Teams across the NBA have been depleted due to the ramifications of COVID-19, having been forced to play severely undermanned. Games continue to several set to tip-off on December 19. The Bulls hosting the Lakers highlights the action.
Los Angeles Lakers versus Chicago Bulls
The Lakers head into Chicago 6th in the Western Conference and the Bulls are 3rd in the Eastern Conference. Chicago has a +25 to +20 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator, while the Lakers are “burning hot” versus “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Score Predictor has the Bulls winning by a 116-113 score with 52 percent confidence. Both teams are trending “under” the line, according to the Totals Predictor. Look for the Bulls to take care of business at home and bet “under” the line.
Portland Trailblazers versus Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis heads into play with the 4th best record in the Western Conference and Portland is on the outside looking in at the moment. The Grizzlies are +24 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot”, while the Trailblazers are +3 and “dead” status. Note that Portland is very stable at +15 on the Team Volatility Oscillator. The Score Predictor has the Grizzlies winning easily, 120-103 with 71 percent level of confidence. Both teams have been trending in games “under” the line. I like Memphis to take control early and betting “under” is a smart play.
Denver Nuggets versus Brooklyn Nets
Despite being shorthanded, the Nets have the top record in the Eastern Conference. They host the Nuggets, currently 8th in the Western Conference. Brooklyn has a +25 to +16 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Scores Predictor likes the Nets at home by a 119-110 score with 66 percent confidence and the Totals Predictor indicates that “over” is a smart play. Notice that the Nets are extremely stable at +12 on the Team Volatility Oscillator. Brooklyn will continue their winning ways in a game going “over” the line.
New Orleans Pelicans versus Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have been struggling and are 8th in the Eastern Conference. They host the Pelicans, who are the second-worst team in the Western Conference. Philadelphia has a +18 to +4 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator, while the Pelicans are “average” versus “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. New Orleans is picked to win by a 113-108 score in the Score Predictor with 67 percent confidence. Both teams are involved in higher-scoring games. I like Philadelphia to break out to their slump in this game “over” the line.
Charlotte Hornets versus Phoenix Suns
The Suns have the 2nd-best record in the Western Conference and host the Hornets, who are currently 6th in the Eastern Conference. Phoenix is “burning hot” and +26 on the Power Ranking Indicator, while the Hornets are “average” and +12, respectively. The Score Predictor has the Hornets in a 116-113 upset with a 49 percent level of confidence. Look for another high-scoring game going “over” the line. Note that the Suns are +18 on the Team Volatility Oscillator, indicating they are consistently performing according to their favorite/underdog status. I like the Suns to win, possibly by double-digits.
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