Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have been in very strong form of late, winning 6 straight before a road loss in Milwaukee last time out. Lou Williams has been absolutely key during this stretch, averaging 23.7 points and 5.1 assists over his last 10. Danilo Gallinari has also been especially effective, dropping 25 and 10 in a win over Minnesota last week.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs enter this one in relatively poor form, having lost their 4th consecutive game in San Antonio last time out. Kevin Love does continue to add a solid offensive element to this side, going off for 18 points and 8 boards. Rookie Collin Sexton is also showing that he’s one for the future, adding a further 24 points of his own.
Prediction: Clippers -10
The Clippers have been excellent as favourites this season, whilst Cleveland have largely struggled on the road. They’ve also got a lot to play for here, with playoff seeding on the line. Expect another strong showing from their 2nd unit as they claim the win here.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets enter this one an impressive 48-28 after a thumping win over Denver last time out. James Harden again led the way, dropping 38 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Clint Capela also appears to be back to his best on the interior, contributing 17 points and 15 boards of his own.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings continue to surprise a lot of NBA fans this season and appear well positioned to finish with at least a .500 record. Sophomore De’Aaron Fox has been particularly impressive, averaging 17.6 points and 7.3 assists. Backcourt mate Buddy Hield has also been outstanding, averaging 20.9 points and 5.1 boards.
Prediction: Kings +10
Houston enters this one off a very emotional win over the rival Nuggets and may not be completely up for it. I think they could struggle against an energetic and rested Kings side in a close affair. Getting 10 points, I expect Sacramento to be very competitive here.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns have lost each of their last 5 games to sit 17-59. This is despite the excellent counting stats of Devin Booker, who dropped 50 points and 10 boards against Washington last time out. DeAndre Ayton also continues to emerge, adding a double-double with 2 blocks in that same game.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies enter this one in relatively mixed form, although they’ve generally been competitive of late. Jonas Valanciunas has been very strong since the trade, averaging over 20 points and 10 boards in his last 10. Even Bruno Caboclo is getting in on the act, dropping 24 points and 11 boards in a win over OKC last week.
Prediction: Grizzlies ML
With the spread currently sitting at even money, I’ve got to go with the team I trust more here. Valanciunas and Caboclo have been excellent on the interior of late, whilst Conley and Delon Wright have held down the backcourt. Against a woeful Phoenix side, expect the competitive Grizz to get the win and cover.