Washington Wizards
The Wiz have kept their faint playoff hopes alive with consecutive wins over the Magic and Kings. Bradley Beal was again the key man, leading the way with 23 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. Jabari Parker also showed some promising signs off the bench, dropping 19 points and 9 boards of his own.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets have been in dreadful form of late and appear to be in danger of missing the playoffs completely. An epic 40 points and 10 rebounds from Kemba Walker wasn’t enough to get the job done against Houston last time out. His supporting cast continues to let him down, with the second highest scorer being Frank Kaminsky at 15 points.
Prediction: Hornets +3.5
A win for the Hornets here could really put them right in the thick of the playoff mix once again. They’ve been a better team than their record indicates and Kemba has emerged as one of the league’s premier Point Guards. Against an inconsistent Wizards side, they’re strong value getting 3.5 points.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have been in some excellent form of late, winning 6 straight games to climb the West standings. DeMar DeRozan was excellent against Dallas last time out, leading the team with 33 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals. All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge continues to show his quality, adding a further 28 points and 7 boards.
New York Knicks
The Knicks appear to have given up on this season, losing 7 straight to have comfortably the worst record in the NBA. DeAndre Jordan is still providing some quality production, going for a double-double and 5 assists last time out. Emmanuel Mudiay also continues to fill it up off the bench, leading the way with 21 points.
Prediction: Spurs -12.5
The Spurs have been very consistent of late and generally put the league’s worst sides to the sword. They’re in a very competitive West playoff race and will be looking for another win here to try and avoid Golden State. Against a Knicks side already in holiday mode, I expect a comfortable home win and cover.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are another side in very strong form, winning 5 straight before a loss against Portland last time out. This was admittedly without Forward Danilo Gallinari, who has a strong case as their best player this season. Fortunately, Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams keep balling off the bench, combining for 40 points in this one.
Chicago Bulls
Things were briefly looking up for Chicago, however 5 losses in 6 has them sitting at 19-50. Otto Porter has made a noticeable difference of late, averaging over 16 points and 6 boards over his last 5 games. If Chicago can find some backcourt upgrades this off-season, they have the frontcourt talent to compete for an East playoff spot.
12 Clippers -8.5
This should be another routine home win for the Clippers. They are comfortably the better team here and have a strong advantage on the second unit. Especially against an inconsistent Bulls side, I’m comfortable laying the 8.5 points.