With the NBA All-Star break right around the corner, teams are looking to head into the break with momentum for a second-half push towards the playoffs. There are four games scheduled for Monday, February 2. I will make picks for each of the games with the 76ers at the Clippers in the headlined matchup.
Philadelphia 76ers versus Los Angeles Clippers
Both teams are in the middle of the playoff picture in their respective conference. Philadelphia is “average” after going 3-3 over the last six, while Los Angeles is “burning hot” after a 4-2 mark over the same stretch. The teams are trending in games on opposite sides of the “over/under” line, and Philadelphia has a narrow scoring differential edge of +0.7 to -0.4. The 76ers are 12-8 on the road, which is similar to the Clippers’ record of 13-9 at home. Philadelphia is +19 to +16 on the Power Ranks Indicator, and both teams are +14 on the Team Volatility Oscillator. The 76ers won the first meeting between the teams this season by two points at home. I like the Clippers to even the score in a tight game, but pass on the over/under bet.
New Orleans Pelicans versus Charlotte Hornets
New Orleans is second from the bottom in the Western Conference, while Charlotte looks to make a push towards playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets have won five straight and are “burning hot”, whereas the Pelicans are “ice cold down” and 3-3 over the last six. The teams are trending in opposite directions in games on opposite sides of the line, and the Hornets have a nearly 8-point scoring differential advantage. Charlotte is +11 to +6 on the Power Ranks Indicator, while the Pelicans have been among the most stable teams in the league at +32 on the Team Volatility Oscillator. Although the Hornets are a mere 9-13 at home, the Pelicans are dreadful on the road with a mark of 5-18. I like the Hornets, but pass on the over/under bet.
Minnesota Timberwolves versus Memphis Grizzlies
After a recent poor stretch, Minnesota has won three straight and sits 7th in the Western Conference, while Memphis has lost five straight and is currently out of the playoff picture. The teams have been involved in games “under” the line in eight of the last 12 combined. The Timberwolves have a nearly 7-point scoring differential. In addition, they are posting a better road record than the Grizzlies’ record at home. Interestingly enough, the Grizzlies upset the Timberwolves by five points on the road in the first game between the teams this season. The Team Volatility Oscillator indicates that both teams are consistent with regard to their favorite/underdog status. I like the Timberwolves to continue the upward trend in a game “under” the line.
Houston Rockets versus Indiana Pacers
This is a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. The Rockets are 4th in the Western Conference, while the Pacers are last in the Eastern Conference. Houston is “burning hot” versus “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +25 to +7 on the Power Ranks Indicator. Both teams have been involved in games “under” the line lately, and the Rockets have a large scoring differential edge of +6.1 to -8. Indiana is 9-16 at home, and Houston is even at 13-13 on the road. Indiana has been the far more consistent team in terms of performing according to their favorite/underdog status. Although at home, I don’t see the Pacers having much of a shot in this one. Go with the Rockets in a game “under” the line.
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