My Pre-Game Predictions For Today’s Games – 2.11.21
It’s a Thursday night of NBA basketball, as we have 5 games on the schedule today. I will be giving all my pre-game predictions for each game, and choose a winner.
Miami Heat vs Houston Rockets
The Heat have won their last 3 games, as they slowly try and work their way back in the East. The Heat are still missing a couple of key pieces, but they have their two best players in Adebayo and Butler. The Heat offense has been one of the worst in the league, as they have to be able to score. Their defense has been getting better, although sometimes it’s not very good. The Rockets are short-handed, so it’s a good chance for the Heat to take advantage.
Christian Wood being out has been hard on Houston, as they have lost their last 3 games, mainly due to their poor defense. Their defense went from very good to shaky over the past few games. And with their best offensive players being in and out, they haven’t been able to score a lot. But Oladipo, Wall, and Gordon are all playing, so the Rockets can score. But DeMarcus Cousins really can’t handle Bam Adebayo, and the Rockets will have to try and play defense to win this game.
Final Verdict: I am going with the Heat in this game. The Rockets only have on big in Cousins, and Adebayo should dominate that matchup. The Heat defense has been solid, as they just have to avoid letting the Rockets get hot from 3. The Rockets will have to score a lot more than what they’ve been doing recently in order to win.
Toronto Raptors vs Boston Celtics
The Raptors torched the Wizards yesterday, as they couldn’t miss from the outside. But in this game, it might help them to be more inside oriented. The Celtics two-big lineup hasn’t worked defensively, and that’s something that the Raptors can take advantage of. No Marcus Smart means that the Raptors guards should have no problem scoring. The Raptors will have to get scoring from their Big 3 and others like Norman Powell to win.
The Celtics have been struggling, as without Marcus Smart their defense on the perimeter has struggled. Kemba Walker has forgotten how to shoot the ball, as he has been terrible recently. The Tristan Thompson move has been a bust, as just Daniel Theis on the floor has been better this season. The Celtics don’t have scorers outside of their wings in Tatum and Brown, which is why it’s vital that they get Kemba Walker going.
Final Verdict: I am going with the Raptors. Their offense has been rolling, and their defense has been their problem. But the Celtics only have 2, maybe 3 real offensive threats, and that’s if Kemba Walker decides to show up. Both teams are weak on the inside, but I think that the Raptors can win this game with how hot they’ve been on offense.
Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons
The Pacers have struggled here recently, losing 6 of their last 7 games. They’ve been scoring just 108.7 points per game over that 7 game span, which would be bottom-10 in the league. The Pacers defense has been allowed 113.4 ppg in that span, which also be bottom 10 in the league. The Pacers have to go through Brogdon and Sabonis and their defense has to be swarming and pesky, like it was to start this season. The Pacers have to get back to what they were doing to start this season.
The Pistons have been pretty bad this season, but most of their wins have come against teams above 0.500. The Pistons should prioritize playing their young guys a little more since they are rebuilding, however they still play guys like Blake Griffin heavy minutes.
Final Verdict: The Pacers should win this game. They are the better team. The Pistons did score at will against the Nets, so the Pacers have to make sure that their defense is good. Their offense should get back on track against a bottom-10 Detroit defense.
Orlando Magic vs Golden State Warriors
The Magic have just been plagued by injuries, and their offense has been so bad. Aaron Gordon remains out and key guys like Fournier and Cole Anthony are questionable. The Magic don’t have a lot of hope because they just can’t shoot and in turn they can’t score.
The Warriors had an up and down 2-2 road trip as they comeback home. The Warriors have looked good and bad this season, but they’ve been getting more consistent scoring around Curry. If Kelly Oubre shoots well, it’s very tough to stop the Warriors. Still no Wiseman or Looney leaving the Warriors small against Nikola Vucevic, but their offense should pretty easily outgain that of Orlando.
Final Verdict: Nikola Vucevic might be a problem down low, but the Warriors offense is far superior. They have better shooters and a more explosive offense that has been getting less and less Curry reliant. The Warriors should win this game handily.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Portland Trail Blazers
The 76ers have won 6 of their last 7 games, most recently a very good win against the Kings. The 76ers lost to the short-handed Blazers at home earlier this season, as they look to avenge that loss. Joel Embiid has been playing like an MVP, and Tobias Harris has been great as a #2 option. Ben Simmons needs to be aggressive offensively in addition to all he does on defense. If he and Curry can knock down shots, the 76ers are almost impossible to stop.
The Blazers have remained solid even though short-handed, but this will be a tough game. Joel Embiid will again be a problem, and don’t count on Philly missing a lot of shots. Damian Lillard will have to score a lot, and it’s tough with guys like Simmons and Thybulle on the perimeter. The other Blazer shooters will have to hit shots and make the 76ers defense pay, as the Blazers defense doesn’t stand much of a chance against Philadelphia.
Final Verdict: I think Philly will win. They don’t want to lose two games to the short-handed Blazers, and they are back at full strength. Joel Embiid will dominate, and with Ben Simmons back he will wreak havoc. If Seth Curry can find his shot, nothing Portland does on offense will likely matter.
Game Of The Day
I think that Heat vs Raptors will be a good game. Both teams are evenly matched and mostly healthy. Both feature good defense, a good defensive battle in the making down south.
What Are Your Predictions For The 5 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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