Washington Wizards
The Wizards are all but out of the playoff mix after suffering a thumping loss to Utah last time out. A positive for Washington this season has been the superb play of Bradley Beal, who is averaging over 26 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists. Tomas Satoransky has also been very solid at Point Guard, averaging 11 points and 7 assists over his last 5.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets enter this one at 47-22 after an impressive 4-game winning streak, highlighted by a win in Boston last time out. Nikola Jokic was again the main man, dropping 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. Will Barton also chipped in nicely, adding a further 20 points and 4 boards.
Prediction: Wizards +6.5
Whilst they don’t have much to play for, the Wizards have still been very solid at home this season. Denver is a .500 type of team on the road, where Washington is one of the best teams ATS. Getting 6.5 points, I expect Beal and the Wiz to keep it close here.
Atlanta Hawks
After a strong month of February, Atlanta has slumped of late and lost their last 3 games. John Collins still remains a huge bright spot, going for 20 points and 10 boards again last time out. Rookie Trae Young has also been phenomenal of late, adding 21 points and 12 assists of his own.
Utah Jazz
Utah has been very professional of late and enter this one after a tilt in New York last night. Sophomore Donovan Mitchell has put up some very solid numbers this campaign, averaging 23.5 points, 4 boards, and 4 assists. Rudy Gobert has supported him nicely on the interior, adding 15.4 points, 13 boards, and 2.3 blocks himself.
Prediction: Under 228
Especially on a back-to-back, I expect Utah to slow the pace down in this one. Their strong interior defense should contain Collins, putting a ton of pressure on Young. At 228 points, I think this number is a tad too high.
Phoenix Suns
The unpredictable Suns enter this one 17-55 after a disappointing home loss to Chicago last time out. DeAndre Ayton really showed out in this one, dropping an impressive 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Devin Booker also continued his strong form, adding a further 25 points, 8 boards, and 7 assists.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons also enter this one off a disappointing loss, losing to Cleveland last time out, admittedly without Blake Griffin. Andre Drummond was still a beast on the interior, eclipsing 20 points and 20 boards to go along with 5 assists. Wayne Ellington has also been a solid addition for Detroit, dropping 25 points of his own.
Prediction: Suns +7
Whilst I expect Griffin back in this one, it’s tough to favour Detroit by this many points on the road. Phoenix definitely aren’t anything special at home, but Ayton and Booker give them a chance of competing here. Getting 7 points, I expect this one to be very competitive.