NBA Predictions November 23: Will Golden State get back on track versus Portland?

As the NBA season approaches the one-quarter mark, teams are figuring out if they have what it takes to make a second half push. Golden State has struggled somewhat, but can they get back on track against Portland? That game and five others will be examined. Note that all information is for games played through November 19.

Houston Rockets versus Detroit Pistons

Houston is hovering around the .500 mark, but have won four straight. They are “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +25 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Detroit has won their last two and are fifth in the Eastern Conference. They are +13 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Both teams are among the most unstable in the NBA, meaning betting strictly on their favorite/underdog status is not a wise choice. The teams split the two meetings last season.  Houston has been very good on the road at 5-3 and should come away victorious, however the game could be tight. Check the spread before tip off before betting.

Cleveland Cavaliers versus Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers are the hottest team in the NBA at home. With the addition of Jimmy Butler, they have a legitimate shot at the top of the Eastern Conference. They are +27 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Cleveland has the worst record in the league and are 0-8 on the road. The teams split last season, but that was when LeBron James was wearing a Cavs jersey. The Cavs are +7 and “dead” status and really the only way they can win is if the 76ers don’t show up or go through the motions. The Cavs will eventually win a road game, but it wont be this one.

Portland TrailBlazers versus Golden State Warriors

Portland sits on top of the Western Conference at 12-5 and winners of seven of their last ten. They are the second most stable team in the league according to the Team Volatility Oscillator. They hold a +22 to +20 advantage over the Warriors on the Power Ranking Indicator, who have lost their last three. Their “ice cold down” status indicates this trend. Portland took two of three between the teams last season. Normally the Warriors would be the pick, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Portland leaves Golden State with a win. I would likely pass on a pick, but if I were to bet, I’d go with Portland by a razor thin margin.

Utah Jazz versus Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are hanging out in the number eight spot in the Western Conference and are 7-3 over their last ten.Utah is a game under .500 but a solid 6-5 on the road. The Jazz have a +21 to +8 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, while both teams are hovering in the “average” range on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Jazz dominated the Lakers last season, winning all four games. Make note that the Jazz are among the most unstable teams in the league. Because of this and the Lakers playing at home, give the edge to Los Angeles to take this one, pulling away late.

New Orleans Pelicans versus New York Knicks

New Orleans has won their last three, while the Knicks have dropped their last six and are 4-14 this season. The Pelicans hold a large +23 to +3 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The teams split the four games between them last season. The Knicks are only 2-6 at home, but the Pelicans have an equal mark on the road.  As bad as New Orleans has been away from home, the Knicks are a team in complete disarray. Go with New Orleans to win and cover the spread.

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