NBA Expert Tips and Best Bets | Jan 25

The NBA continues its Rivalry Week celebration with a featured contest between the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans. The Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavs also visit the reeling Philadelphia 76ers who are expected to be without Joel Embiid yet again. Read on for our best NBA tips and predictions in three different markets!

The Pels have been on a tear recently, winning five of six with a close one-point loss to defending champ Boston as their only blemish. It’s no surprise that run coincides with the return of their young star, Zion Williamson.

The Pelicans are 5-1 against the spread over that stretch. The Grizzlies, however, are also 5-1 against the spread in their last six matchups while also winning five of their last six. When you factor in New Orleans’ latest injury report, the picture becomes clearer.

New Orleans is slated to be without the aforementioned Williamson plus Brandon Ingram, Dejounte Murray, and Herb Jones. In other words, four would be starters. It all points to easy pickings for the Grizzlies who remain one of the best teams in the West.

Jarrett Allen Over Rebounds |@ Playup

Aside from Rivalry Week, the most intriguing game of the night will be the 76ers hosting the Cavs. The Sixers have experienced a disaster of a season mired in 11th place in the East with a 15-27 record. Yet they sit just three games out of the final play-in spot.

They’re desperately missing former MVP Embiid, who’s only played 13 games, and giving up 12.3 rebounds per game to opposing centers. Enter the Cavs’ Jarrett Allen, who’s averaging 10 rebounds a game this year.

In the absence of fellow big man Evan Mobley, Allen has grabbed 13 and 11 rebounds in his last two games. With Mobley already listed as out with a calf strain, look for Allen to clear the boards at a high rate again.

Tyrese Maxey Points |Betright

The brightest spot for Philadelphia has been guard Tyrese Maxey. Since Embiid last played on January 4th, Maxey has scored no less than 28 points in every match since.

Look for him to carry the load again with Paul George just getting back from injury and testing the waters still. Perhaps most impressive is how well he is shooting even at a high volume while also dishing out nearly six assists a game.

The Cavs pride themselves on defense, but they are weak when it comes to the perimeter where Maxey gets himself open often. With little else in Philadelphia’s favor, Maxey should be a shining bright spot today.