Be sure check the injury reports and any new information as these picks are subject to change!
New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls
This is the second of the back-to-back matchups between these two teams with the Bulls coming out ahead 110-102. The Bulls covered the spread of -4.0 late in the 4th quarter thanks to two late daggers in the final minute. The game was certainly close all the way through.
Markkanen was the hero for the Bulls dropping 30 points and chipping in 5 rebounds and 2 assists going 11 for 18 from the floor. Those 30 points was well above his average of 20.5 PPG. Randle had a tough time stopping Markkanen despite having another decent outing himself behind his 23 points, 7 assists, and 11 rebounds which resembles his season averages.
Rookie Quickley also had another decent game, emerging as a dark horse scorer for the Knicks. He dropped 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists through 30 minutes of play. His stats show he is giving it his all and has bought into this team.
The Knick’s injury report shows Rivers and Noel as a game-time decision for the Knicks. The Bulls will be without Carter and possibly Porter as he is a game-time decision.
The Knicks spread drops from +4.0 to +3.0. The Bulls have a tough to be winning back to back games which means this game will be close. The Bulls might win again but the Knicks should cover.
Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder
The Rockets and Thunder will also be playing their second game of a back to back series which saw the Rockets dominate the first matchup 136-106.
The spread of the first matchup was set at -4.5 and has been upped to -6.5 for the second matchup after the 30 point victory. The Thunder were powerless to stop the surging Rockets offense and defense that has them on a six-game winning streak that will more than likely extend to seven after this game.
Seven players scored in double digits with Eric Gordon leading the charge behind his 25 points going 8 for 12 in field goal percentage and 5 for 9 from deep off the bench. Wood also saw a terrific performance behind his double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Wall also contributed 18 points against the Thunder last matchup.
The Houston defense was able to prevent the Thunder players from going off for more than 20 points. Gilgeous-Alexander had the best night for the Thunder dropping 19 points. Unfortunately for the Thunder, he is listed as out for this game which means several players will have to step up on scoring if they want to stand a chance.
The Rockets are one of the hottest teams in the league right now and the Thunder are trending down as more teams figure out their play. The Rockets may not win by 30 again, but should still cover the -6.5, even with John Wall listed as out.
Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks
The Pacers will be playing back to back road games after defeating the Grizzlies 134-116 last night. The Pacers have improved to 12-9 and are now 5-5 in their last 10 games. They will be healthy with the only people listed as out are LeVert and Warren which was expected.
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Their entire team was firing on all cylinders which should translate into the next game. They had three players go for more than 20 points with Sabonis dropping 32 points while grabbing 13 rebounds with 7 assists. Turner also went for a double-double last night on 22 points and 11 rebounds. Brogdon scored 23 points with 7 assists.
This Pacers vs Bucks matchup will be a statement game. Two Eastern Conference powerhouses will be vying for control with nearly identical records. The Bucks will be fully healthy and will look to control the pace of the game by getting Giannis to the free-throw line and dominating his matchup with Sabonis. The key to a Pacers win is this matchup.
The Bucks are not the same team from last year. They seemed invincible in the regular season last year but are now vulnerable this year with a record of 12-8 and are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
The Pacers are the massive +8.5 underdog on the road. If the Bucks can get Giannis and Middleton on the same page, they can cover this spread. However, I believe the Pacers to be too hot right now and the energy from last night will carry over to this game allowing them to cover the +8.5.
Knicks +3.0
Rockets -6.5
Pacers +8.5
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