With just a little over a week left in the NBA season, the playoff picture has yet to be decided. Here’s what’s on tap for Friday, April 6.
Note that standings are for games through Monday, April 2.
Cleveland Cavaliers versus Philadelphia 76ers
In perhaps the game of the day, the Cavaliers and 76ers battle for the third seed in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers have won 10 in a row and are +28 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Cleveland is +24 on the Power Ranking Indicator and also “burning hot”. Cleveland holds a 2-1 advantage in the season series and Philadelphia is without Joel Embiid. However, they have won the two games since Embiid’s injury and have been the hottest team in the NBA at home in the 2018 calendar year. In a tight contest, cannot go against Philadelphia with the kind of roll they have been on.
Charlotte Hornets versus Orlando Magic
Both teams have been eliminated from playoff consideration but could be playing for pride. Charlotte holds a +16 to +2 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average” versus “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Hornets also have won all three this season against the Magic. Although at home, the Magic have little to win for, and maybe losing is a better option to try and secure a higher draft position. Charlotte will win this one in easy fashion.
Indiana Pacers versus Toronto Raptors
Another top game this week, the Pacers look to climb into the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Raptors look to hold off the Celtics for top seed. Indiana has won 7 of their last 10 and are +26 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot”. Although 6-4 over their last 10, Toronto is just “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +18 on the Power Ranking Indicator. The Raptors hold a 2-1 series lead and have the second best home record in the NBA. While this game should be tight, the Raptors will likely hold on for a win.
Sacramento Kings versus Memphis Grizzlies
The teams have combined for just 46 wins and the Kings are just two games ahead in the win column for worst record in the NBA. Memphis holds a +8 to +3 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Both teams rank very low on the Team Strength Oscillator. Memphis has won both meetings between the teams. It’s hard to predict confidently in a game that means nothing to either team. However, the Grizzlies are at home and probably will win this, although it’s not a game I would particularly feel comfortable betting on.
New Orleans Pelicans versus Phoenix Suns
The Pelicans try to hold on to the 8th seed in the Western Conference and face a Phoenix team that will likely go through the motions, having the worst record in the NBA. New Orleans has a +15 to 0 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and have a “average down” status versus “dead” for Phoenix. The Suns are tied for 10th in Team Volatility and have lost both meetings this season. New Orleans will hold their position in the conference and down the Suns by double digits.
Minnesota Timberwolves versus Los Angeles Lakers
Minnesota is in a five-team battle that are just two games apart in the Western Conference. The Lakers have been eliminated from the playoff race, but can try to ruin Minnesota’s hopes. The Timberwolves have a +22 to +9 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “ice cold down”. They are tied for 10th in Team Volatility while the Lakers are tied for 7th. Minnesota has won the last three between the teams and that trend should continue on Friday.
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