Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizz have shown some signs of life lately, winning 3 of their last 5 to sit 26-40. Mike Conley was brilliant against Portland last time out, dropping an impressive 40 points to lead the team. Delon Wright continues to be a solid acquisition, adding 25 points of his own in the win.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz enter this one at 37-27 after getting revenge in New Orleans last time out. Rudy Gobert delivered another stellar display in this one, going for 22 points, 13 boards, and 4 blocks. Derrick Favors also tore things up on the interior, adding a further 25 points in a dominant win.
Prediction: Grizzlies +5.5
The Grizz have noticeably improved of late and are still somewhat undervalued in the betting market. Utah has been a middling road side this season and could struggle in a tough Memphis environment. Getting 5.5 points, I expect the Grizz to at least keep this one close.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans enter this one after a solid 3 wins in their last 4 to sit 30-37. The circus around big man Anthony Davis continues, with the All-Star having not played more than 22 minutes in any of his last 5 games. An injury to Point Guard Jrue Holiday will likely further compound the Pels’ depth issues in this one.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors make the trip to New Orleans at 46-19 after suffering consecutive defeats. Kawhi Leonard has been their star man all season, averaging an impressive 27 points and 7.4 rebounds per contest. Pascal Siakam continues to step up of late, averaging over 16 points and 7 boards of his own.
Prediction: Raptors -4.5
With a minutes limit on AD and Jrue’s injury, I don’t think the Pelicans can hang with Toronto here. Expect a motivated effort from this Raptors side after consecutive losses. Laying just 4.5 points, I’m expecting a comfortable road win and cover.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors enter this one off a disastrous 5 losses in 8, yet still find themselves atop the West. Steph Curry is still putting up very respectable numbers, averaging 25 points and 5 boards over his last 5. With the acquisition of NBL MVP, this is surely a short-term blip for Golden State en route to another title run.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets make the trip to Golden State at 43-21 after a comfortable win over the Lakers last time out. Nikola Jokic again delivered the goods, going for 12 points, 17 boards, and 8 assists. Will Barton also had himself a night, adding 23 points and 5 assists of his own.
Prediction: Warriors -6.5
As the Warriors proved in their last matchup, they are comfortably the better side. They’ll be looking to atone for a poor display against Boston against a Denver side that has been average on the road this season. Getting the champs laying 6.5 at home is rare and I expect a cover here.