New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are going up against the Brooklyn Nets today. It’s always exciting to see the battle of the boroughs take place. The Nets are still in search of an identity. They recently fired Steve Nash as head coach. Also, Kyrie Irving is currently out serving a suspension, while Ben Simmons is dealing with an injury. Ben returned on Monday, but he’s playing limited minutes off the bench due to his back. Surprisingly, the Nets have been playing well despite those guys missing games.
The Knicks have been playing decent basketball lately. They are currently .500 and have seemed to find their footing. They are middle of the pack in offense and defense.
They are coming off a solid win against the Timberwolves. The Knicks have been solid to start the year. They are currently underdogs at the money line (+120). The Knicks are the pick here. It’s good value considering the solid basketball they have been playing over the last week or so.
Prediction: Knicks, +120
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have been playing better basketball despite back-to-back losses. Westbrook has seemed to settle into his role coming off the bench. He’s playing with an infectious energy and charisma that he played with in the past.
The Lakers and the Clippers are last and second last in offensive rating. The Clippers do have a much better team offensively. Their offense will get better with time when everyone finds their role.
The Lakers offense is limited because they lack dynamic players. There’s only so much better they can get in that department. With that said, the Lakers will be looking to get back into the win column. They are currently underdogs at the money line (+210). It’s good value, but it will be an uphill battle for the Lakers to secure the win. A good thing going for the Lakers is there’s always extra motivation in the bottle of LA games. The Lakers are healthy. It will be a good game for them to refocus and get back in the win column.
Prediction: Lakers, +220
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves and Suns should be an exciting game. The Timberwolves have been a little inconsistent over the past few games. The Suns will have to do some adjusting. They recently lost Cam Johnson to an injury. He will be out for some time as he rehabs a torn meniscus.
Both teams are top 10 in offensive rating. The Timberwolves have more defensive struggles than the Suns. Both teams are looking to get back into the win column. The Timberwolves are currently underdogs at +165. They will have challenges against the Suns. They are back at home with a day of rest. It will give them a chance to get back in the win column and start putting a string of wins together. The Timberwolves are a good value bet at the money line.
Prediction: Timberwolves, +165
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls will be hosting the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. The Bulls are coming off a win against the Raptors on Monday. The Pelicans are coming off a loss to the Pacers. The Bulls have been playing good basketball over the last few games. They have improved their defense from last year. They are currently in the top 10 in defensive ratings. Their offense hasn’t been as effective because Lavine hasn’t consistently been in the lineup. Their offense will improve as the season goes along. In their matchup against the Pelicans, they are the underdogs (+105).
The Bulls will be the choice here. They are playing at home, they have seemed to find their stride, and they are playing great defense.
Prediction: Bulls, +105