Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks enter this one at 23-45 after a solid home win over New Orleans last time out. John Collins was the star performer yet again, dropping a 23-point double-double to go along with 4 blocks. Rookie Kevin Huerter also had a smooth shooting night, pouring in 27 points and 4 made three-pointers.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizz also enter this one in very solid form, comfortably winning 4 of their last 5 contests. Mike Conley continues to be excellent, dropping 26 points and 8 boards against Orlando last time out. Avery Bradley has also proved to be a fantastic addition, averaging a shade under 17 points and 5 assists over his last 5.
Prediction: Grizzlies +1
I’ve had some success backing the Grizzlies lately and I’m planning to continue the trend here. Memphis have been very solid of late and I think they’ve got the excellent backcourt defence to contain Trae Young. If Valanciunas can outplay Collins inside, we should be looking at a road Grizz win.
Miami Heat
The Heat have won 4 of their last 5 games to sit atop the Southeast Division. Justise Winslow has significantly lifted his play of late, falling 1 assist and 1 board shot of a triple-double against Cleveland last week. Dwyane Wade has also been very reliable in his season, providing a consistent 14 each night off the bench.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons had their impressive win streak ended by Brooklyn last time out. Blake Griffin is still having a stellar season, averaging 25.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Andre Drummond has also been nice on the interior, putting up over 17 points and 15 boards a night.
Prediction: Heat -1
Whilst both of these sides are fighting for a playoff spot, I think Miami is the more desperate team here. They’ll also be looking for revenge after getting crushed by Detroit in their last matchup. Laying just 1 point, I give the edge to the home side here.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns enter this one off one of their most impressive wins in recent seasons, a road victory over Golden State. Devin Booker again stole the show, dropping an outstanding 37 points and 11 assists. Kelly Oubre and DeAndre Ayton have emerged as future contributors, combining for 40 points in this one.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz make the trip to Phoenix off a relatively disappointing loss to OKC last time out. Donovan Mitchell has lifted his form significantly of late, now averaging over 23 points, 4 boards, and 4 assists. He has been matched by Rudy Gobert on the interior, who is averaging 15 points and 13 boards of his own.
Prediction: Jazz -7
After such a huge win last time out, I wonder what type of energy Phoenix will play with here. Conversely, I expect a very motivated Utah side after consecutive losses. Expect Gobert and Favors to dominate on the inside as Utah gets the road win and cover.