Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC enter this one at 43-31 after a disappointing stretch of 5 losses in their last 6 games. Despite dropping solid numbers of 30 points and 12 rebounds, Paul George was a relatively inefficient 10/29 from the field last time out. Russell Westbrook also struggled mightily, going just 6/20 en route to 16 points.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers got back to winning ways last time out, thumping the Nuggets at home to sit 45-29. Bojan Bogdanovic was the key man in this one, dropping 35 points and 6 boards on 13/16 from the field. Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis continue to form a two-headed monster at Center, both dropping double-doubles in this one.
Prediction: Thunder -6
Despite their recent poor form of late, I think OKC turns it around here. Paul George will be looking for revenge against his former side, especially after losing in Indiana earlier this year. Laying 6 points, I expect OKC to take this one by double digits.
Phoenix Suns
This season has been another disappointing one for Phoenix, who enter this contest at a dismal 17-58. At least Devin Booker’s stats haven’t been affected, with the star Shooting Guard dropping 59 points last time out as they were thumped in Utah. DeAndre Ayton has also been strong for a rookie Center, dropping 16 points and 10 boards a game.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards enter this one on minimal rest after playing late in Los Angeles last night. Bradley Beal has been the bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season, averaging over 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists a night. In young bigs like Thomas Bryant and Bobby Portis, they also have some future building blocks.
Prediction: Under 231.5
Both of these offences have regressed somewhat of late and both of these sides are clearly just playing out the stretch. With how reliant on their Shooting Guards they both are, neither defence should have too much trouble here. Especially with Washington on a back-to-back, expect a slower pace in this one.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz enter this one a solid 44-30 after thumping the aforementioned Suns at home last time out. Rudy Gobert feasted on the interior, dropping 27 points and 10 boards in a very efficient night. Derrick Favors also had another solid night, adding 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists of his own.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lake Show got back to winning ways against Sacramento last time out, but still sit 32-41. LeBron James was admittedly solid in this one, dropping a 29-point triple-double. After a late encounter at home to Washington last night, LeBron likely won’t be available in this one.
Prediction: Jazz -12.5
Whilst the gap in talent is huge, I still definitely expect Utah to get up for this game. They have an excellent homecourt advantage and should absolutely dominate on the interior. Expect Mitchell and Gobert to control things as they comfortably win here.