My Pre-Game Predictions For Today’s Games – 2.2.21
It’s another day of NBA basketball, and we have 6 games on the schedule today. I will be giving all my predictions for each game, and predict a winner.
Toronto Raptors vs Orlando Magic
The Raptors got a much needed win against the Magic, as they continue to stay somewhat in the playoff hunt. Pascal Siakam has been playing great recently, with back-to-back 30-point games. But Lowry and VanVleet haven’t been able to play great in that stretch, and the Raptors Big 3 really hasn’t had a game this season where they all 3 play well together. Defense is a problem down low and with OG Anunoby out, it might be a problem, but I doubt it’ll be a problem for the Raptors against the Magic.
The word Magic is somewhat related to luck. But the Magic haven’t had luck on their side this season, as they lose Aaron Gordon for 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury. Now they just have Vucevic, Ross, and Fournier to hold down the ship. The Magic offense struggled when Gordon was playing, and now it will likely get worse. This is going to be a rough stretch for the Magic.
Final Verdict: The Raptors should win this game, even without Anunoby playing. The Raptors offense has been getting better, although I’m still looking for that Big 3 collective win. The Magic haven’t had any sort of breaks this season, as they lose Aaron Gordon for a long time. This should be an easy win for the Raptors.
LA Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets
The Clippers have been quietly one of the best teams in the NBA, leading the Western Conference. Their wing tandom of PG and Kawhi have been excellent this season, as they look to put last year’s disappointments behind them. The Clippers are one of the best shooting teams in the league with a solid supporting cast, and they should have no problem scoring against the Nets. But their defense hasn’t been great, and with Beverley out again, it might be tough for them to stop the high-powered Nets offense.
The Nets are all offense no defense. Their offense is historically good, and their defense is historically bad. We all know they have talent with KD, Kyrie, and Harden. But defense will always be a problem for them. I think that LA’s defense is a little weak, and that the Nets should be able to score, especially Kyrie with no Beverley. But if their defense can’t at least hold up, it becomes very tough for them to win.
Final Verdict: This game is tough to gauge, but I’m going with the Nets. No Pat Bev is a huge sigh of relief, as he would have been a pest. The Clippers defense isn’t great, and I think the Nets should be able to score. But if their defense is really bad, they could lose.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Washington Wizards
The Blazers got destroyed by the Bucks last time out, in a game where their defense was just so bad, they couldn’t contend with the Bucks. But now here’s a better matchup. The Wizards defense is poor, as they don’t have a lot of defenders, meaning Portland can score. Now Portland’s defense is bad, but if they can somewhat contain Beal and Westbrook, they can definitely win this game.
The Wizards duo of Beal and Westbrook has finally been able to get things going, but if those two can’t score, the Wizards aren’t very good. The Wizards aren’t very good on defense and they aren’t incredibly deep. The key for Westbrook is to take smart shots. He’s been shooting the 3 pretty well recently, so maybe take a few, but make sure to attack the rim, as Enes Kanter isn’t very good defensively.
Final Verdict: The key for both teams is defense, and who can play slightly better than average. I think that Portland has more talent, but on the 2nd night of a back-to-back, they might be a little fatigued. If the Wizards want to win this game, they need another big night from Westbrook and Beal. This game will be close, but I think that Portland will win.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Indiana Pacers
The Grizzlies have won their last 7 straight, including two dominating wins against the Spurs. The Grizzlies are a very balanced team with an excellent defense. They have a lot of talent, and if they can just hit their outside shots, they are a dangerous team. Allen and Valanciunas are questionable for this game again.
The Pacers blew a late lead to the short-handed 76ers, an embarrassing way to lose. They have a lot of talent with guys like Sabonis and Brogdon, and the defensive stopper that is Myles Turner. But even with Myles Turner, the Pacers are an average defense. I think Indiana has to go back to playing swarming defense, and just get teams out of rhythm.
Final Verdict: If Valanciunas can’t play, it will be tough for Memphis to stop Sabonis down low. Now while the Grizzlies aren’t statistically a great defense, they smoked the Spurs, so the Pacers might want to watch out. This game will be good, but I’m giving the edge to the Pacers.
Detroit Pistons vs Utah Jazz
Rebuild and play the young guys.
The Jazz lost their 11-game win-streak, as they didn’t play bad, the Nuggets were better. The Jazz are still a very good team on both ends, and they haven’t faltered off with their shooting. Now I don’t know what the Jazz back-court was doing in that game, but they have to be better, especially Mitchell. I expect the Jazz to get an easy win here.
Final Verdict: The Jazz seem like they are contenders, and the Pistons are continuing their seemingly ever-lasting rebuild. That’s all you have to say.
Boston Celtics vs Golden State Warriors
The Celtics will be without Marcus Smart for a couple of weeks, which is a big blow to their defense. Tatum and Brown can only do so much, and they need help scoring wise. Talking to you Kemba Walker. Walker has been up and down since returning, but hasn’t played well with the Big 3. Walker is the 3rd best player, but they need him to score, as he doesn’t do much else great. The Celtics interior defense is poor and they aren’t very deep, but if their Big 3 can score, they are good.
The Warriors will be missing rookie center James Wiseman with a wrist injury, leaving the Warriors vulnerable down low. But with no Marcus Smart, expect Curry to have a good game offensively. If Curry plays well and the Warriors shoot well, it’s tough to beat them. Andrew Wiggins has been great defensively this season, but he and Oubre have to try and lockdown Brown and Tatum, not an easy task.
Final Verdict: Both these teams struggle on the interior, and without Marcus Smart, Curry should have no problem scoring. The Celtics need to get some bench help and get Kemba Walker going. This game will be close, but I am giving the edge to the Warriors.
Game Of The Day
There are some good games today, but I think that Celtics vs Warriors will be good. Both teams are weak down low and a little short-handed, but both teams are still good.
Some other good games include Nets vs Clippers and Grizzlies vs Pacers.
What Are Your Predictions For The 6 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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