Toronto Raptors
The Raptors enter this one a very solid 43-16 off the back of 6 consecutive wins. Kawhi Leonard has been the undisputed man this season, averaging 27 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Kyle Lowry also managed another well-deserved All-Star appearance with his stellar averages of 14.3 points and 9.2 assists.
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio make the trip to Toronto at 33-26 after losing 4 of their last 5 matches. LaMarcus Aldridge is having another stellar season, making the All-Star game with averages of 21 points and 9 boards. DeMar DeRozan is also having a solid first season out West, averaging 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists of his own.
Prediction: Raptors -7.5
After taking a beating in San Antonio earlier this season, I think Kawhi and Co will want revenge here. They are the significantly deeper and more talented team with an excellent home court advantage. Laying 7.5 here, I fully expect a home win and cover.
Orlando Magic
Don’t look now but the Magic have won 5 straight convincing games to sit 27-32. Nikola Vucevic has been the star man this season, averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists per contest. Evan ‘Don’t Google Me’ Fournier is also providing some solid backcourt creation, averaging a shade under 15 points and 4 assists.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls find themselves a dismal 14-44 despite a strong win over Memphis last time out. Otto Porter went off for his new club, dropping a very impressive 37 points and 10 rebounds. Lauri Markannen also enjoyed a well-rounded stat line with 21 points, 10 boards, and 6 assists.
Prediction: Bulls Under 104.5 Points
With the way the Magic defence has been playing lately, I see Chicago struggling on offence here. Especially in Orlando, I’m also expecting a very slow-paced game. At 104.5 points, I can see the Bulls scoring under 100 in this one.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder enter this one at a very respectable 37-20, including a 20-7 home record. Paul George has been the main man this season, averaging 28.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Russell Westbrook is again putting up great counting stats, averaging over 21 points, 11 assists, and 11 boards per game.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz have improved from their somewhat shaky start and currently find themselves 32-25. Donovan Mitchell has been the driving force behind this run, averaging 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Rudy Gobert has been as solid as ever on the interior, averaging 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Prediction: Thunder -3.5
After losing to Utah in the 2018 playoffs, I expect OKC to come out looking for revenge here. They have the two best players on the floor here and a very solid homecourt advantage. Expect Paul George to outplay Mitchell en route to a home win and cover.