With less than three weeks remaining in the regular season, there are still many questions to be answered in the playoff race. Here’s what’s in store for March 22.
Note that all standings are for games through Monday, March 19.
Memphis Grizzlies versus Charlotte Hornets
Memphis comes in with the second worst record in the NBA, while the Hornets are 10th in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte holds and +6 to +4 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator, but both teams have been trending poorly. Memphis is “dead up” on the Team Strength Oscillator, while the Hornets are “ice cold down”. Charlotte won the previous meeting this season as a road underdog. They are first in Team Volatility and will be home favorite. The Hornets will take this one easily, likely by double-digits.
Philadelphia 76ers versus Orlando Magic
The 76ers are sixth in the Eastern Conference, but could finish as high as third with a strong finish. The Magic have the second worst record in the conference and are playing out the string. Philadelphia is “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator versus “dead up” for Orlando. The 76ers also hold a large +23 to +6 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and have won the first two meetings between the teams. Barring a total collapse, Philadelphia should come away with a victory in this one.
Detroit Pistons versus Houston Rockets
The Rockets have the best record in the NBA, while the Pistons are ninth in the Eastern Conference. Surprisingly the Pistons have taken the last two meeting between the teams, both as an underdog. Houston is +25 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus +3 and “dead” for the Pistons. The Rockets are also fourth in Team Volatility. A win for Detroit would be a monumental upset. It’s very unlikely to happen, so I take the Rockets with very high confidence.
Los Angeles Lakers versus New Orleans Pelicans
The Lakers are out of the playoff picture and the Pelicans look to hold on to a spot in the Western Conference. New Orleans has taken the last two meetings between the teams, however the Lakers currently hold a +14 to +6 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Both teams in decline, the Lakers are “average down” versus “ice cold down”. Although 10th in Team Volatility, the Lakers might be a good bet for an upset. In a close game, I pick the Lakers edging the Pelicans/
Utah Jazz versus Dallas Mavericks
Utah tries to make a push to the middle of the playoff pack in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks have long since been eliminated. The Jazz hold a +27 to +12 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and have won both meetings so far this season. Utah is also “burning hot”, going 9-1 over the last ten games. Dallas is “average down” and although at home, have little a slim chance of overtaking the Jazz. Look for Utah to win relatively easily.
Atlanta Hawks versus Sacramento Kings
This game features two teams with a combined 43 wins. While nothing to play for but pride, the Kings hold a +22 to +6 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and +0.89 to -3.75 on the Team Strength Oscillator. Atlanta won the previous meeting this season as a home favorite. However, the Hawks are just 5-28 on the road this season and Sacramento has been playing better of the two teams lately. The Kings will win this one by a margin of six and ten points.
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