My Pre-Game Predictions For Today’s Games – 2.20.21
It’s another day of NBA basketball, and we have 5 games on the schedule today. I will be giving all my pre-game predictions, and choose a winner for each game.
Golden State Warriors vs Charlotte Hornets
The Warriors defense was very poor yesterday against the Magic, as they couldn’t slow down one of the worst shooting teams. It wasn’t a pretty showing. Curry has been struggling shooting, but he should be able to score against this Hornets defense. The Warriors are likely playing small again, which might be a problem. The Warriors have to play some sort of defense in this game if they want any chance to win.
The Hornets have one of the best offenses in the league, but their 3-guard starting lineup is horrible defense. The good thing is that Devonte Graham is likely out, so that means they don’t have to use that terrible defensively lineup. They are still poor defensively, but their offense should be able to score at will against the smaller Warriors.
Final Verdict: I am taking the Hornets to win this game. The Hornets haven’t played in nearly a week, and the Warriors are on the 2nd night of a back-to-back. The Hornets might be rusty, but the Warriors are small and fatigued. This will be a shootout-type game, but I am giving the edge to the Hornets.
Miami Heat vs LA Lakers
The Heat haven’t been great this season, as something just seems off with them. The Heat have dealt with injuries and yes that has effected them, but they just have struggled to win games. Sometimes it’s the offense, and sometimes it’s the defense. Still no Dragic or Bradley, as this team has to get to get back to what they do best. Now LA is short-handed, so this should be a win. Should.
I’m not going to hold anything against LA when Schroder and AD are out. They got stomped by the Nets, and a similar result lies ahead in this Finals rematch. Lebron will have to again do a lot for this team, but he will need some help. But even then, this will be an uphill battle for the Lakers.
Final Verdict: The Heat should win this game, as they have the advantage. The Lakers are missing two excellent starters, and Heat still have their two stars. This should be a win for the Heat in the Finals rematch.
Sacramento Kings vs Chicago Bulls
The Kings offense has been dealing with injuries and it’s slowed down a lot. That leaves their 30th ranked defense very vulnerable, as they can’t score to keep up with the teams constantly torching them. Barnes and Holmes are questionable, but the Kings have to be able to play fast and score to try and mask their horrendous defense.
The Bulls played the 76ers tough yesterday, but Joel Embiid is good at the whole basketball thing. The Bulls now have a shootout with the Kings. The Bulls should be able to score at will and Zach Lavine will dominate this team after struggling yesterday. The Bulls have to slow down the Kings pace and avoid them getting out and running, as well as contesting their 3’s to try and win this game.
Final Verdict: The Kings will win this game. I think they will be able to get out and run and score, which masks their defense. Zach Lavine and company will be a problem, and this will be a shootout but one that the Kings will win.
Phoenix Suns vs Memphis Grizzlies
The Suns outscored the Pels by 29 in the 4th yesterday, led by the point-god in CP-3, who has made this formidable. The tandom of him and Booker are scary, as they lead a very well-balanced Suns team on both ends. The Suns got torched by the Pels for 36 minutes before the 4th, as they have to be consistently good on defense. Memphis’s defense has been up and down lately, but they should be able to score with the weapons that they have.
The Grizzlies played great defense yesterday, as they got back to what they do best. They have to continue to play great defense, as their defense is their identity. They offense is hot and cold, but if their defense is what it was to start the year, they can be a good team.
Final Verdict: I am going with the Suns in this game. They have won 7 of their last 8, as their offense has been on fire. They are very good on both sides of the ball, and the same cannot be said about the Grizzlies who are iffy on both ends. The Suns should win this game.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Washington Wizards
MVP candidate Damian Lillard has been keeping afloat despite all the injuries. The Blazers have won their last 6 and currently are top-4 in the West. The Blazers defense isn’t great, but their offense is good. They are without a good backup center, but the Wizards don’t have anybody good so it’s fine. The Blazers have to be better when Lillard isn’t on the floor and not let Beal and Westbrook completely takeover.
Since adding Mo Wegner to the starting lineup, the Wizards have found a new pace. They are playing with more energy and they have won their last 3 games. They like the Blazers are poor defensively and good offensively, so this should be a shootout. The Wizards need Westbrook to be aggressive and score, and hope that guys like Bertans and Hachimura can score.
Final Verdict: Portland should win this game. Portland’s offense has been red hot lately, and Damian Lillard seems unbeatable. They do struggle when Lillard is off the floor, but it’s the Wizards defense. The Wizards still struggle on that end, and their offense is good, but sometimes can slow down if their backcourt doesn’t score. This should be a good game, but I am taking the Blazers.
Game Of The Day
Blazers vs Wizards should be a very good game. No defense, all offense and some of the best guards in the league going head-to-head.
Suns vs Grizzlies will also be good, and Heat vs Lakers might be good.
What Are Your Predictions For The 5 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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