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The NBA continues on Tuesday night with a healthy five-game slate; just enough NBA betting action to entice you, but not enough to beat you into submission. That’s the way we like it, and on top of it, we even have a couple of games that aren’t necessarily easy calls. Let’s break down all five matchups and see which way you may want to be leaning when you place your bets tonight:
Magic @ 76ers
The 24-30 Magic head to Philly to take on the Sixers tonight as they try to get one win closer toward a playoff spot. That’s a logical result even on the road given the fact that the Sixers are a woeful 8-47 on the year, but Orlando’s ugly 9-16 road record is still a troublesome stumbling block. Luckily Nikola Vucevic owns his former team and the Magic should be in a good spot to take the season series lead here, 2-1.
Pick: Magic 104, 76ers 99
Nets @ Blazers
Brooklyn limps into Portland with a 15-41 mark, having lost 7 of their last 10 games. Portland, meanwhile, looks like a legit Western Conference playoff contender, now two games over .500 (29-27) thanks to a five game winning streak and a 10-1 record in their last 11 games. Damian Lillard has been fantastic during that stretch and at home (where the Blazers are a strong 18-11), it’s unlikely Portland caves against an inferior opponent.
Pick: Blazers 109, Nets 101
Pelicans @ Wizards
Anthony Davis comes to D.C. for an encore as he tries to follow up his insane 59-point and 20-rebound performances with a big game against the Wiz. John Wall and co. have only been average lately (5-5 in last 10 contests), but at least play host and run at one of the fastest paces in the league. The Pellies can probably hang with them offensively, but it’s New Orleans that has been especially bad on the opposite end. We’ll give the Wiz the slight edge in what should be an exciting and high-scoring affair.
Pick: Wiz 107, Pelicans 104
Kings @ Nuggets
Speaking of exciting and high-scoring, the Kings and Nuggets face off for the second time in the past week and judging by the last game (Kings won, 116-110) we can expect a lot of points. DeMarcus Cousins could not be stopped in Sac-town last time and even on the road at the Pepsi Center, it’s rather unlikely a weak Denver interior defense will be able to stop him this time around, either.
Pick: Kings 113, Nuggets 109
Rockets @ Jazz
The Rockets have won both games against the Jazz thus far this year, but Utah played them tough at home and should do so again tonight. The Jazz come and go as their offense does, but their elite defense can give them a chance to take down anyone. A big night from James Harden could put the Rockets over .500, but due to their erratic play and non-existent defense, it’s tough to see Houston taking this road game to go up 3-0 in the season series.
Pick: Jazz 98, Rockets 96
