Be sure to check injury reports as these picks may change close to game time with new information available!
Toronto Raptors at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwoves are the worst team in the West with a record of 7-22. They are on a two game losing streak and are 2-8 in their last 10 games. They are in full tanking mode.
The Timberwolves have been hit with injuries all season long which hasn’t helped their cause. They recently got back Anthony-Towns after losing him for a large stretch of games only for Russell to hit the injury report. Russell and Culver are out for this game. Towns has only played 9 games this season but is averaging a double-double behind his 21.8 PPG and 10.6 RPG. Solid numbers for the big man.
The Raptors are playing back to back games after defeating the Bucks last night 110-96. The Raptors took down the Bucks in back-to-back games on the road. After a slow start out of the gate, they have gotten back on track. They now sit at the 6th spot in the East and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
Lowry is listed as a game-time decision for the Raptors. He didn’t play last night against the Bucks but could play tonight. The Raptors have found their chemistry and will look to continue their streak today. The back to back schedule could have a slight impact on their 8th rating on offense. Rest might be a concern but they will need to make every game count to make up for the slow start. If Lowry sits, Van Fleet will take over as the main facilitator and has shown to be more than capable dropping 17 points and chipping in 8 assists last game against the Bucks with Lowry out.
The Raptors are the slight favorite with a spread of -2.5. I wouldn’t drop the hammer on this game as the Timberwolves took the Pacers to over time last game. However, I do believe that the Raptors are hot enough for the back to back games to be a non-issue making Raptors -2.5 the play.
Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers
The Jazz continue to go on a tear and there doesn’t appear much the opposing teams can do. These teams played each other a couple of nights ago with the Jazz winning 114-96. The Clippers did not dress Leonard or George. George has been moved from out to a game-time decision suggesting he might play as the Clippers will want to avoid back-to-back losses at home to the Jazz. Leonard is also listed as a game-time decision Watch the injury report because these two all-stars will certainly have an impact on what happens on the court.
Whether or not the Clippers can play their duo is the main factor in this game. If they can, they can easily cover the spread of +4.0. That low of a spread after a decisive victory suggests that they will play or at least one will. This game is very important when it comes to the playoffs because it could give the Jazz extra confidence when they play on the road if they meet the Clippers on the road. The Clippers will not want to give them that extra confidence boost. This is why I think the Clippers +4.0 is the play. They will get a maximum effort out of every one on the team. If both George and Leonard sit, then I would suggest taking Jazz -4.0.
ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.
