Miami Heat
The Heat enter this one at 32-36 after a dreadful blown lead against Milwaukee last time out. This was despite a solid display from Justise Winslow, who led the way with 20 points and 5 assists. Bam Adebayo and Hassan Whiteside are also starting to form a strong Center duo, both registering double-doubles against the Bucks.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets kept their playoff hopes alive with a road win in Washington last time out. Kemba Walker was again fantastic in this one, leading the way with 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. The bench trio of Tony Parker, Jeremy Lamb, and Dwayne Bacon was also outstanding, combining for an impressive 47 points.
Prediction: Hornets +3.5
After losing to Miami at home in their last matchup, I expect Charlotte to come out looking for revenge here. This is a crucial game to determine the race for the #8 seed. Getting a solid 3.5 points, the Hornets should at least keep this close.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks maintain the league’s best record at 52-17 after that impressive aforementioned comeback over Miami. Giannis unsurprisingly led the way in that one, going off for 33 points, 16 rebounds, and 9 assists. Khris Middleton was solid in a secondary role, adding 21 points, 8 assists, and 5 boards of his own.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers also enter this one in strong form, winning 3 straight home contests since Embiid’s return. He was especially solid against Sacramento last time out, going off for 21 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Aussie Ben Simmons has also been in impressive form of late, averaging over 18 points, 7 boards, and 7 assists over his last 5.
Prediction: 76ers +6.5
With essentially a full-strength lineup for this one, I expect Philly to be very competitive here. Their starting lineup is unmatched out East and I think their strong versatility gives them a shot at the upset in this one.
Orlando Magic
The Magic kept their faint playoff hopes alive with a thumping home win over Cleveland last time out. Nikola Vucevic again led the way with an efficient double-double, dropping 19 points and 11 rebounds. DJ Augustin also continued his strong season, adding 20 points and 7 assists of his own.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks make the trip to Orlando on a back-to-back after a competitive loss in Boston last time out. Young gun John Collins continued to show his quality, dropping 20 points, 11 boards, and 6 assists in the win. He was matched by excellent rookie Trae Young, who added a quick-fire 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Prediction: Hawks +7.5
Whilst Atlanta are on a back-to-back, it’s tough to back an inconsistent Magic side laying this many points. Young and Collins are a very exciting duo and their talent should definitely keep Atlanta in this. Through the key number of 7, the value is on the Hawks to at least keep it close.