Be sure to check injuries and other relevant information as this article is written the night before and my picks may change with relevant information!
Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks
The Clippers are currently 4th in the Western Conference and are currently going through a tad of a dry spell as they are 4-6 in their last 10 games. No sweat as the Clippers are still a great team that has to contend with the likes of the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns who have emerged on the scene as equal contenders. However, there are teams built for the regular season and teams built for the playoffs and the Clippers are the latter.
That being said, the Clippers are due for a rebound game. The Mavericks are typically better on the road which allows the Clippers to steal one on the road. The Clippers boast way more talent than the Mavericks and it’s not even close. However, the Clippers will be without Beverly. Not great news because they still have a great chance to win because of their main duo of George and Leonard who are both a go which is the most important factor because if anyone can cover Doncic, it’s Leonard and George who are effective on both ends of the ball. Somethitng that young Doncic cannot do, yet. The best way to stop the Mavericks onslaught is to stop Doncic from getting a triple-double. This speaks volumes for the third-year star who is getting MVP consideration from around the league. This season, Doncic is averaging 28.1 PPG, 9.3 APG, and 8.5 RPG. Simply outstanding and we expect great things from the young Doncic and he sings praise from the future talent coming from Europe.
Speaking of Europe, Kristaps Porzingis is another fine example of the stars emerging from across the Atlantic. The Unicorn is fully healthy and other teams certainly take notice. The 7”3 big man has unlimited range which could be a factor if Serge Ibaka sits, who is listed as a game-time decision. It’s unclear if he plays, but will be major to stop the force that is the unicorn who can beat anyone offensively if given the opportunity and will be a major key in who wins this game.
The Mavericks have been hot as Doncic and KP have regained chemistry and are 7-3 in their last 10 games predating the All-Star break. The Mavericks hold the 8th seed with a record of 20-18.
The Clippers get he slight edge on the road as the favorite with a spread of -2.5. The Mavericks have not been great at home as they get a slumping Clippers squad that will look to turn their fortunes around. The play is Clippers -2.5 even though the Clippers ML is the safer play.
Miami Heat at Memphis Grizzlies
The Heat are a team that everyone expected to have a much better season than what they are currently having. The Heat have turned things around, they are currently 9-1 in the past 10 games and have surged to a winning record of 22-18 and now sit 4th in the Eastern Conference. The Heat have found the chemistry that saw them have a deep playoff run were they made the NBA Finals.
The Heat are lead by the amazing play of Bam Adebayo and natural leader Jimmy Butler. Bam has emerged on the scene as of the best centers in the league and can do it all. Bam is averaging nearly a double-double on 19.2 PPG and 9.5 RPG. Amazing numbers that will help propel the heat to another deep playoff run.
The Grizzlies on the other hand, have been slipping after a great start to the season. They will look to avoid a three-game losing streak that has caused them to go 4-6 in their last 10 games and now sit 10th in the Western Conference with a losing record of 17-19. All hope is not lost as they will try and exercise their advantage on defense and league-best assists. Dishing it to the open man will be a great advantage to the Grizzlies as they can bypass Jimmy Butler.
The Heat are certainly hot and get the advantage on the road as the -2.0 favorite. The Heat can easily cover the spread but the Grizzles will be hungry to reclaim the 8th seed in the West. The play here is Grizzlies +2.0 as any team going 10-0 in their last 10 games is rare which is why I’m taking the home team Grizzlies at +2.0.
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