My Pre-Game Predictions For Today’s Games – 2.22.21
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.
Chicago Bulls vs Houston Rockets
The Bulls have been getting better, and a lot of it has to do with the return of Wendell Carter Jr. The Bulls still have their problems defensively, but their offense has been getting better led by All-Star Zach Lavine. The Bulls have to get guys like Coby White going, as he is now their 2nd option without Markkanen on the floor. The defense has to be passable at best, and the Bulls can remain in this game.
What has happened to this team? They were winning and winning, playing great defense, who needs James Harden, right? Well after the Christian Wood injuries and a couple more, this team has lost 7 straight and are now 14th in the West. DeMarcus Cousins isn’t with the team anymore, leaving them even more weak in the frontcourt. Oladipo is doubtful, so again John Wall has to do everything. This likely won’t end well.
Final Verdict: The Bulls should win this game. The Rockets have no frontcourt with the departure of Cousins, and just John Wall hasn’t been enough and won’t be enough. The Bulls should win this game easily.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks
The Grizzlies defense has been struggling lately, and that’s why they are 4-6 in their last 10 games. Their defense is what holds them together, as they don’t have an explosive offense. Dillon Brooks is out again and JJJ is going to be out for a bit longer still. This team needs to find themselves on defense, otherwise they aren’t going to be winning.
The Mavericks have slowly been righting the ship, however they remain below 0.500. They haven’t played in over a week, so they might be a bit rusty. They have Luka, and then the rest of the guys are question marks. Kristaps Porzingis has been hit so hard by injuries, I don’t know if he’ll ever be that perennial All-Star we thought we would be. Guys like Richardson and Hardaway Jr. are very streaky, and the Mavs need them to be better. The Mavs defense has also been falling apart, as this team isn’t as good as you think it might be.
Final Verdict: The Mavs should win this game. The Grizzlies might be able to score against a poor Dallas defense, however no Dillon Brooks means Luka will have little resistance, which is a problem. The Mavs should be able to score against this sliding defense, and get a much needed win.
Miami Heat vs OKC Thunder
The Heat have been disappointing more than anything this season, but they have a chance to finish their road-trip with a winning record. After a good win against LA, this should be considerably easier. Tyler Herro is questionable, meaning the Heat need scoring from Nunn, Butler, and Adebayo in case Herro isn’t available. The Heat have the advantage in this game, it’s just a matter if they care to use it or not.
The Thunder have been pretty good this year, showing flashes of a pretty good team down the line. They have some decent pieces, and they like the Heat have a lot of fight in them. If SGA can score a lot and lead the way, they have a chance. They need their ok defense to be good as well.
Final Verdict: The Heat should win this game, as even short-handed they are better. They’ve had lapses on this road-trip before, but they need this win to finish it off on a 3-game win-streak, trying to carry momentum into the March break.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Phoenix Suns
The Portland offense went cold against Washington, and they lost their 6 game win-streak. If they want to win, they can’t afford to have two quarters worth of basically no offense. The Suns are a good defense, so Portland will have to rely on others and their bench to score. Damian Lillard will again be the center of attention, so other guys have to step up. The Suns are very good, but if Portland can limit their 3-PT shooting, they can win.
The Suns are such a balanced team, it’s very hard to beat them. Chris Paul is still very good, his passing and mid-range shooting still as good as ever. Booker and Ayton are the younger guys, both capable to doing lots of scoring. This team has shooters, a good bench, and versatile defenders. They are a complete team all things considered. One thing they have to watch out for is the Blazers shooting. I doubt Phoenix wants to get into a shootout with Portland, a very good offense.
Final Verdict: As much as I love my Blazers, the Suns should win this game. They are the much better defensive team, and they have offensive weapons. Portland can’t have offensive lapses like they did against Washington and hope that they’re bench comes through with something. But the Suns should be able to win this game.
Charlotte Hornets vs Utah Jazz
The Hornets have been playing better, because Lamelo Ball elevates their offense. Their defense on the other hand, hasn’t been great. Especially when Graham, Rozier, and Ball are all starting. Man, when those guys start other teams score at will. Graham is likely out again, and that might be good for the Hornets. In order to beat the best team in the league, they need Rozier and Hayward to score, and they have to hope that the Jazz miss some 3’s. Not the best recipe for success.
The Jazz lost to LA, but they are still 20-2 in their last 22 games. They are good, and it doesn’t seem like they will cool off from 3. They got Mike Conley back, and now they have their full arsenal of scorers. Rudy Gobert playing drop coverage might hurt them against guys like Hayward and Rozier, although the Jazz’s shooting should get them by in this game.
Final Verdict: The Jazz should win this game. The Hornets aren’t great defensively, and the Jazz will likely torch them. The Hornets can score, but I doubt the Jazz will have much of a problem in this game.
Washington Wizards vs LA Lakers
The Wizards new energy on defense has got them winning, their last 4 to be exact. When Westbrook and Beal play like they did against Portland, the Wizards are tough to stop. The Lakers aren’t exactly strong on the perimeter, so Westbrook and Beal should have no problem scoring. If the Wizards can contain the LA role players and isolate Lebron, they have a chance.
The Lakers have been hit hard with injuries to Schroder and AD, and they have been losing more. Their defense on the perimeter without Schroder is bad, and their already weak interior is basically open without AD. The Lakers will have their hands full with Beal and Westbrook and the cast of young Wizards. LA has to shoot well and hope that they’re defense comes through in this game in order to win.
Final Verdict: As crazy as this sounds, the Wizards should win this game. The Lakers defense is depleted, and they haven’t been shooting the ball well at all. The Wizards are the fastest team in the league, and they should be able to win this game.
Game Of The Day
Suns vs Blazers should be good. Two playoff teams in the West, some of the best guards in the Conference? This should be fun.
What Are Your Predictions For The 6 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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