My Pre-Game Picks For Today’s Games – 1.29.21
It’s another day of NBA basketball and we have a busy day with 10 games on the schedule. I will be giving my predictions for all 10 games today, and predict a winner.
Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets
The Pacers have won 3 of their last 4 games, their last win coming against this Hornets team. The Hornets really couldn’t stop Brogdon or Sabonis, and I expect similar results from those two in this game. If the Pacers get some scoring from Lamb or McDermott along with some defense from DPOY front-runner Myles Turner, the Pacers are a tough team to beat.
The Hornets have looked promising this season, but they are just so inconsistent. They’ve lost 6 of their last 7 games, as their offense has been sputtering, which is remarkable giving all their talent. But they’ve really only been getting consistent production from Gordon Hayward, and other than it hasn’t been great. The Hornets are bottom-10 in offense, as they just haven’t been able to figure things out on that end.
Final Verdict: The Pacers are a very good team, and they are the superior team here. The Hornets defense wasn’t been as good lately, and their offense is so hot and cold depending on the night, as they haven’t been able to find consistent production. The Pacers should win this game.
Atlanta Hawks vs Washington Wizards
The Hawks played very well against the Nets last time out, but they lost. But it was still a great showing for a lot of their young guys. If Cam Reddish can consistently score off the bench, the Hawks will be lot better. But the bottom line for the Hawks is that Trae Young has to be aggressive, as when he’s aggressive it opens things up for everybody else.
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Final Verdict: The Hawks should win this game. The Wizards are lacking in most areas related to basketball, as they are just kind of a mess.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks
The Cavs really only seem capable of scoring when they play a poor defense like Brooklyn or Detroit for example. They’ll have a tougher time against a very good Knicks defense. They need their young backcourt of Garland and Sexton to score, and if they want to win, containing Julius Randle is key. And Drummond and Jarrett Allen are up to the task. The Cavs just have to score. Or hope that the Knicks have another patented offensive breakdown.
The Knicks have been promising, but like the Cavs they lack offensive efficiency. Their defense has been their identity this season, but without much of an offense the Knicks struggle. They need all of their scorers to score, starting with Barrett and Randle, who can’t afford to be quiet. Their bench features some guys who can score, but with guys like Immanuel Quickley, it’s very inconsistent scoring. The Knicks have to find some way to score to win games.
Final Verdict: Both teams are very good defensively, and they both struggle on offense. But the Cavs do have more shooters and guys who can score. This game will be interesting on many levels, but I do think Cleveland will win this game.
Sacramento Kings vs Toronto Raptors
The Kings looked really good against the Magic when they played fast, and I think they should continue to play fast. They have one of the fastest guys in the league in De’Aaron Fox, and they have shooters like Buddy Hield. Barnes and Holmes are solid scorers, and Bagley is an x-factor, although his defense is awful. Tyrese Haliburton coming off the bench is a blessing, as he can shoot and facilitate very well. The Kings are talented, and because their defense is god-awful, they need to play fast to try and hide those defensive woes.
The Raptors have lost their last two games, both games where they were a little short-handed. Without OG Anunoby against the Bucks they struggled defensively, but their offense has to be better. Pascal Siakam has been so disappointing this season, as he’s been severely worst compared to last season. Fred VanVleet has struggled to shoot at times, as has Kyle Lowry. If Toronto wants any chances at winning, they need their Big 3 to perform. The Kings have a poor defense, a chance for them to get back into rhythm.
Final Verdict: If the Kings play with pace, they are dangerously explosive with the young talent they posses. The Raptors have been shaky on both ends this season, but the Kings struggle defensively, a chance for the Raptors to get back on track in that area. I think that the Raptors will win this game.
Milwaukee Bucks vs New Orleans Pelicans
The Bucks have started slower than expected this season, but they’ve won their last two games as they look to get into a rhythm. Giannis has been as dominant as ever, as he’s gotten really good help from Middleton and Holiday, although Holiday deserves more touches. The Bucks bench has been very good led by Bobby Portis, as they have really made this Bucks offense most of a threat.
The Pelicans struggle with shooting and spacing. They can’t give Zion or Ingram more zoom to work with Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe on the floor, as well as Steven Adams down low. Teams don’t respect the Pelicans back-court, and it makes it easier for teams to defend Zion and Ingram. They have to either play fast or make a move. They don’t want to play fast as they are one of the slowest teams in the league, as they continue to try and fool themselves that the half-court offense will work.
Final Verdict: The Bucks have one of the best defenses in the league, and they will find it a lot easier to guard the Pelicans with their limited spacing. The Pelicans will likely struggle to score, and the Pelicans defense isn’t very good, as this should be a win for the Bucks.
LA Clippers vs Orlando Magic
The Clips beat the short-handed Heat yesterday while being short-handed themselves. Kawhi and PG are back in action for this game, which puts LA back at full strength. Both Kawhi and PG have been excellent this season, and having them back makes this team very good again.
The Magic have struggled, mainly because of their offense. They rank in the bottom-10 of the league in offense, as they just can’t shoot. They have guys who can score, but they haven’t been able to find consistency on that end since the Markelle Fultz injury. The Magic only have somewhat of a chance in this game because LA is short-handed.
Final Verdict: The Clippers are back at full strength, which is a very bad things for the Magic. The Clippers are the much better team in this game, and with the Magic’s struggling offense and Kawhi and PG on the other side, this should be an easy win for the Clippers.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Minnesota Timberwolves
The 76ers have won 4 of their last 5 games, most recently beating the defending champs with a game-winner from Tobias Harris. Joel Embiid has been battling back issues, and he is questionable. If he plays, we know what the 76ers will do against the depleted T-Wolves. If he doesn’t play, I want to see Simmons and Harris be very aggressive, especially Simmons. I hope that Seth Curry can get back to doing what he was doing pre-Covid, as if he can start shooting at a high level against, the 76ers are very dangerous.
The T-Wolves have been depleted by injuries as they have been getting dominated on both ends this season. D-Lo is again questionable in this game, as even with him on the floor I doubt it would make much of a difference. If Anthony Edwards can build off of the very good game he had against the Warriors, it’ll be one of the few bright spots in this game.
Final Verdict: Even if Embiid doesn’t play in this game, the T-Wolves are at a huge advantage. They need Ben Simmons to be aggressive getting to the rim, and hopefully Seth Curry can get some shots to fall. The 76ers should be getting a win here.
Brooklyn Nets vs OKC Thunder
The Nets Big 3 played their best game together against the Hawks, as all 3 of them were highly effective. KD is out for this game, so the scoring load goes to Irving and Harden. They need Harden to be aggressive in this game, especially with KD out. Joe Harris and the rest of the bench will also have to provide some extra scoring.
The Thunder have won their last two games, their last win coming against the Suns after trailing by 17. This OKC team is very tough, and despite their roster suggesting they aren’t very good, they are good. Led by SGA, they need an impressive offensive output to win this game, and the Nets aren’t exactly known for defense.
Final Verdict: This game will likely be close for the Nets because OKC is tough and the Nets struggle on defense. Even without KD, the Nets have two of the most talented scorers in the league. Harden and Irving will have to set the tone for the rest of the team, something I think they’re capable of doing.
Denver Nuggets vs San Antonio Spurs
The Nuggets have won their last 5 games, as they have been finding their groove after a slow start. Nikola Jokic has been playing like an MVP, and he’s been getting help, other than Jamal Murray. Michael Porter Jr. has been excellent since returning, as a bench role suits him very well. JaMychal Green and Monte Morris are also excellent off the bench. Jamal has been disappointing, but shows flashes of his bubble self. Defense has still been a problem for the Nuggets, and they face a very balanced Spurs scoring attack.
The Spurs have been able to win this season because of their balanced attack on offense, as they have so many guys who can score. Veteran former All-Stars like DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge are still reliable, as are Rudy Gay and Patty Mills off the bench. And then the Spurs young guards of Murray, Johnson, and Walker are all so good, especially Johnson who has been excellent this season. The Spurs just need to hit their 3’s, and they can pose a threat to the Nuggets.
Final Verdict:
Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz
The Mavs finally got their guys back, but they were smoked by the Jazz last time out because of rust. Maxi Kleber remains out, but they got 3 key role guys back to try and help Luka Doncic. They need some scoring from Porzingis, Hardaway, Brunson and some of the guys who have returned so they have a chance against the hottest offense in the league.
The Jazz have been shooting the ball historically well on this 10-game win streak, as they have just been shooting teams out of the gym. Donovan Mitchell missed the last game with a concussion, and he’s questionable for this game. If he doesn’t play, they need scoring from Conley and Clarkson, along with Bogdanovic. Rudy Gobert dominated last game, and he has to that again.
Final Verdict: The Jazz are the hottest team in the league, and the Mavs are still shaking off the rust as they’ve finally been able to stay healthy. The Jazz are a little short-handed, but they still have guys who have been on absolute fire. This should be a good game, but I think Utah will win.
What Are Your Pre-Game Predictions For The 10 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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