NBA Predictions February 1: Houston versus Denver headlines play

As the NBA season is approaching the All-Star break, teams continue to jockey for playoff position. The Houston Rockets versus the Denver Nuggets is the big game for the day, while four other match ups will be examined. Note that all information is for games played through January 28.

Houston Rockets versus Denver Nuggets

Houston enters play with a 29-20 mark and 10-13 on the road. Winners of their last three, they are “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +21 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Denver comes in “burning hot” as well with a record of 34-15 and 22-4 at home. They are also +27 on the Power Ranking Indicator and are among the most stable teams in the league, at +19 on the Team Volatility Oscillator. Houston has won the last two meetings between the teams. Denver is just too strong at home and Houston is without some key players. Look for the Nuggets to continue to roll and win in a close game.

Boston Celtics versus New York Knicks

Boston is fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 31-19 record and 11-13 on the road. They face a the Knicks, who have won just 10 of 49 this season and are 4-17 at home. Boston has won the last two game and have a +20 to 0 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Both teams are quite stable, performing as their favorite/underdog status indicates. Boston will be a road favorite and should win this one easily, likely by double digits.

Oklahoma City Thunder versus Miami Heat

Oklahoma City enters play third in the Western Conference, while the Heat are seventh in the Eastern Conference. The Thunder are 31-18 and 14-11 on the road. Winners of their last five, they are “burning hot” and +26 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Miami is at .500 for the season and just 11-13 at home. The are “burning hot” due to a modest two game winning streak and +10 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Oklahoma City took both meetings last year and that trend should continue. Look for a tight game for a while with the Thunder pulling away late.

Atlanta Hawks versus Utah Jazz

Atlanta heads to Utah with a 16-33 record and 8-20 on the road. They are “average” after a 4-6 stretch and +5 on the Power Ranking Indicator. The Jazz have moved to seventh in the Western Conference after a 9-1 stretch that leaves them “burning hot” and +19 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Both teams are among the more stable teams in the league. The Hawks won both meetings last year, but don’t see that trend continuing in this one. Utah is a solid 15-9 at home and are clearly the better, hotter team. Utah will win this one comfortably.

Memphis Grizzlies versus Charlotte Hornets

Memphis is second from the bottom in the Western Conference and the Hornets are holding on to eighth in the Eastern Conference. Memphis is 1-9 over their last ten, leading to a “dead” status and +6 on the Power Ranking Indicator.  The Hornets are 5-5 over their last ten and 17-8 at home, leaving them at “average up” and +12. Both teams are at +10 on the Team Volatility Oscillator, so pay attention to the favorite/underdog status in this one. Charlotte won as a road underdog on January 23 and expect more of the same in this one. The Hornets will hold on to home court, continuing the Grizzlies slide.

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