Note that team records are for games played through December 19
New York Knicks versus Detroit Pistons
The Teams are fairly evenly matched, as the Knicks head in at 16-14 while the Pistons are at 17-13. Detroit won the first meeting between the teams as a road underdog on October 21. New York holds a +25 to +20 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, although Detroit has been rapidly on the rise. The Knicks are “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator and are tied for first in Team Volatility. If the Knicks are the favorite come tip off, go with the Knicks. If not, take the Pistons to squeak out the win in a game decided late.
Washington Wizards versus Brooklyn Nets
The Wizards are 16-14 and “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator, while the Nets are struggling at 11-18 and “average down”. However in the most recent meeting, Brooklyn won as a home underdog on December 12. Not surprisingly the Wizards have a significant advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. It’s hard to envision the Nets jumping out to a 2-0 season series edge, to I take the Wizards to prevail.
Los Angeles Clippers versus Houston Rockets
With a record of 25-4, the Rockets are the top team in the NBA. On the flip side, the Clippers are 11-18. There isn’t anything that makes me believe the Clippers have a chance. Houston won two of three against the Clippers last season and are “burning hot” versus “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. They also hold a +29 to +12 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Barring a complete meltdown at home by the Rockets, they will win this one very easily.
Atlanta Hawks versus Oklahoma City Thunder
The teams split a two-game series last season, but there is little to indicate the Hawks have much of a chance in this one. They are 7-23, “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator and a pitiful +3 on the Power Ranking Indicator. While the Thunder haven’t been world beaters, they are significantly better than Atlanta, at 15-15 and +15 on the Power Ranking Indicator. This game is likely to be a sleeper, with the Thunder taking control early.
Denver Nuggets versus Portland Trail Blazers
The teams have identical 16-14 records, however Portland took the first meeting as home favorite on November 13. They are also “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator versus “average”. Denver is +18 on the Power Ranking indicator and climbing, while Portland is +22. Although the teams are close, the Trail Blazers have the edge and playing at home they will not lost this one.
Los Angeles Lakers versus Golden State Warriors
The match up heavily favors the Warriors, who have won both meetings between the two teams as road favorites this season. The Lakers are “ice cold down” and +10 on the Power Ranking Indicator. On the flip side, the Warriors are “burning hot” and +28. To make matters worse for the Lakers, they are tied for eighth in Team Volatility meaning they lose regularly as the underdog. Golden State likely will have this game won by half time.
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