Top NBA Betting Games of the Week (November 6-13)
Posted by Michael Hunt on Monday,November 7, 2016 2:07, EDT in
Last year, we had an unbeaten team for the first two months of the season as the Golden State Warriors started with a record of 24-0 on the way to their NBA-record 73 regular-season wins. This year? There’s only one unbeaten team left in the Cleveland Cavaliers, the heavy favorites on NBA odds to repeat as Eastern Conference champions. Here’s a look at the top NBA betting games for the week of Nov. 7.
Top NBA Betting Games of the Week (Nov 6-13)
Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers, Tuesday
This game is nationally televised by NBA TV. The Hawks are capable of handing the Cavaliers their first loss even though Cleveland has swept Atlanta out of the playoffs the past two years. Over the weekend, Cavs star LeBron James moved into the Top 10 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. After James finished a layup on a fast break in the close win over Philadelphia, he totaled 26,947 points, one more than Hakeem Olajuwon. James is now the only player in NBA history to rank in the top 10 of career points and top 20 of career assists. Next on the career scoring list: Elvin Hayes at 27,313. The Cavaliers’ forward finished with 14 assists Saturday, giving him 6,879 for his career, second behind Chris Paul among active NBA players. James is the Cavaliers’ career scoring leader with 19,051 points. Cleveland’s 6-0 start is the best ever by any James team, which is surprising. The Hawks are off a 112-97 win over Houston. Dwight Howard had 20 points and 14 rebounds in his first game against his former Houston teammates, and Paul Millsap scored 23 points.
Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers, Wednesday
A rematch of last year’s playoffs. The Clippers were heavily favored in the first-round matchup and led 2-0, but then they would lose both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul to injuries and the Blazers won the final four games. The Clippers have just one loss entering Monday’s home game vs. Detroit, which they should win. L.A. won in Portland to open the season, 114-106. Griffin had 27 points and added 13 rebounds in what was a contentious game that had fans booing the officials after two flagrant fouls called on Portland players in the fourth quarter. Damian Lillard led the Blazers against the Clippers with 29 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out late. The Clippers defense ranks first in the NBA in points allowed per game (90.7) and defensive rating (90.7). Monitor the status of Lillard as he injured the knuckle of his left index finger during Sunday’s game, and he exited the arena with a splint on his hand. It’s not thought to be anything serious, however.
Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat, Thursday
This is a TNT game and it will be an emotional return to Miami of Dwyane Wade, the face of that franchise and winner of three NBA titles with the Heat. He shocked everyone this offseason by signing with the hometown Bulls in free agency when the Heat low-balled him. Wade played 13 seasons in Miami, scoring more than 20,000 points and getting selected to 12 All-Star teams. Wade won Finals MVP in 2006 and the league scoring title in 2009. He is the Heat’s franchise leader in games played, assists, steals, field goals and points. “As someone who understands the business, and have wants and needs, I felt this was the best decision for myself at this time,” Wade said of choosing the Bulls in free agency. “I’m also a guy who has a dream as well. And one of my dreams is always to play for my hometown team. And the time right now just came where it was perfect for me to do that.” First meeting of the season between the teams.
