NBA Betting News and Rumors: Russell Westbrook to Clippers, Kevin Love joins Miami Heat

We are in the calm before the storm in the NBA regular season. The All-Star Game is now in the rearview and players have a couple more days off before returning to action. When they do, we will commence the final push for the NBA playoffs, and you have to say that we are seeing some great battles in both conferences. The race for the top seeds is also on, although you do have to say that the Western Conference looks clearer in that regard. It is going to be a ton of fun to watch the NBA over the next couple of months, but for now, it’s time to look at the stories that are making the headlines right now. Without further ado, let’s get into the latest news and rumors that may affect your NBA betting.

Latest NBA 2023 Betting News and Rumors that can influence your Basketball Betting Odds

Westbrook to the Clippers

It’s not a bad day to be Russell Westbrook. After getting a $47 million buyout from the Utah Jazz, all signs point to the former MVP making a move to the LA Clippers. While nothing is official just yet, it seems like just a matter of time before a formal announcement is made, with Westbrook’s agent stating that the Clippers will indeed be the next destination for his client. He will hook up with former teammate Paul George in a move that could move the Clippers another step closer to being a contender this postseason.

Injury to Giannis

With the Milwaukee Bucks in a battle for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the last thing they need is an injury to their start player. The bad news is that it appears as though Giannis is dealing with a sprained wrist that he picked up in the All-Star Game. He stayed in New York after the game to have the wrist evaluated and reports suggest that he will be out until the pain subsides. There has been no timeline offered up as to when he will return, but given that lack of information, we can perhaps assume that it’s a minor sprain that will not keep him out of the lineup for any length of time.

Love and Zeller to the Heat

After being placed on waivers by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Love did not spend too much time on the outs. He quickly signed a contract with the Miami Heat and will join the team for practice on Thursday. There is a definite sense that he could well be in the lineup for a massive game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night, although how much time he will see on the court remains to be seen. The Heat also added some more depth by signing Cody Zeller, who will slot in as a bench player.

Meyers Leonard Returns to the NBA

Leaonard last set foot on an NBA court back in 2021. Since then, he has been suspended for using an ant-semitic slur on a livestream, been traded and immediately waived, while also battling back from an injury. There were many who though his time in the league was over, but the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly set to give him a shot, albeit a limited one, as they signed Leonard to a 10-day deal. Given how much time he has been away, it will be interesting to see what, if anything, he has to offer.