Miami Heat
The Heat enter this one at 24-25 after a very disappointing home loss to the Bulls last time out. Shooting Guard Josh Richardson has been the key man this season, sporting averages of 17.3 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds. He has been capably supported by the interior production of Hassan Whiteside, who is averaging 12.5 points, 12.3 boards, and 2.3 blocks.
Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC enter this one at a very solid 32-18 having won each of their last 6 games. Paul George was outstanding against Orlando last time out, pouring in 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Russell Westbrook also had another convincing display, going off for 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists.
Prediction: Thunder -1.5
Although everyone is on OKC in this one, I just can’t see a reason to oppose them here. I think they are comfortably a better team and have the defence to stifle an average Miami offence. Laying just 1.5, I expect the quality of George and Westbrook to prove too much.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz enter this one at 29-23 after a brutal loss in Portland last time out. Shooting Guard Donovan Mitchell has been the key component of their recent run, averaging 29.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over his last 5. Rudy Gobert has matched him with excellent interior production, averaging 15 points, 11 boards, and 3.4 blocks over the same stretch.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks make the trip to Utah at 16-34 after a crushing loss to Sacramento last time out. Rookie Point Guard Trae Young was solid in defeat, putting up 23 points and 8 assists. Power Forward John Collins has been their best player of late, averaging 21.2 points and 7.4 boards over his last 5.
Prediction: Under 116 1st Half
Utah’s home defence has been excellent this season and I expect more of the same here. Offensively, I expect a slower-paced and more methodical style to their game. Especially with the 2.5 points of extra value compared to the full-game line, I’m confident in the under 116 here.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets enter this crucial Western matchup at 35-15 after wins in 6 of their last 7 contests. Center Nikola Jokic has continued his excellent form of late, registering 2 triple-doubles in his last 3 matches. Monte Morris did an admirable job starting last time out, putting up stats of 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Houston Rockets
Houston enter this one at 29-21 after a disappointing loss to New Orleans last time out. James Harden had his customary phenomenal night, going off for 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Chris Paul put up 10 points and 9 assists in his 26 minutes but is questionable for this one with a lower back injury.
Prediction: Rockets +4.5
With Jamal Murray out and Gary Harris questionable, I could see Denver struggling to guard Houston here. They’ve had no recent success against the Rockets and it really is a terrible matchup for them. Especially if Chris Paul plays, I love the 4.5 points in this one.