Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder enter this one at a solid 30-18 off the back of 4 straight victories. Russell Westbrook has put up great counting stats of late, averaging 23.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 11.6 assists per contest over his last 5. Paul George has arguably been OKC’s best player this season, averaging 29.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over that same stretch.
Milwaukee Bucks
The East-leading Bucks have won 6 straight games to find themselves an impressive 35-12. Giannis continued his excellent form against Charlotte last time out, pouring in 34 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Point Guard Eric Bledsoe is having a very solid season in a complementary role, averaging 20.4 points and 4.4 boards over his last 5.
Prediction: Thunder -1
Whilst the Bucks have been an ATS darling this season, I don’t think they match up all that well with OKC. Paul George is one of the few defenders who can capably contain Giannis, making it much more difficult for support players to get their points. Expect a close affair here that the Thunder ultimately take home late.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have fallen off somewhat of late and currently find themselves 22-26 on the season. Rookie Luka Doncic has still been very solid, pouring in 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists against Detroit last time out. Dennis Smith Junior has also provided some solid Point Guard minutes since his return, averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over his past 2.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors make the trip to Dallas at 36-15 off the back of consecutive road losses to Indiana and Houston. This was despite another excellent display from Kawhi Leonard, who had 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Pascal Siakam was also solid in a complementary role, dropping 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Prediction: Raptors -3.5
Off the back of consecutive road losses, I expect the Raptors to get back to winning ways. In Kawhi and Danny Green, they have excellent perimeter defenders that should be able to contain Doncic. Laying 3.5 on the road, I’m confident Toronto gets it done here.
New York Knicks
The Knicks enter this one a disappointing 10-37 after losing 16 of their last 17 games. Tim Hardaway has been one of the few bright spots for the Knicks Tape this season, averaging 19.4 points and 3.3 rebounds on the season. Emmanuel Mudiay is also playing better of late, averaging 14.7 points and 3.9 assists of his own.
Miami Heat
The Heat travel to New York at 23-24 after a road win over Cleveland last time out. Justise Winslow was very impressive in this one, pouring in 27 points and 7 rebounds to lead the way. Dwyane Wade also added 13 off the bench, whilst Hassan Whiteside and Derrick Jones Junior both had impressive double doubles.
Prediction: Knicks +5.5
Despite such a poor run of recent form, I can’t help but feel as though the Knicks are undervalued here. They’ve played very tough in recent home losses to both the Rockets and Sixers. They match up decently with the Heat and should be able to score consistently in this one. Getting 5.5 points, I expect them to at least keep it close.