Indiana Pacers
The Pacers enter this one at 37-19 off the back of 5 consecutive victories. Bojan Bogdanovic has been excellent of late, averaging over 24 points a game during this period on 57% shooting. Myles Turner has also provided a solid interior presence of late, averaging 16.4 points and 3.6 blocks during this win streak.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets make the trip to Indiana at 27-28 after a comfortable road win in Atlanta last time out. Kemba Walker led the way with another vintage display, pouring in 37 points and 7 assists. He finally got some support from his teammates, as Jeremy Lamb dropped 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, whilst Marvin Williams added a further 27.
Prediction: Hornets +5.5
Whilst the Pacers have been in a solid run of form of late, none of those victories were against really solid opposition. This Hornets team has played very well of late and now finds itself atop its division. Getting 5.5 here, they should at least keep it close.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls enter this one a disappointing 13-43 after a loss to the Wizards last time out. Zach LaVine again led the way in this one, pouring in 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Lauri Markannen was also a very solid contributor, dropping 20 points and 11 boards to continue his solid run.
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee enter this one at 41-14 after a surprising home loss to Orlando last time out. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be the main man this season, averaging 27 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 6 assists a night. Khris Middleton also gained a well-deserved All-Star appearance with his averages of 17 points, 6 boards, and 4 assists.
Prediction: Bucks -9.5
This Bucks team rarely loses two in a row and I expect them to right their previous loss here. The sheer athleticism and versatility on this side should be way too much for a struggling Chicago to handle. Laying 9.5 points, I see this increasing closer to tip-off.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder enter this one at 36-19 after a huge road win in Houston last time out. Paul George continued his truly epic run of form, dropping 45 points to go with 11 rebounds and 3 assists. Russell Westbrook also picked up another quadruple-double, this time highlighted by 21 points.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland enter this one at a solid 33-22 after a 4th quarter collapse yesterday handed them a loss in Dallas. Dame Lillard can’t be at fault for this one, dropping an impressive 30 points and 5 assists on the afternoon. Bosnian big man Jusuf Nurkic continued his solid run of form, dropping 18 and 10 on 9/11 shooting.
Prediction: Blazers +6.5
After OKC won against Portland last time out, I expect the Blazers to look for revenge in this one. Lillard vs Westbrook is one of the more underrated rivalries in the league and should make for a tense affair here. In one that I think will go down to the wire, I’m happy to take the underdog.