Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers return home for a back-to-back, having played in Atlanta last night. They’re essentially locked into the #3 seed and have been able to give Joel Embiid some valuable rest ahead of the playoff push. Young Aussie Jonah Bolden has impressed in his stead, dropping 19 points, 8 boards, and 3 blocks against Minnesota on Sunday.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks enter this one with a league best record of 58-20 after another strong win in Brooklyn last time out. Eric Bledsoe continued his strong recent form, dropping 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals. Giannis again put up great counting numbers with 28 points and 11 boards, while George Hill had an impressive 22 off the bench.
Prediction: Bucks at the Line
With some uncertainty about whether Philly will play all their starters I quite like Milwaukee in this spot. They’ve been playing hard of late and will be looking to avenge their loss in the last installment of this matchup. In what should be a relatively low line, I’ll happily take the Bucks here.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings enter this one at 38-40 after a very disappointing home loss to Houston last time out. Buddy Hield was the only one with an efficient night offensively, dropping 20 points to go along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Marvin Bagley also continues to show promise off the bench, adding 19 points and 8 boards.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs enter this one at 19-59 on the season with an even more atrocious 6-33 record away from home. Collin Sexton has been one of the few bright spots for this team, dropping 21 points and 4 boards last time out. Jordan Clarkson also continues to fill up the stat sheet, adding 20 points and 6 boards of his own.
Prediction: Kings -9.5
Whilst the season is over for both of these sides, I still expect Sacramento to keep playing hard in this one. They’ve been very good as a favourite this season, especially against the dregs like Cleveland. I expect their fast pace to wear the Cavs down here as they get another home win and cover.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lake Show enter this one 35-43 after a convincing road loss in Oklahoma City last time out. KCP has had a much bigger role offensively of late, dropping 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Alex Caruso has also shown a ton of promise on the bench of late, adding 15 points and 7 assists of his own.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors make the trip to Los Angeles at 53-24 after their third straight beatdown of the #2 seed Nuggets. Boogie Cousins led the way offensively with an impressive night that saw him total 28 points, 13 boards, and 5 assists. Steph Curry also had another solid evening, dropping 5 made 3’s en route to 17 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
Prediction: Over 227
In what is essentially a meaningless game, I expect minimal defence to be played in this one. The Lakers have been atrocious at the rim this season, which Golden State can easily exploit. I also expect a relatively fast pace in this one, which should propel this total over 227.