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Betting on NBA preseason games on Saturday night? There is a ton to consider, as numerous players will be out due to rest or injury. You’ll also want to factor in the home/road situations, how teams have been playing and who is on back-to-backs. Let’s break down the key points for each game tonight and see if we can’t come away with some winners:
Kings @ Pelicans
The Kings and Pelicans figure to be the main draw on Saturday night, as two superstars face off with Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins going at it. The Kings look to have a big advantage, of course, as New Orleans has been ravaged by injuries down low and at the point. Newly added point guard Nate Robinson could end up getting some run, but that doesn’t change the arrow pointing in Sac-town’s direction.
Pick: Kings 106, Pellies 101
Knicks @ Hornets
New York just played last night, so there’s a good chance Carmelo Anthony and some of their bigger names will take a break on the road in Charlotte tonight. We can probably expect rookie sensations Kristaps Porzingis to hit the floor, though, as he was held out last night with the hope of getting him back in action tonight.
#Knicks notes entering tonight’s game: Afflalo expected to play (could start), Porzingis out tonight (hoping to play vs. CHAR on SAT).
— Jonah Ballow (@jonahballow) October 16, 2015
Charlotte should still hold the upper hand overall, as Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker are both healthy and Jeremy Lin and Frank Kaminsky have impressed as solid role players.
Pick: Hornets 90, Knicks 87
Heat @ Rockets
Houston could be extremely short-handed tonight, as James Harden is dealing with a knee contusion and the likes of Dwight Howard, Corey Brewer and Clint Capela have already been ruled out.
Dwight Howard out tonight for Rockets against Heat. Also no Brewer or Capela.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) October 17, 2015
Houston is at home and could still get some quality players on the floor, but Miami will be looking stronger and deeper in this one.
Pick: Heat 96, Rockets 94
Wizards @ Bucks
Washington just played last night and should be a little tired, while they could also sit some big names. Otto Porter got a little banged up and could be out or limited, either way. Milwaukee is at home and should be fresh, so they have a good chance at getting the win. Rookie guard Rashad Vaughn has looked fantastic offensively, and he’ll look to keep building positive momentum in this one.
Pick: Bucks 101, Wiz 97
Warriors @ Lakers
Golden State figures to be a little short-handed on the road tonight, as star shooting guard Klay Thompson is away in the bahamas at a funeral. L.A. should be without Kobe Bryant, too, though, while the Lakers haven’t found a way to win yet this preseason. It’s tough to imagine they get their first win over the defending champs, even in preseason play.
Pick: Warriors 107, Lakers 102
