Be sure to check injury reports close to game time as they picks may change with new information!
Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers
The Utah Jazz is easily the hottest team in the league right now and has the best record in the NBA. They are now on an 8 game winning streak and tout a record of 23-5. The Clippers sit in the 3rd spot in the West with a record of 21-8 and boast a 4 game winning streak going 7-3 in their last 10 games.
The first factor in this game to note is the injuries. The Utah Jazz will be without their veteran point guard Conely. The Clippers also have major injuries in this game with George and Batum out and Kawhi is a game-time decision. The Clippers are off a fresh win against the Heat missing both George and Leonard suggesting they are a deep enough team to still get wins without their all-star duo. Be sure to check the status of his injury frequently.
The Clippers and Jazz have the best offenses in the league with the Clippers ranking number one in offensive rating and the Jazz ranking number four. The Clipper’s edge on the offensive end could easily be negated if Leonard sits. The defensive edge goes to the Jazz with their second-ranked defensive rating compared to the Clipper’s 14th ranked defensive rating. The Clipper’s defensive rating has taken a hit since they routinely rest their starters to save them for the playoffs. If Kawhi plays, they will play much better defense then their rating suggests.
The key to stopping the Jazz’s 8 game winning streak is to limit Mitchell on the offensive end. Mitchell has stepped up his play tremendously this season and can be labeled a superstar behind his averages of 24.2 PPG, 5.1 APG, and 4.3 RPG. He has learned to find the open man instead of forcing a shot. Not only do they have to stop Mitchell, but they will also need to neutralize Clarkson off the bench who is averaging 18.2 PPG. Clarkson is certainly in contention for sixth man of the year and is worth a wager.
The Clippers have the ability to neutralize the defense of Gobert down low. They can do so with Ibaka and Morris. Ibaka is just as talented defensively and Morris has the capability of putting up 25+ points a game. If Morris can find open shots, the Clippers have a chance to win.
The Jazz is the heavy favorite on the road with a spread of -5.0. The Clippers may be at a slight disadvantage with George out, but they can still get a win here. The Jazz can not win forever and a spread of +5.0 seems a little high which is why I suggest taking the Clippers +5.0.
Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls
The Pistons are obviously in tanking mode after their recent moves. They just traded Rose to the Knicks and are looking to move Griffin. They have benched Griffin until they can move him leaving Grant as their only main option to score.
The Pistons are on a two-game winning streak improving their record to 8-19 going 4-6 in their last 10 games. This is the best they have played all season which isn’t saying a lot.
Grant is the only player averaging more than 15.0 PPG behind his numbers of 23.0 PPG, 3.0 APG, and 5.4 RPG. The way to stop this team is clear, limit the scoring of Grant and force the other players on the roster to beat you.
The Bulls sit right outside the playoff picture with the 9th spot in the East. They are also 4-6 in their last 10 games. Despite having a losing record, the Bulls have a decent offense. They have the 7th best field goal percentage and three point field goal percentage. The Bulls know how to work the offense to find open shots. Their offense is lead by LaVine who is having the best season in his career averaging 28.2 PPG, 5.2 APG, and 5.5 RPG. The Pistons do not have the capability of stopping him so it is likely LaVine will reach his average possibly going above it.
The Bulls are the -3.0 favorite at home. The Pistons will have a hard time keeping up with the Bulls offense. They can really only hope the Bulls come out flat to keep them in the game. The Pistons winning three games in a row is very unlikely as they haven’t done it all season which is why the Bulls -3.0 is the play.
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