2016-17 NBA Betting Tips – Thursday, January 12th

The 2016-17 NBA season continues this week and we have our preview and betting tips of the Thursday January 12 games, including the ESPN televised Cleveland Cavaliers vs Portland Trail Blazers.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Portland Trail Blazers (Thursday 2.30pm AEDT)

These two sides will be taking part in their second game of a back-to-back. The Trail Blazers were able to overcome a halftime deficit to race away with the match to earn their second victory against the Lakers in the space of a week while the defending champions were outclassed by the Jazz on the road.

The Cavaliers will remain on the road for this one but they aren’t a side that likes to be down for long and we can’t see them suffering back-to-back losses. The side is still without JR Smith but they were able to trade for Kyle Korver who will be their three point specialist to help spread the floor for Lebron James and Kyrie Irving. Kevin Love has returned to the court and despite the impressive play of CJ McCollum, the Cavaliers will run away with this one against one of the worst defences in the league.

TIP: Cavaliers at the line (-4.5) – $1.95 at Sportsbet

Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Clippers (Thursday 2.30pm AEDT)

The Clippers finished 2016 with a six game losing streak, however the ‘new year, new me’ seems to be working for the side as they have started the year with four straight victories. Meanwhile the Magic are heading in the other direction as they have suffered three straight losses.

The Clippers have Chris Paul back on deck and he has been putting up huge numbers. He has over 15 assists in his past two games and is always a massive contributor on both ends of the court and facilitates their offence. Blake Griffin remains on the sidelines for a couple more weeks which will give Serge Ibaka the opportunity to have a big match. However, the Magic are a hot and cold side and are lacking the depth to compete with the Clippers. Austin Rivers has been playing in career best form and will be a great back up for Paul when he needs a rest. The Clippers will remain perfect in 2017 and earn a narrow victory on home soil.

TIP: Clippers at the margin (1-10) – $1.75 at William Hill

Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves (Thursday 12pm AEDT)

James Harden is a serious MVP candidate and he didn’t waste an opportunity to put up great numbers against the Charlotte Hornets. The shooting guard, turn point guard picked up his third 40-point triple double of the season in the victory. The point guard has a lot of shooters around him which spreads the floor and he can use his skills and talent to drive to the basket for two, earn a foul or find a team mate for an open jumper. Harden also has the ability to knock down the maximum himself and he will be a handful for the Timberwolves defence.

Zach Lavine and Andrew Wiggins will be tasked with defending Harden and it could be too much for the youngsters. They are big contributors on the offensive end and being force to defend such a strong player could get them into foul trouble or just tire them out. Karl Anthony-Towns should have a huge game against the big men of Houston but it won’t be enough for them to cause an upset. The Wolves need to improve on finishing in the fourth quarter and the Rockets will show their class in the dying stages.

TIP: Rockets at the line (-4.5) – $1.95 at Sportsbet

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