Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have been much more solid of late and enter this one after a home win over the Timberwolves. Trae Young continued his very strong form, dropping 36 points to go along with 10 assists and 8 rebounds. John Collins was also excellent on the interior, adding 34 points and 8 boards of his own.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls also enter this one in much better recent form, winning 3 of their last 4 to sit 17-45. Zach LaVine again led the way against Memphis last time out, dropping an impressive 30 points and 5 rebounds. Lauri Markannen also continued his strong play on the interior, adding 22 and 10 of his own.
Prediction: Hawks -3
Despite the Bulls recent run, I think the Hawks are the better team in this matchup. Young and Collins are playing at another level right now, which I expect to continue against a porous Bulls defence. Laying just 3, I think Atlanta gets the home win and cover here.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors enter this one at 45-17 after a very comfortable win over Boston last time out. Kawhi Leonard had another solid day, dropping a quick-fire 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Pascal Siakam also continued his breakout season, leading the team with 25 points and 8 rebounds.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland also enter this one in excellent form, winning each of their last 5 games to sit 38-23. Damian Lillard was outstanding last time out, dropping 33 points and 7 rebounds to overcome Boston on the road. Mo Harkless was also huge in that one, adding 17 points and 10 boards of his own.
Prediction: Raptors -5
Whilst Portland are in strong form, playing Toronto on the road is just a different beast. The Raptors have one of the better home court advantages in the league and the defensive ability to shut down Dame and CJ. Expect another Kawhi masterclass en route to a home win.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings enter this one at 31-30 after a narrow 1-point loss at home to Milwaukee last time out. This was despite another big scoring night from Buddy Hield, who dropped 32 points and 6 rebounds in this one. He was complimented nicely by Bogdan Bogdanovic, who had 28 points, 8 boards, and 8 assists of his own.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have been a middling side for most of the season and currently find themselves 34-29. Lou Williams has been the main man offensively all season, averaging a shade under 20 points and 5.5 assists. Danilo Gallinari has also picked up the slack of late, averaging 19 points and 6 boards per contest.
Prediction: Kings -2.5
This is a situational play on the Kings, who desperately need this win to remain in playoff contention. They’ve also been a very solid 19-12 at home this season, whilst the Clippers are .500 on the road. Ultimately, I think the Kings speedy backcourt does enough for the home win and cover.