San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs enter this one off a very impressive win streak, winning each of their last 7 to sit 40-29. DeMar DeRozan has been in sublime recent form, averaging 23.4 points and 6.6 assists over his last 5. Aussie Patty Mills is also playing a key role off the bench, averaging 10 points and 3 assists on the season.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland also enter this one on a back-to-back after a tilt in New Orleans last night. Dame Lillard is having another strong season, averaging 26 points and 6.5 assists to bring the Blazers into top 4 contention. Running mate CJ McCollum has also been very effective, dropping 35 points against the Clippers last week.
Prediction: Spurs -2
Whilst it has gone under the radar somewhat, the Spurs are one of the NBA’s best home sides. They’re a very impressive 27-7 at home this season and tend to lift their game for premier opponents. Laying only 2 points here, I expect another home win and cover.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets enter this one at 45-22 after a Nikola Jokic game-winner got them over the line against Dallas. Paul Millsap was huge in this one, leading a sluggish offensive night with 33 points and 8 boards. Point Guard Jamal Murray continues to ball, averaging 18 points and 5 assists on the season.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers managed an impressive comeback win over OKC last time out to sit 44-25. Domantas Sabonis was huge off the bench in this one, dropping a quick-fire 26 points and 7 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic also continued his recent scoring frenzy, adding 23 points of his own.
Prediction: Over 215
The Pacers have been very tough to read of late and I think the value here is on the total. Especially at their home altitude environment, Denver will look to push the pace in transition here. Whilst their defence has been solid recently, I think they struggle to contain an offence of Denver’s quality, leading to a comfortable over.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz continue their home stretch after a very solid 20-point win over Minnesota last time out. Donovan Mitchell continued his strong recent form leading the way with 24 points and 6 assists. Gobert and Favors also continued to dominate on the interior, both registering double-doubles.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets make the trip to Utah at 36-34, winning 4 straight before losing to OKC last time out. D’Angelo Russell has had a breakout All-Star season, averaging a very solid 20.2 points and 6.8 assists. Spencer Dinwiddie also averages 17.5 points and 5 assists to create the league’s best Point Guard duo.
Prediction: Jazz -8.5
Given their strong home court advantage, it’s tough to look past Utah here. They’ll be fighting for a win to try and avoid Golden State in Round 1. 8.5 points is a fair bit to lay, but I expect a controlled display from Mitchell and Gobert in this one.