Orlando finally seems to be getting a little bit healthier and I think that’ll be enough to power them past Detroit at home. Fournier, Carter-Williams, and Aminu are all key returns that allow them to put functional lineups on the floor against this anaemic Detroit side.
The Pistons are just 2-13 on the road this season and the key absences continue to pile up. Derrick Rose has been traded, Blake Griffin won’t play for the team again, rookie Killian Hayes is injured and Delon Wright is said to be doubtful here. Without their 3 top guards, generating offense will be painfully difficult.
Orlando continue to hang in there and have hovered around .500 at home this season. I expect Vuc to eat against this banged-up frontcourt, with his teammates doing just enough to get the win and cover the small 2-point line.
The Knicks have been decent at home this season, while Minnesota have struggled mightily on the road. Key injuries to Russell and Culver damage an already thin Wolves rotation and I don’t think 2.5 points is enough here.
While the Wolves are much more effective with KAT in the lineup, they’re still really struggling defensively. Guys like Randle and Barrett should get whatever they want offensively and I’m not sure Minnesota can match them.
The Minnesota bench is also one of the worst in the league, while the Knicks have a bunch of capable veterans in Gibson, D-Rose, and Burks. KAT is the best player on the floor here, but I don’t think his supporting cast is good enough to secure the win.