Detroit Pistons versus Philadelphia 76ers
The Pistons are in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, while the 76ers look to edge closer to the .500 mark. The Pistons are “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator, while the 76ers are “ice cold down”. However the 76ers at +10 on the Power Ranking Indicator are trending up, while the Pistons are +15 and on the decline. The teams have split the first two meetings of the season. The key will be the status of Joel Embiid who injured his shooting hand on December 31. If he plays on Friday, I go with the 76ers, if not the Pistons get the nod.
New York Knicks versus Miami Heat
The Knicks are hovering around the .500 mark, but are just 3-12 on the road. Miami hasn’t been stellar at home, at 8-9 on the season. New York won the first meeting between the teams this season as a home favorite on November 26. Miami has a +12 to +3 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Also in their favor is the fact that the Knicks are the underdogs are are first in Team Volatility. Miami should win this one, perhaps by double-digits.
Chicago Bulls versus Dallas Mavericks
Both teams are hovering near the bottom in their respective conferences, however the Mavericks have won their last four, hence their “burning hot” status. They are 8-11 at home, while the Bulls are only 4-15 on the road. The teams are also trending in different directions on the Power Ranking Indicator. Not seeing a blowout in this one, but the Mavericks should come away with a win to continue their hot play.
Utah Jazz versus Denver Nuggets
The Jazz are just 3-7 over their last ten games and are dreadful 3-15 on the road this season. Denver hasn’t been stellar lately, losing their last two, but hold advantages on both the Power Ranking Indicator and Team Strength Oscillator. Utah has a 2-1 edge over the last three meeting between the teams. Denver is 12-4 at home and will continue their dominance at home in a relatively easy win.
Atlanta Hawks versus Portland Trail Blazers
The Hawks have the worst record in the NBA, but are a decent 4-6 over the last ten. They are “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator, +10 on the Power Ranking Indicator and tied for 10th in Team Volatility. Portland is just 8-10 at home this season and are “ice cold down”. They clearly aren’t playing their best basketball, but Atlanta is just 3-15 on the road. The Trail Blazers should win this one in a game decided by the end of the third quarter.
Charlotte Hornets versus Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles is 1-9 over their last ten games and 11-25 on the season. Not a surprise, they are “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator and 0 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Charlotte is just 3-13 on the road and 13-23 overall. Although “average” status and +15 on the Power Ranking Indicator, I have a hunch in this one. The Lakers need to win one eventually and this seems a prime time to continue the road woes for the Hornets.
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