NBA Predictions January 25: Will Toronto keep pace in Eastern Conference?

With the NBA past the half way point, teams look to position themselves for the late season playoff push. One of the match ups we are tracking is the Toronto Raptors versus Houston Rockets. The Raptors looks to keep pace with the Bucks in the Eastern Conference. Note that all information is for games played through January 21.

Washington Wizards versus Orlando Magic

The Washington Wizards are only 5-18 on the road, but have played well overall lately,  winners of seven of their last ten games. They are +11 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Orlando is sub-.500 at home and are just 3-7 over their last ten games. They are +6 and “average” status. Washington is the more stable team, winning consistently as favorites and losing as underdogs. The teams have split the meetings so far this year. Despite the fact that the Wizards will be underdogs, will go for the upset and pick the Wizards to continue their recent upswing.

Toronto Raptors versus Houston Rockets

Toronto enters as one of the top teams in the NBA. They are 15-9 on the road and 8-2 over their last ten games. This contributes to their +27 rating on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot”  status. Houston is 17-7 at home, but just 5-5 over their last ten. They are +19 and “average down” and lost both games between the teams last season. The Raptors are one of the most stable teams in the NBA, so looking at their favorite/underdog status is wise before betting on this one. I’m going with the Raptors, even if they are a slight underdog. They will win and keep the pressure on the Bucks in the Eastern Conference.

Detroit Pistons versus Dallas Mavericks

Dallas has not been impressive overall this season and are just 3-7 over their last ten. However, they are a different team at home, winning 16 of 22 this season. Detroit has also lost seven of their last ten and are just 7-15 on the road this season. They hold a +8 to +7 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average down” versus “ice cold down” status. The teams split the two meetings last season. Both teams are among the most stable in the league and the Mavericks will be a home favorite. Therefore, bet on Dallas to win in a close game decided late.

Charlotte Hornets versus Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks have the best record in the NBA and are 21-4 at home. Winners of eight of their last ten, they are “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator and have a +28 to +16 advantage over Charlotte on the Power Ranking Indicator. The Hornets have also been very bad on the road, just 6-16 this season. Both are among the most stable in the league according to the Team Volatility Oscillator. Milwaukee will be a heavy favorite and should win going away to maintain a slim lead in the Eastern Conference.

Minnesota Timberwolves versus Utah Jazz

The Jazz currently hold the eighth seed in the Western Conference and are 8-2 over their last ten.  Minnesota is 5-5 over the same stretch and are only 6-16 on the road. They won the last meeting between the teams but are at a +23 to +11 disadvantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot down” versus “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Both teams are relatively stable and the Jazz are 13-9 at home, so will be a slight home favorite. Look for the Jazz to maintain home court and walk away with a win.

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