Cleveland Cavaliers versus Milwaukee Bucks
The Cavaliers are coming off a 51-win season and a loss in the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors. The Bucks finished sixth in the Eastern Conference last season with 42 wins. Cleveland dominated the match up between the teams last season, winning three of four, all as the favorite. Interestingly enough, the Bucks hold a +7.01 to -7.46 edge on the Team Strength Oscillator, but the Cavaliers are higher ranked in terms of the Power Ranking Indicator. I feel the Cavaliers are the better overall team and see them overtake the Bucks in a close game.
Portland Trail Blazers versus Indiana Pacers
Portland won 41 games and were the 8th seed in the Western Conference last year, while the Pacers won 42 games are were 7th in the East. Not surprisingly, the two evenly matched teams each won a game in head-to-head play last season. The Blazers come in with a small +27 to +22 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, but a more decided +8.78 to -7.1 edge in the Team Strength Oscillator. Portland has a dynamic back court, which could cause problems for Indiana. Look for Portland to take down the Pacers in this one.
Boston Celtics versus Philadelphia 76ers
The Celtics had the best record in the Eastern Conference last season with 53 wins, while the 76ers were next to last with 28 victories. The Celtics won three of four meetings last season. Huge advantages are seen in the indicators for the Celtics with a 27-point spread in Power Ranking and 18 points on the Team Strength Oscillator. The 76ers have improved and a healthy Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons make this team one to watch down the road. Expect the 76ers to be competitive at home, but they simply don’t have enough yet to pick against a tough Boston club.
Utah Jazz versus Minnesota Timberwolves
Utah won 51 games last season, versus 31 for the Timberwolves. The Jazz also won three of the four games as favorites between the teams last season. The teams are even in terms of the Power Ranking Indicator at +23, but a telling sign is the disparity in terms of Team Strength Oscillator. Utah is at “average up” status at +6.9, while the Timberwolves are “dead” at -6.15. Again, I see the road team taking down the home team, as the trend continues.
Golden State Warriors versus New Orleans Pelicans
It’s hard to pick against the defending NBA Champions in this one. The Warriors swept the season series between the teams last season. They hold a +19 to +11 advantage in terms of the Power Ranking Indicator. The advantage is more slim in teams of Team Strength Oscillator at +1.95 to -0.29. In any event, the Warriors won 67 games last season compared to 34 for the Pelicans and will find a way to win this one going away.
Los Angeles Lakers versus Phoenix Suns
The two worst teams in the Western Conference last season face off in this one. The Lakers won 26 games, while the Suns won only 24. The teams split the series each winning one as home favorite and road underdog. Phoenix is at +15 and declining on the Power Ranking Indicator and -13.04 and “average down” status on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Lakers are even worse in terms of the Power Ranking Indicator at +2. There is no concise edge to either team in this one. I have a sense the Suns will prevail at home, making the only home team getting the nod from me this week.
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