The new NBA season is well underway and has already produced dazzling dunks, brilliant blocks and game winning buzzer-beaters from a blistering opening few games.
Multiple fixtures are played almost every night in America’s glamorous elite league so, in light of this quality action, Coral basketball writers have picked out some top NBA tips for the December 4 action…
Phoenix Suns @ Golden State Warriors
Sunday, December 4
Tipoff: 3:30 GMT
Oracle Arena, Oakland
Dubs and Suns to score total between 223-233
Steve Kerr and his Warriors will put their NBA record of 105 games without losing back-to-back matches on the line when welcoming Phoenix Suns.
The Oakland outfit vividly displayed their vulnerability against the Houston Rockets last time out on the hard court, losing 132-127 in a double-overtime blockbuster.
This sees the Suns looking like prime prey for the NBA finalists to bounce back against.
However, this is a Phoenix team that has surprised many with some spirited displays, led by 20-year-old Devin Booker, averaging 19.1 points per game.
Dubs have won the last six encounters between the two sides, but the most recent wasn’t easy, with Earl Watson’s men went into the final quarter ahead.
Though Erik Spoelstra, head coach of Miami, knows what it is like to win an NBA title and also miss the playoffs, it seems he has this Floridian franchise heading in the right direction after losing Dwyane Wade in the offseason.
Speaking after a tight win over Utah Jazz, he said: “I really like the group [of players] we have,” and it shows out on court.
Miami have a lot of young, talented and exciting players amongst their roster and the ninth-year head coach has been tasked with integrating them into the club’s culture.
After a slow start, Heat seem to be finding their groove and have averaged 107 points over their last four outings.
This will come as grim news for defensively porous Portland. The Oregon side rank bottom of the defensive efficiency ratings, allowing a huge 110.4 points per 100 possessions.
After consecutive losses, Dallas now possess the worst record in the NBA at 3-15 and, with Dirk Nowitzki and Seth Curry occupying the injury room, that looks set to continue.
Meanwhile, Chicago continue to intrigue basketball fans with their revitalised roster. Many doubted Fred Hoiberg’s side coming into the season with three ball dominant guards, but it seems to be working well as Bulls are sitting third in the Eastern Conference.
Jimmy Butler leads the team in scoring, averaging 25.6 points, while Wade put up 24 against former teammate Lebron James and newly crowned NBA champions Cleveland Cavaliers last time out.
Both the Lakers and Grizzlies have been hit by injuries this term, and both medical departments will be working non-stop in the run up to this clash.
Normally, without leader D’Angelo Russell Los Angeles would look likely to collect a loss, however, considering Memphis’ equally injury hit roster, the spoils are up for grabs.
James Ennis, Brandan Wright, Chandler Parsons, Vince Carter, Zach Randolph and Mike Conley will all be out of the clash.
Grizzlies beat Orlando Magic with the ‘Nasty Nine’ on show, a mixture of veterans and youth lead by Spaniard Marc Gasol, but facing youthful Lakers will be another proposition.
Charlotte will look to continue their surge against a Minnesota side languishing second bottom in the West.
After a bleak four-game losing run, Hornets have gone on to win three on the bounce playing attractive basketball, seeing their record extended to 11-8 with 7ft 2in center Roy Hibbert providing balance.
Steve Clifford’s club continues to reply on Kemba Walker but, with the guard in rip roaring form, no one can blame them.
Timberwolves, a team earmarked for title success in the near future, are badly underperforming and come into the matchup having lost seven of their last eight and could be taken apart by the energetic Hornets.
