2016-17 NBA Betting Tips – Thursday, February 16th

The 2016-17 NBA season continues this week as we have our final games before the All-Star break. We take a look at the Australian ESPN televised game the Indiana Pacers vs the Cleveland Cavaliers and three other NBA matches on Thursday February 16th for our Preview and Betting Tips.

Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers (Thursday 11am AEDT)

The Cavaliers have received a big blow to their title defence as they have lost Kevin Love for the next six weeks due to knee surgery. The power forward should return to the floor in time for the postseason but it will still be a dent as he will lose his game fitness and touch. However, Lebron James steered the side to the finals two seasons ago without Love but the side doesn’t have the same depth this season.

Meanwhile the Pacers are holding onto sixth position on the ladder and have improved in the second half of the season. Paul George has been strong for the side without being excelled while Jeff Teague has begun to find his feet in Indiana. The side still struggles on the road and are 9-17 but the Pacers and George to bring their best basketball when facing the Cavaliers and James. We are predicting an upset in this one with the away side to earn the victory with Love out and James and co focused on the All-Star break.

TIP: Pacers to win at the margin (1-10) – $3.92 at Sportsbet

Charlotte Hornets at Toronto Raptors (Thursday 11.30am AEDT)

The Hornets are on a downward spiral and surprisingly find themselves out of the playoff picture. The side reached the second round of the playoffs last year but have lost their consistency in the second half of the season. Kemba Walker has dipped in form while injuries to their front court have impacted them. The side has won just one of their past 10 games.

The Raptors have a similar front court problem but they have made a trade to fix this issue. The side acquired Serge Ibaka and he could possibly play in this match. Regardless, it is a boost for the side heading into the All-Star break and DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry will be keen to finish on a high note.

TIP: Raptors to win at the margin (1-10) – $2.39 at Sportsbet

Miami Heat at Houston Rockets (Thursday 12pm AEDT)

The Heat have had the biggest surge out of every side in the league. It has come out of no where and they are back in the playoff picture. Goran Dragic has been playing at an extremely high level while Hassan Whiteside has been more impactful with his play as he chooses when and where to get involved on the offence while his defensive presence is always there.

The Rockets have fell a bit off the pace as they have had a tough schedule. James Harden has been playing brilliantly under the fast offence and he is an MVP candidate. The shooters around him frees up space and he makes the collapsing defence pay. Eric Gordon has returned to the side after a short stint on the sidelines and he has boosted the offence off the bench. We are predicting a big win in this one for the Rockets on their home court.

TIP: Rockets at the line (-9.5) – $1.95 with Sportsbet

Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Clippers (Thursday 2.30pm AEDT)

The Clippers will be looking forward to the All-Star break as it will give their point guard Chris Paul extra time to heal without any games played. They have been without him for the majority of 2017 and the side has done well to grab a three game winning streak. They are on their home court against a tough outfit and they will need Austin Rivers to maintain his current level of play in Paul’s absence.

It will be a great match up in the front court for this game with All-stars Blake Griffin up against Paul Millsap while DeAndre Jordan will face Dwight Howard. It is a mouthwatering clash for any big man and we are predicting Griffin and Jordan to get the advantage in this one. The two are more athletic while Griffin has been getting his teammates involved. They will extend their winning streak to four while the Hawks suffer a narrow loss.

TIP: Clippers to win – $1.72 at Sportsbet

NOTE: TIPS IN THIS ARTICLE ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’S OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY