:00 PM ET
While both sides are injury-plagued, Atlanta opens as slight favorites. The most important question is if the Cavaliers’ Kevin Love (listed as questionable) will play tonight. The Cavaliers have struggled to generate offense without him, while Atlanta is boosted on both ends by the recent acquisition of Dewayne Dedmon.
Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic, 7:00 PM ET
Orlando are heavy favorites; Detroit has lost three straight and trading Andre Drummond signaled that the playoffs are not a priority this season.
Toronto Raptors at Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 PM ET
Marc Gasol and Norm Powell are still out for Toronto, but injuries don’t seem to have bothered them on their 15-game winning streak. Kyrie Irving’s absence for Brooklyn leaves them as underdogs against the Raptors.
Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers, 7:30 PM ET
Milwaukee is still marginally favored despite Giannis, Kyle Korver, and George Hill sitting out the game against the Pacers, who have lost 6 straight.
Washington Wizards at New York Knicks, 7:30 PM ET
The Wizards are underdogs despite their superior position in the standings; they are on the second game of a back to back while the Knicks have won 4 of their last 5 games.
Portland Trailblazers at Memphis Grizzlies, 8:00 PM ET
Memphis is the favorite in the matchup between contenders for the West’s last playoff spot. Memphis is 7-3 in the last 10 games and has had two full days since their last game. Portland is on the second night of a back to back and Damian Lillard may be finally cooling off after his historic scoring stretch.
Charlotte Hornets at Minnesota Timberwolves, 8:00 PM ET
The Hornets are heavy underdogs as their team has lost valuable rotation minutes from Marvin Williams and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who reached buyout agreements with Charlotte. Minnesota is energized with the addition of D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley to add scoring punch to their backcourt.
Sacramento Kings at Dallas Mavericks, 8:30 PM ET
Luka Doncic is expected to return for Dallas, who have also supplemented their big man rotation with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Willey Cauley-Stein after losing Dwight Powell to injury. The underdog Kings have no true centers, having traded Dewayne Dedmon while Alex Len and the effective Richaun Holmes are out with injury.
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns, 9:00 PM ET
The two struggling teams both have serious holes at center; the Warriors traded away Willey Cauley-Stein and Kevon Looney is out with a hip problem. Golden State will be looking to see if Andrew Wiggins be a reliable offensive creator. Phoenix is missing DeAndre Ayton, Aron Baynes, Dario Saric, and Frank Kaminsky but are still 7-½ point favorites.
Miami Heat at Utah Jazz, 9:00 PM ET
Utah, on a 3-game winning streak, is favored despite Mike Conley being questionable due to illness. Miami is missing sharpshooting rookie Tyler Herro but is strengthened by the recent acquisition of Andre Igoudala.
LA Lakers at Denver Nuggets, 10:00 PM ET
Anthony Davis listed as probable for the Lakers, who are slight favorites. Denver has won 4 straight but is missing Will Barton, Mason Plumlee, and Michael Porter Jr.
