Detroit Pistons
The Pistons enter this one at a somewhat disappointing 22-29 after blowing a huge halftime lead against the Clippers last time out. Reggie Jackson continued his solid play of late, pouring in an impressive 29 points and 7 assists. Blake Griffin also had a solid game against his former side, adding 24 points and 11 rebounds.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets find themselves back atop the West at 37-15 after 8 wins in their last 10 games. Nikola Jokic messed around and dropped another triple-double, putting up 13 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists. Shooting Guard Malik Beasley has also carried the offensive load of late, averaging 22.2 points over his last 5 games.
Prediction: Over 209
With the way Jokic is playing right now, the Denver offense tends to be very consistent both home and away. A questionable Gary Harris should also allow for more breathing room for Detroit’s guards. At 209, I lean toward the over here.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards enter this one at 22-30 after a comfortable home loss to the Bucks last time out. Bradley Beal has been the main man in John Wall’s absence, averaging 24.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists so far this season. Trevor Ariza has also been very solid since his acquisition, averaging 14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
Atlanta Hawks
Despite a 17-35 record, the Hawks have been much friskier of late and enter this one after a road win in Phoenix. John Collins delivered another excellent performance, dropping an impressive 35 points and 16 rebounds. Trae Young also continued his strong recent form, adding 27 points, 8 assists, and 7 boards.
Prediction: Hawks +6.5
After a poor start to the season, I think bettors have undervalued just how good Atlanta has been lately. The Wizards tend to play down to their competition, and I expect Atlanta to at least keep this close, making 6.5 points very good value.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns enter this one at 11-43, comfortably the worst record in the NBA. This is despite the very strong recent form of Devin Booker, who is averaging 30.6 points and 5.6 assists over his last 5 games. DeAndre Ayton has continued to enjoy a stellar Rookie campaign, averaging 16.3 points and 10.6 rebounds.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets make the trip to Phoenix a solid 30-22 after a comfortable road win in Utah last time out. James Harden was again outstanding, this time pouring in 43 points, 12 rebounds, 6 steals, and 5 assists. Gerald Green also provided some valuable minutes off the bench, dropping 7 3’s en route to 25 points.
Prediction: Rockets -8
Given Phoenix’s horrendous defence, the Harden led Houston offence is a horiffic matchup for them. I expect Harden and Paul to control the pace in this one, whilst the Manimal feasts inside. Laying just 8 at this point, I expect this to increase closer to tip-off.