Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks enter this one at 22-44 after consecutive losses to the Bulls and Spurs. Young gun Trae Young has been on fire of late, averaging an impressive 27.8 points and 8.6 rebounds over his last 5. Power Forward John Collins has also been very solid on the season, averaging a shade under 20 and 10.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets got back to winning ways with consecutive home wins over the Cavs and Mavs. D’Angelo Russell continues to excel, averaging 20.5 points and 6.8 assists on the season. Spencer Dinwiddie’s return has also been very welcome for Brooklyn, the guard pouring in 28 off the bench last time out.
Prediction: Hawks +3.5
With John Collins back in the lineup for Atlanta, I believe the Hawks are somewhat undervalued here. Brooklyn hasn’t been in the best form of late and have slipped to 7th out East. Getting 3.5 points here, I expect them to at least keep this close.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves enter this one at 30-35 after an unfortunate 4 losses in their last 5. KAT has still been excellent of late, averaging 34.4 points and 12.6 boards over that stretch. Andrew Wiggins will need to offer Minnesota more going forward, the max contract man barely hitting 40% from the field.
Washington Wizards
The Wiz enter this one on a back-to-back after a hotly contested affair in Charlotte last night. Brad Beal has been their main man all year, impressively averaging over 25 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists. Trevor Ariza and Bobby Portis have also been strong secondary options, both averaging over 15 a night.
Prediction: Wizards +7
Having beaten Minnesota just recently, the Wizards are the form team in this matchup. Minnesota has been especially poor of late and I just can’t trust them laying 7 in this spot. Put a bit on the Wiz moneyline as well.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers enter this one off a disappointing home loss to the Thunder last time out. This was despite a phenomenal display from Dame Lillard, who poured in 51 points and 9 assists. Jusuf Nurkic continued his strong form on the interior, adding 13 points and 17 boards of his own.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns loom as one of the NBA’s form teams, having won 4 of their last 5 games. They comfortably disposed of the Knicks last time out, behind 41 points from main man Devin Booker. Former Wizard Kelly Oubre has also been in great form, averaging 19 points and 7 boards over his last 5.
Prediction: Blazers -12.5
Whilst Phoenix’s recent form has been impressive, I think it makes them overvalued in the market. Portland will be angry after losses to Memphis and OKC and look to put things right in this one. 12.5 is a high number, but it’s one I definitely expect them to cover.