Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder enter this one in relatively poor form, losing against Denver last time out to sit 8th in the West. This is despite some solid counting stats from Russell Westbrook, who put up 27 points, 9 boards, and 9 assists. Paul George still continues to put up numbers, also dropping 25 points and 9 boards in the loss.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs enter this one at 29-46 after a road loss in Miami last time out. Even rookie sensation Luka Doncic had an inefficient night from the field, going just 6/18 from the field. Legendary big man Dirk Nowitzki has been a bright spot of late, shooting over 44% from 3 during his last 10 games.
Prediction: Under 222
Both of these offences have been on a downward spiral of late. Besides Luka, Dallas has almost nobody who can create and should struggle against this OKC defence. Westbrook and George have been increasingly inefficient of late, which makes me strongly lean to the under here.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans enter this one at 32-45 after a rare home win last time out. Julius Randle led the way with an impressive statline of 34 points, 11 boards, and 3 assists. Even mercurial big man Christian Wood got in on the act, dropping 25 points, 9 boards, and 3 steals in his cameo off the bench.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lake Show have been in somewhat better form of late, winning 3 of their last 4 to sit 34-42. Both Kyle Kuzma and KCP topped 20 points in this one, whilst Rajon Rondo had an impressive 17 assists. News that LeBron will be out for the rest of the year should be a positive for team chemistry going forward.
Prediction: Lakers -2.5
The Pelicans have been an atrocious side to back as a favourite this season. With no Davis or Holiday, they simply lack the manpower to overwhelm even this Lakers side. LA have been playing with fun and energy of late and I think that translates to another win here.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clip Show continues to march on, a 24-point win over Cleveland yesterday their latest conquest. Rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a very nice afternoon, dropping an efficient 22 points and 8 assists. Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams continue to destroy opposing second units, combining for 41 points in the win.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies find themselves 31-45 after a comeback road win in Phoenix yesterday. Jonas Valanciunas was particularly impressive in this one, dropping an outstanding 34 points, 20 boards, and 5 assists. Mike Conley also continues to deliver, dropping 33 points and 5 assists in another impressive outing.
Prediction: Clippers -8
The Clippers have been fantastic ATS as a favourite this season, a trend I see continuing here. Especially against a Grizz side coming off an emotional win, I think they’ve got a depth and talent advantage. Laying only 8 points, they’re strong value for the home win and cover.