My Pre-Game Predictions For Today’s Games – 2.18.21
It’s another day of NBA basketball, and today we have just 3 games on the schedule today. I will be giving all my pre-game predictions, and choose a winner.
Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks
The Raptors beat the Bucks a couple of days ago, but they are so tough to gauge as you don’t know what team you are getting. Sometimes their offense and defense are great, and other times not so much. Lowry is questionable for this game, but getting OG Anunoby back is huge for their defense against Giannis. The Bucks have to shoot 3’s, and try and run this flawed Bucks team out of the gym.
The Bucks are wasting so much potential with the best roster they have around Giannis. They misuse Giannis and use him the same way every game because it works. They don’t defend the 3-PT line, something that hurts them a lot especially in today’s NBA. This team if flawed, and is headed for an eventual demise in the postseason.
Final Verdict: If the Raptors hit 3’s, and contain Giannis and the Bucks explosive offense, they have a chance. The Bucks are so flawed, that a well coached team like Toronto should be able to win.
Brooklyn Nets vs LA Lakers
Man, I wish this team was healthier. James Harden + the bubble Nets cameback from down 24 to beat the Suns in the 4th, a great performance. Kyrie Irving is supposed to play in this game, but KD remains out. I was very exciting to see this Big 3 in action, but Kyrie and Harden are a lethal scoring duo in their own right. No AD is a big sigh of relief for the Nets, but their defense has to be ok at best for them to win this game.
With no AD, the Lakers are not the same team despite AD not playing great this season. Lebron will have to carry the load once again offensively, but he’ll need guys like Schroder and Harrell to step up. The Lakers interior defense will be tested by Irving and Harden, as Marc Gasol is very overmatched.
Final Verdict: This will be a good game, but I am picking Brooklyn. If they play with energy on defense, their offense is obviously very good even without KD. The Lakers interior defense is far worse to last year, and Lebron on his own will need some help to try and match the Nets firepower. This will be a good game, but I think Brooklyn will win.
Miami Heat vs Sacramento Kings
The Heat have been so disappointing this season, as they haven’t looked like the same team from a year ago. Injuries do play a role, but there’s no way they should have lost to Golden State yesterday with the advantage that they had down low. Anyway, the Heat should be able to score at will against the Kings 30th ranked defense. The Heat defense has been up and down this season, but they should be able to win this game.
The Kings offense has been slowing down 3-PT shooting wise, and their ugly defensive struggles are re-appearing. They have to play fast and hit 3’s, as that’s the way they hid their defense for a long time. We all know they’re going to give up points, but they just have to outgain themselves without Barnes and Holmes in this game.
Final Verdict: The Heat should win this game, but I don’t doubt that they’ll find a way to lose. The Kings are missing a lot of offense, and their defense is awful. If the Heat don’t win this game, maybe it really is over.
Game Of The Day
Nets vs Lakers will be very good. Two elite teams, one of the best defenses and one of the best offenses going head to head. Both teams are missing a star, so it should be pretty even overall.
Raptors vs Bucks is the other good game today.
What Are Your Predictions For The 3 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
Follow My Instagram To Never Miss A Post: @hoopnotions
