Toronto Raptors
The Raptors appear to be locked into the East’s #2 seed after a narrow loss in Charlotte last time out. Kawhi Leonard appears to be in good nick, dropping 29 points and 6 boards in that loss. Serge Ibaka also appears to be relishing his new bench role, adding a quick-fire 20 points and 12 boards of his own.
Miami Heat
The Heat enter this one at 38-41, with 3 straight losses leaving them on the outside of the East playoff race. This is despite some recent admirable performances from Dwyane Wade, who dropped 24 points and 3 assists last time out. Dion Waiters is also back to his gunning best, racking up 22 points and 0 assists against Minnesota.
Prediction: Heat +7.5
Toronto don’t really have anything to play for here and could very well rest their starters in this one. Miami, on the other hand, are fighting for their playoff lives and will be very motivated here. The Heat have been fantastic as underdogs this season and I expect them to cover this 7.5 number.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have lost 3 straight to sit 39-40, in real danger of missing the playoffs altogether. Blake Griffin is still putting this team on his back, dropping an impressive 45 points and 7 boards against OKC last time out. Detroit definitely needs more from big man Andre Drummond, who had just 4 points in that loss.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets kept their faint playoff hopes alive with a narrow win over Toronto last time out. Kemba Walker had another controlled display in this one, dropping 29 points to go with 8 assists and 6 boards. The Charlotte bench was also very impressive, with both Frank Kaminsky and Jeremy Lamb pouring in 22 points.
Prediction: Hornets +6.5
Both sides have a lot to play for here but the Hornets season is essentially on the line. Detroit have been in horrendous form of late and really shouldn’t be laying 6.5 points in this situation. Expect Charlotte to keep this close, if not win outright.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings enter this one at 39-41 after a relatively poor defeat on the road in Utah last time out. It has still been a promising season for Sacramento, with young PG De’Aaron Fox averaging over 17 points and 7 assists. Marvin Bagley has also flashed his immense potential, dropping another double-double last time out.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans season is all but over as they enter this one at 32-48 after a road loss in Phoenix last time out. Julius Randle has still been putting up big numbers on the interior, dropping 31 points and 14 boards. Former NBA Champion Ian Clark has also stepped up of late, pouring in 24 points, 4 boards, and 4 assists of his own.
Prediction: Kings -8.5
The Kings have been very solid as home favourites this season and I expect them to finish their home slate with a win. New Orleans has been atrocious on the road of late and just doesn’t have the depth to get it done here. Expect Sacramento to get to 40 wins here with a comfortable home win and cover.