The NBA returned with a bang last night after the all-star break with some terrific matchups. With 10 games on the docket tonight, that looks set to continue. The 2 nationally televised games on ESPN will see the Cleveland Cavaliers being involved in an Eastern Conference clash against the Philadelphia 76ers. That will be followed by the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves hosting the Milwaukee Bucks. You can also read our NBA predictions for Friday’s action, but for now, let’s get into my NBA mega parlay.
The break may have done the Milwaukee Bucks some good. It should allow them more time to get accustomed to the ideas that Doc Rivers has. The Minnesota Timberwolves won the last matchup between the teams, but Damian Lillard missed that game. He is coming into this after a fantastic All-Star Weekend and should help make a difference here. With Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks also match up well against the hosts’ frontcourt. Their presence on the inside should also help limit Anthony Edwards on his drives to the rim. Over the last 10 games, the Bucks rank 10th in defensive rating and I expect them to keep improving on that front under Rivers. The Bucks have the star power to cause an upset on the road tonight.
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The Warriors’ offense has been clicking. Over the last 10 games, they are 3rd in the league in offensive rating. They also just dropped 128 points on the Los Angeles Lakers last night. Considering they are 4th in pace during that time too, there should be plenty of possessions for them to put together another strong offensive showing. The Charlotte Hornets should be able to do their part too. They have scored at least 110 points in 4 straight games. They have been helped by the play of Miles Bridges, who has 3 games during that stretch of 20 or more points. Grant Williams has also helped their scoring efforts, helping them rank 10th over the last 10 games in three-point percentage. With the Warriors 4th in that category, this could turn into a shootout, especially considering both teams are on the second night of a back-to-back and defensive efforts could drop off.
The Philadelphia 76ers are on a slide. They have lost 2 straight games and 7 of their last 10 games overall. With Joel Embiid due to be out for another few weeks, things are unlikely to improve any time soon. They will be taking on a Cleveland Cavaliers team that has won 8 games during that stretch and could have Donovan Mitchell coming back after missing their game last night. Over the last 10 games, the Cavaliers are also 3rd in the NBA in net offensive and defensive rating. Evan Mobley should have the size and length to really impact Tobias Harris here. Meanwhile, the presence of Jarrett Allen should make it difficult for Tyrese Maxey to finish in the paint. During that same stretch of games, the 76ers are just 26th in three-point percentage. With a crowded paint, it is hard to see the hosts being very competitive in this one.
Check out our Cavaliers vs 76ers Same Game Parlay at +454 odds
