New York Knicks @ Philadelphia 76ers (ESPN)
The Knicks (7-15) make the trip to Philadelphia (14-8) in a game with the makings of a whitewash.
New York have been competitive of late, with recent wins over the Celtics, Pelicans and Grizzlies.
But the concern is that David Fizdale’s young team are coming off a trip from Detroit, and still lacking an identity.
Fizdale originally stated that by the 25-game mark he wants to have his rotation set, but is still tinkering with an array of different lineups at game 22.
Enes Kanter and Tim Haraway Jr. are the only two reliable players on this team, and as such, it is hard to see them mounting a challenge against one of the league’s most elite teams.
Philly have been running hot since acquiring Jimmy Butler, with no signs of slowing down. Question marks over how the Sixers’ Big Three would mesh together have been abolished.
Joel Embiid is still playing at an MVP level, Ben Simmons is still getting his but primarily facilitating, and Butler is the defensive leader and go-to scorer down the stretch that Brett Brown has long cried for.
Tip: Philadelphia -8.5 @ $1.47
Washington Wizards @ New Orleans Pelicans
The Wizards (8-12) head to New Orleans (10-11) in a must-win game for both teams.
Washington have recently rediscovered their spark, interestingly after their in-house training blow up.
With recent wins over the Clippers, Pelicans and Rockets, Scott Brooks’ team is playing with more urgency.
Perhaps putting every player on the trade block has had a positive impact on their game?
Meanwhile, New Orleans are on a four-game skid and have developed a nasty habit of falling into bad slumps coming off a win streak.
The Pelicans rank second in the league in scoring (118.2), yet have been abysmal on the other end, sitting 28th in points allowed (117.6).
They will look to steer their season back on track back at home where they have only dropped two games this season, and the Wizards will struggle to find a suitable matchup for Anthony Davis with Dwight Howard sidelined.
Tip: Washington +6.5 @ $1.89
Orlando Magic @ Portland Trail Blazers
Orlando (10-11) continue their Western road trip in Portland (12-8).
The Magic are no walkovers anymore, nearly knocking off the Warriors and Raptors recently, arguably the best two teams from each conference.
The Magic were bitterly close to pulling off a major upset in Golden State on Tuesday if not for the brilliance of Kevin Durant in the fourth quarter.
Nikola Vucevic has been in career-best form, averaging 26.4 points on 56 per cent shooting, 1.6 threes, 12 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.1 steals over the past two weeks.
After a brief stint in the West’s number one seed, Portland have been brought back to earth over the past week, having lost thee in a row to the Bucks, Warriors and Clippers.
The Blazers will want to have Jusuf Nurkic back to matchup against Vucevic, who missed the second half against the Clips after hurting his shoulder.
Damian Lillard is due for a big game and has a favourable matchup against DJ Augustin.
Tip: Portland Trail Blazers @ $1.33
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