My Pre-Game Predictions For Today’s Games – 2.9.21
It’s another day of NBA basketball and we have 7 games on the schedule today. I will be giving all my pre-game predictions, and choose a winner for each game.
Brooklyn Nets vs Detroit Pistons
The Nets will be a bit short-handed for the next few days as KD works his way through the league’s healthy and safety protocols. The good news is that Kyrie Irving should be back for this game, giving the Nets two of the best scorers in the league. The Nets defense is poor, but their offense is good, even without KD.
The Pistons don’t seem to get the message about playing their younger guys, so I will stop trying to push the message. The Pistons played really well against the Lakers, pushing them to double OT before eventually losing. The Pistons have talent, and they can score against this poor Nets defense. But I doubt they can handle the fire-power of the Nets.
Final Verdict: The Nets have had defensive problems against lesser teams like the Washington Wizards, and they leave the door open for teams with their poor defense. But they have two elite scorers on the floor, and that should be enough for them to win this game.
New York Knicks vs Miami Heat
The Knicks got back Derrick Rose to solidify their guard position, a move I like. Yes, Quickley might get less minutes but D-Rose is a proven veteran leader and scorer, something that the Knicks need. I don’t know if he’s playing in this game, although I highly doubt that he does. But we’ll see the new-look Knicks very soon
The Heat have to dig themselves out of a hole after starting the season very poorly. I still haven’t called the Heat total frauds, although they will have to turn things around. Putting Herro on the bench is smart, as he is a very poor defender. No Dragic or Bradley, but the Heat defense should be able to clamp down on a poor Knicks offense, and their offense should definitely be able to outgain that of the Knicks.
Final Verdict: The Heat have the better offense, and their defense is capable of being very good like it was last year. They just have to starting playing that tough Heat basketball. The Knicks aren’t a team that scores a lot, and the Heat will have to keep it that way if they want to win.
Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans
The Rockets have been sliding considerably since their win-streak as their offense has struggled without Christian Wood. Houston managed just 7 points in the 4th quarter against Charlotte, as they need more production. Eric Gordon will likely be back, but John Wall and Victor Oladipo are questionable. The Rockets will again be short-handed for this game.
Because Lonzo Ball has been shooting well, the Pelicans have been winning. We all knew how talented Zion and Ingram were, but with limited spacing New Orleans couldn’t win. Now with some spacing, they are a much better team. I would like for them to play with pace, but the #1 most important thing for them is to hit outside shots.
Final Verdict: The Rockets are likely to be missing some guys on top of Christian Wood, and the Pelicans have been finding their stride. I’ll take New Orleans, as they have been hitting their outside shots, and winning because of it.
Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs
The Warriors lost yesterday to the Spurs because of a mental mistake by Draymond Green late. But now they have a chance for revenge. The Warriors can win if Draymond Green plays his usual game, and if guys like Kelly Oubre can get going. Another key for Golden State is their 3-point shooting, as when they win they usually shoot well. The opposite goes for when they lose. They have to shoot well and give Curry scoring aide to win.
Dejounte Murray was excellent against the Warriors yesterday, just two steals away from a triple-double. The Spurs are solid on both ends, although they will have to force other Warriors than Curry to score, otherwise they will have trouble trying to guard the smaller Warriors.
Final Verdict: I think that the Warriors will win this game. The Spurs had to answer for Curry, and with Oubre scoring the Warriors are a tough team to beat. Draymond Green should just stick to what he does best, and the Warriors will be fine.
Boston Celtics vs Utah Jazz
The Celtics have been struggling, and a lot of that has to do with no Marcus Smart, who does so much for them, especially on defense. Tatum and Brown have been trying all they can to carry this team, but the reserves haven’t been playing well. Brown is again questionable, and if he’s out the Celtics desperately need Kemba Walker to score, especially against this Utah Jazz team.
The Jazz are still the hottest team in basketball. They are one of the best shooting teams in the league, as they haven’t had an off day in weeks. Even without Mike Conley, they have so many shooters. Bojan Bogdanovic has been catching fire, and that will be scary for the rest of the league if he returns to his 2019 form.
Final Verdict: I’m taking Utah here. Even without Mike Conley they are very dangerous offensively. No Marcus Smart and potentially no Jaylen Brown is huge, as the Celtics really haven’t been able to rely on Kemba Walker.
Orlando Magic vs Portland Trail Blazers
The Magic have been plagued by injuries, as they are missing Fournier and Gordon for this game. Their offense has been very poor this season, after starting out as one of the best offenses in the league. They are facing a very poor Portland defense, but Portland is very good offensively, so Orlando will have to be able to hit 3’s to try and stay pace with Portland.
Portland finished their short-handed road-trip 3-3, pretty impressive saying how banged up they’ve been. But they are about as healthy as they’ve been in a while. Damian Lillard has quietly been lighting everybody up, as he is their offense. Portland’s defense can be ok at times, but they’ve struggled for most of this season. But in a shootout, it’s hard to pick against Portland.
Final Verdict: I am going with Portland in this game. They are the much better offense, led by All-Star Damian Lillard. Yes their defense is poor and Orlando will likely make things close, but I still think Portland will win.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Sacramento Kings
The 76ers have been one of the best teams in the East, but they could be even better. Joel Embiid is an MVP candidate, as he has been feasting on everybody this season. Tobias Harris is having a career year. With all that said, if Seth Curry plays like he did to start this season and if Ben Simmons is more aggressive, this team is better. I know that’s really specific, and they’re already a great team, but I would really view them as contenders if those two things happened.
The Kings have found a recipe that works for them. Their defense has slowly been getting better, although it’s still nowhere near good. But they’ve been playing fast, and it works. De’Aaron Fox has been amazing this season, and guys like Barnes, Hield, and Holmes have also been solid. Tyrese Haliburton is looking like one of the steals in the draft, as he has been an all-around great piece for the Kings.
Final Verdict: With all that said, Philly should win. Jokic dropped 50 on the Kings, and Embiid is just as dominant down low. I definitely think that the Kings can make things competitive with their speed, but De’Aaron Fox is going to have to get by Ben Simmons, a tougher task than most would think. This will be a good game, but I’m giving the edge to the 76ers.
Game Of The Day
There are some good games today, but I think that Warriors vs Spurs (part 2), will be good. The first game was exciting and close, as both these teams are pretty evenly matched.
What Are Your Predictions For The 7 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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