New Orleans Pelicans versus Philadelphia 76ers
Both teams are eighth in their respective conferences and are relatively evenly matched on the oscillators. The 76ers hold a +16 to +12 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average” to “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Pelicans won the first meeting as a home favorite, but the 76ers will likely be a favorite at home this time. Given that the 76ers are tied for 9th in Team Volatility, I like Philadelphia in a game decided by six points or less.
Indiana Pacers versus Boston Celtics
The Celtics are on top in the Eastern Conference, while the Pacers look to battle to the middle of the pack in the playoff seeds. Boston holds advantages across the board with a “burning hot” to “average up” status and +26 to +18 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Boston won both meetings this season between the teams on the road. Indiana is first in Team Volatility and being an underdog against Boston makes this an easy pick. Take the Celtics in a double-digit victory.
Denver Nuggets versus Houston Rockets
Houston took the first meeting this season at home. Both teams are “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator, while the Rockets hold a +27 to +21 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and are just two games behind the Warriors for best record in the NBA. Denver is firmly in the playoff picture, but they likely don’t have enough to take down the Rockets in Houston. I see a Rocket win by six to ten points.
Charlotte Hornets versus Utah Jazz
Both teams are on the outside looking in as far as the playoff race is concerned. Both teams are “burning hot” though and are separated by just four points on the Power Ranking Indicator. Charlotte took the first meeting between the teams this season as a home favorite. This team, the Jazz as likely the favorite at home and Charlotte is second in Team Volatility, making the pick that much easier. Go with the Jazz in a closely fought game.
Minnesota Timberwolves versus Chicago Bulls
Minnesota is fourth in the Western Conference, while the Bulls are near the bottom in the Eastern Conference. Nearly team has been stellar lately. Minnesota is 5-5 over the last ten and are “ice cold up”, while Chicago has lost seven straight (entering Tuesday) and are “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Minnesota also holds the edge on the Power Ranking Indicator. Although the Bulls are at home in this first meeting of the season between the clubs, I don’t see it making a difference. I pick Minnesota, inching them closer to the Spurs in the Western Conference playoff standings.
Portland Trail Blazers versus Sacramento Kings
Sacramento is near the bottom in the Western Conference, while Portland is looking to keep hold of a playoff position. They holds a +15 to +11 advantage over the Kings on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average” to “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Kings are tied for eighth in Team Volatility and are likely to lose their second of three meetings so far this season between the teams.
P.S. Upgrade to Zcode VIP Club and Unlock All Winning Picks. Instant Access.
