Just a few weeks into the NBA regular season, games are taking on added importance during the NBA Cup tournament. All 30 teams are in action on November 2. I will make picks for four games, with the Thunder at the Cavaliers in the headlining matchup.
Oklahoma City Thunder versus Cleveland Cavaliers
The Thunder sit third in the Western Conference at this early part of the season, while the Cavaliers are fifth in the Eastern Conference. Oklahoma City is +21 to +16 on the Power Ranks Indicator and “average” versus “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The teams are trending in games “under” the line, with Oklahoma City having a +3.6 to +1.0 scoring differential edge. Oklahoma City won both games last season. Cleveland is undefeated at home this season, while Oklahoma City is 1-1 on the road. I like the Cavaliers at home, but pass on the “over/under” bet.
Chicago Bulls versus Philadelphia 76ers
The Bulls have one of the worst records in the league, while the 76ers are second in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia is +26 to +4 on the Power Ranks Indicator, and “burning hot” versus “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The teams are trending on opposite sides of the “over/under” line with a predicted total score of 240, with 83 percent confidence. Philadelphia has a +3.7 to -15.8 scoring differential edge, and 3-1 at home versus a 1-3 road record for Chicago. The 76ers should win this one by double digits, in a game “over” the line.
Boston Celtics versus Houston Rockets
Boston enters play third in the Eastern Conference, while Houston is second. The Celtics are “burning hot” versus “burning hot down” on the Team Strength Oscillator, and Houston has a +27 to +25 edge on the Power Ranks Indicator. The teams have combined in games “over” the line in all but one game this season, averaging a combined 242 points per game. The predicted total is 222 points with 78 percent confidence. Both teams are among the best in the league in scoring differential. Houston is 2-0 at home, while Boston lost their only road game of the season. I like the Rockets at home in a game “over” the line.
Miami Heat versus Los Angeles Lakers
Miami has struggled to a 2-4 start, while the Lakers have gotten off fast at 4-2. Miami is “average up” after two straight wins versus “average ” on the Team Strength Oscillator, while the Lakers are +22 to +10 on the Power Ranks Indicator. The teams have been involved in games on opposite sides of the line recently, and the predicted score total is 232 points, but with only 37 percent confidence. The Lakers have a +5.2 to -3.2 scoring differential edge. In addition, they are 2-1 at home versus Miami’s 1-1 road record. I like the Lakers to continue to rise in the west with a win in a game “over” the line.
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