Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves enter this one at 21-23 after a huge loss in Philadelphia last time out. Despite having one of his worst games of the season, Karl Anthony Towns is still averaging a very respectable 22 points, 12 boards, and 2 blocks per contest. Derrick Rose continues his unexpectedly strong season, averaging a shade under 19 points and 5 assists.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs make the trip to Minnesota at 26-20 after a solid win in Dallas last time out. 6 San Antonio players scored in double figures in what was very much a team display. LaMarcus Aldridge has played himself into All-Star contention of late, averaging 20.5 points and 8.5 assists on the campaign.
Prediction: Timberwolves -1
The Wolves enjoy an underrated homecourt advantage and are a strong 15-7 at Target Center this season. Conversely, the Spurs are a relatively dismal 8-14 on the road. Having lost twice in San Antonio this year, I’m backing on the revenge angle for the Wolves to take this one at home.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz have found form of late, winning 7 of their last 8 to sit 25-21. Center Rudy Gobert had another monster display in LA last time out, putting up 23 points, 22 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Donovan Mitchell also continues to carry the load offensively, adding 28 points and 6 assists of his own. A combined 42 from Crowder and Korver off the bench highlights the depth this team has.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs enter this one a brutal 9-36 after getting thumped in Portland last time out. Guards Jordan Clarkson and Rodney Hood were the 2 bright spots in this one, both scoring 20+ points. Aussie Matt Dellavedova continues to give solid backup Point Guard injuries, whilst the Tristan Thompson injury leaves Cleveland lacking inside.
Prediction: Over 214.5
The Cavs have one of the worst NBA defences in recent memory. Against a Jazz side finding their offensive form, I don’t see how they guard Mitchell and Korver. Expect a big night from Gobert inside as the Jazz rack up a big score here.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers find themselves a respectable 27-19 after a win over Cleveland last time out. Point Guard Damian Lillard led the way with an efficient 33 points and 6 assists. Jusuf Nurkic had the bare minimum for a triple-double, whilst all of the other starters scored in double figures in a convincing team win.
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans find themselves 21-24 after an epic game in Golden State last time out. Anthony Davis was beastly on the interior in the loss, putting up 30 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists. Jrue Holiday added a well-rounded stat line of 25 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, whilst Mirotic and Randle combined for an impressive 52 up front.
Prediction: Pelicans +3.5
Now that the Pelicans roster is fully healthy, I think the general public underrates how strong this team is. We saw essentially the same team annihilate Portland in a playoff sweep a mere 9 months ago. Getting 3.5 points here, I think New Orleans are very strong value.