International Friendlies

The Cavs have returned to form, but they’ve recorded consecutive high-scoring victories. They’ve beaten the Pelicans 141-118 and the Hornets 139-132. The Knicks should have Jalen Brunson back for their annual Christmas Day game, having beaten a low-scoring Miami Heat side 132-125 in their last game at MSG.

The Spurs have won both meetings with the champions this season, but Tuesday’s 130-110 win has pushed this line a little too high. The NBA Cup clash was edged 111-109 by the Spurs, and this is set to be a more intense affair as the main event of the Christmas schedule. Victor Wembanyama should make his return to the starting lineup, improving the Spurs’ defence.

The Mavericks won a tight contest with the Denver Nuggets in their last game, so they should be able to keep things close against a Golden State side which is 14-16 against the spread this season.

These two sides have each lost their previous two, but those defeats for the Rockets came after a statement victory over the Nuggets. Houston should play spoiler in LA, with Luka Doncic a doubt for the Lakers.

The Nuggets have seen 8 of their last 10 games combine for over 240 points. Considering that they are the most efficient 3-point shooting team over that stretch of games while also allowing opponents to make 40.3% of their shots from deep, we could be set for another high scoring encounter here. One of the 2 meetings between these sides this season has already cleared this line.

The Spurs have won both meetings with the champions this season, but Tuesday’s 130-110 win has pushed this line a little too high. The NBA Cup clash was edged 111-109 by the Spurs, and this is set to be a more intense affair as the main event of the Christmas schedule. Victor Wembanyama should make his return to the starting lineup, improving the Spurs’ defence.

The Mavericks won a tight contest with the Denver Nuggets in their last game, so they should be able to keep things close against a Golden State side which is 14-16 against the spread this season.

The Nuggets have seen 8 of their last 10 games combine for over 240 points. Considering that they are the most efficient 3-point shooting team over that stretch of games while also allowing opponents to make 40.3% of their shots from deep, we could be set for another high scoring encounter here. One of the 2 meetings between these sides this season has already cleared this line.