One of the most impressive starts in the NBA this season has come in Cleveland, where coach J.B. Bickerstaff has sold the concept of a team-first culture to his team, and the Cavaliers have ridden it to an 8-2 start. This started last year, when he started the tradition of the junkyard dog award, given to the hungriest and scrappiest player after each win. The prize comes with a huge golden chain that looks distinctive at post-game press conferences and on social media. Players who pull down big rebounds, take key charges and dive after balls have the best shot at the award. Donovan Mitchell arrived from Utah in the off-season with a team-first reputation of his own, and his offense has galvanized the team. The team ranks second in the NBA in defense, making it difficult to stop on either end. Can the Cavs turn this great start into a deep playoff run? Don’t miss our top NBA betting matchups for Week 4.
NBA News: Top Betting Games for Week 4
→ Wednesday, November 9
Phoenix Suns (-2.5) at Minnesota Timberwolves (O/U 225.5)
(8:00 pm ET)
The Suns just wrapped up a 5-1 homestand, but their first game on the road was a 100-88 setback in Philadelphia. Joel Embiid returned from a three-game absence (flu) with 33 points and 10 boards, and Georges Niang went 7 for 10 from behind the arc, posting 21 points. Tobias Harris (21) and Tyrese Maxey (11) also hit double figures in the win. Devin Booker led the Suns with 28 points, although he had to work for each point thanks to a monster defensive night from De’Anthony Melton, who finished +12 while on the floor, limiting Booker to a -9 rating. Mikal Bridges chipped in 15 points for the Suns, and DeAndre Ayton and Cameron Payne put up 14 points apiece.
Minnesota lost in Phoenix back on November 1, 116-107, and has dropped two of three at home since, most recently losing to New York, 120-107. Julius Randle led the Knicks with 31 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Brunson added 23 points, and R.J. Barrett added 22. The Timberwolves found themselves down by 24 at the half and simply could not come all the way back. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Anthony Edwards (16), DeAngelo Russell (14) and Naz Reid (11) also made it into double figures. Without better defense, though, the Timberwolves will not win this game, even at home. Suns to win and cover.
Cleveland Cavaliers (-5.5) at Sacramento Kings (O/U 226.5)
(10:00 pm ET)
The Cavaliers won the first two games of their road trip, beating the Pistons and Lakers by a combined 28 points, but they lost to the Clippers, 119-117, on Monday, allowing a 13-point lead to vanish in the last five minutes of regulation. The Cavaliers had not lost since their season opener in Toronto, but they clanked seven straight shots and turned the ball over three times during the crucial last five minutes of the game. Evan Mobley finally ended the Cavs’ scouring drought with 29 seconds remaining, but Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson each hit a pair of free throws to put the Cavs back ahead.
The Kings return home after a 2-2 road trip that saw wins over Charlotte and Orlando and losses to Miami and Golden State. The loss to the Warriors came on Monday night as Stephen Curry nailed seven three-pointers en route to a season-best 47 points. The Kings led by nine going into the fourth quarter, and De’Aaron Fox led the team with 28 points and six assists. Kevin Huerter took a three-pointer for the Kings on the last possession and missed, taking contact that the NBA would later admit was a foul that the officials did not call. I see the Cavaliers bouncing back after a tough fourth quarter and finishing this game. Cavaliers to win and cover.
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