My Pre-Game Predictions For Today’s Games – 2.16.21
It’s another day of NBA basketball, and we have 6 games on the schedule today. I will be giving all my pre-game predictions for each game, and choose a winner.
Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics
The Nuggets haven’t been great this season, but they’ve won their last 3. The key for the Nuggets is trying to get Jamal Murray going, and for him to be aggressive. The Nuggets will definitely need him and Jokic to go bubble mode, as the Nuggets are very short-handed. No Harris, Dozier, Barton, Millsap, and Monte Morris is questionable as well. So Denver is very short-handed, missing some of their best scorers and defenders. This might be a tough game.
The Celtics have been struggling lately, as they haven’t been the same team from last year. Kemba Walker hasn’t been great since coming back from injury, as he hasn’t been that 3rd scorer that Boston needs it. Tatum and Brown have to do so much offensively, and when either of those two struggle the Celtics struggle. The Celtics need more production from their bench, and better defense.
Final Verdict: I think that Boston will win this game, simply because Denver is just so short-handed. Boston might be missing Daniel Theis, and while Tristan Thompson will be abused by Jokic, the Celtics should be able to win since Denver has to no bodies that can guard Tatum or Brown.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies
The Pelicans have lost their last 3 games thanks to very poor defense and some poor shooting. If Bledsoe and Ball can’t shoot well and space the floor as much as possible, the Pelicans struggle to score. The Pelicans defense has now slipped all the way down to the 3rd worst in the league as they can’t seem to cover anybody. This now forces them to make 3’s, something that doesn’t happen often.
The Grizzlies have somewhat comeback from their recent struggles, however I still don’t like the makeup of their team. Their offense isn’t very good despite having good players. This will not show in this game because New Orleans is very bad defensively. The Grizzlies defense went from being one of the best in the league to above average. I don’t like the makeup of this team, as they just don’t have a explosive offense.
Final Verdict: The Grizzlies will win this game despite what I said about them. The Pelicans defense is poor, and Memphis will be able to score at will. The Pelicans have to shoot very well from 3 to have a chance in this game, however I just don’t see that happening.
Portland Trail Blazers vs OKC Thunder
The Blazers have managed to stay afloat in the West, currently sitting at 6 games over 0.500 despite being banged up. Damian Lillard is a sleeper MVP candidate, as he has been carrying this team. Portland’s defense has been getting slowly better, but nothing special. But on offense they are a well oiled machine. Gary Trent Jr. and Carmelo Anthony have been catching fire, and they have streaky shooters all over the place that can catch fire. The only thing Portland has to do is not underestimate the Thunder and play some defense as to not allow the Thunder to get going.
The Thunder have been surprisingly good, no matter how injured they are. No SGA once again, but that hasn’t stopped them from winning before. Their defense is solid, although they have their hands full with a hot Portland team. The OKC offense hasn’t been great, but they torched the Blazers one time before this season, and they have to do it again to win.
Final Verdict: I think that Portland will win. Their offense has been rolling, and they should be able to score. With no SGA, they just have to not allow OKC to get going and make it a shootout. The Thunder will make this game tough, but the Blazers should be winning.
Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks
The Raptors have been cursed in close games, as they have lost so many close games because of shots that go in and out. The Raptors have looked good at times this season, but their flaws sometimes shine bright. Still no OG Anunoby largely hurts their defense against Giannis, as their interior defense will be dominated. The Raptors have to hit their 3’s, as well as hope for the best because this will be a tough game.
The Bucks have a worse record (16-11), than the Blazers (16-10), who have been missing their two best players for weeks now. The Bucks play in the East. The Bucks are currently the #2 seed in the East. They would be #6 in the West. Mike Budenholzer has to be fired.
Final Verdict: The Bucks should win, but Mike Budenholzer will just screw things up and the Bucks will lose. But Milwaukee should win.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota T-Wolves
The Lakers dodged a bullet with the AD injury, as he will miss the rest of the season until the March All-Star break at least with a calf strain and achilles injury. That means the Lakers will have to use more of those Lebron reserves. This means it is now more vital than ever for them to finish games, as to not completely exhaust Lebron before the playoffs.
The T-Wolves have been playing better with the return of KAT, but it’s not resulting in wins. The T-Wolves have talent, but they aren’t deep and they don’t have a defense. Even without AD the T-Wolves will find themselves overmatched in this game.
Final Verdict: The Lakers should win this game, but it’ll probably go to OT. Probably.
Brooklyn Nets vs Phoenix Suns
The Nets ran through the Kings yesterday, as they had no problem scoring on the Kings poor defense. I doubt a similar result with occur in this game as the Suns are kind of good. I like when the Nets start Jeff Green, although Deandre Ayton might be a problem so old Deandre Jordan will likely be starting. The Nets defense has to be able to be competent, otherwise they stand no chance in this game no matter how good their offense is led by Irving and Harden (no KD again).
The Suns have been getting back in rhythm, as they’ve won their last 6 games. The Suns defense has been very good this season, as they don’t allow teams to torch them. And when their offense is clicking, they are tough to stop. Led by CP-3 and Booker in the frontcourt, these two guys are lethal from the mid-range, and they really set the tempo. Deandre Ayton should dominate in this game, and the Suns have to get him the ball. The Suns are the deeper, and better team. They just have to play well.
Final Verdict: The Suns should win this game. Their defense is much better than that of the Kings, so the Nets will have a tougher time scoring especially with KD out. The Suns have to get Ayton going down low, and that’s about it. They are more talented and deeper, and they should win this game.
Game Of The Day
There are some good games today, but I think that Blazers vs Thunder will be good. Both teams are pretty evenly matched, and it should be a close game.
Other good games are Nets vs Suns and Raptors vs Bucks.
What Are Your Predictions For The 6 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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