Memphis Grizzlies (26-23) at New York Knicks (25-27)
The Grizzlies are nicely positioned in the West top 8 after 4 straight wins and they'll face a good test against the 8th seed in the East on Saturday morning. What's also been impressive during this winning streak has been road victories over the 76ers (116-100) and Heat (124-112). So a trip to New York shouldn't worry this team. The Knicks have been a good defence this season but they have given up points to shooting guards lately. So look for Brooks and Allen to take plenty of shots.
New York will welcome a home game after two straight tough defeats in Boston (101-99) and Brooklyn (114-112). They've also lost 5 of their last 6 so their position in the East playoff standings is looking shaky at the moment. So this matchup will likely come down to Randle as the Grizzlies have struggled with centres lately. As well as shooting guards, which is good news for Burks, Barrett and Rose.
While the Knicks have struggled for victories, their defence remains strong and that should be the key against the Grizzlies in a low scoring affair. The Under has also saluted in 5 of the Knicks last 6 home games and we'll back the trend here.
Stadium Record
New York has won 9 of their last 13 home games. Memphis is 5-2 at MSG in their last 7.
Head to Head Record
The Grizzlies have the wood over the Knicks with 7 wins in the last 10 meetings, including a 127-106 result at this venue in Jan, 2020.
Best Bet
Philadelphia 76ers (35-16) at New Orleans Pelicans (22-29)
The 76ers continue to battle the Nets for the #1 seed in the East and as a result, they can't afford to drop winnable games against the likes of the Pelicans. Philadelphia come off a 106-96 win over the Celtics and it was pleasing to see Joel Embiid get through without an injury scare. So at the moment, the 76ers squad is looking injury free and ready for a matchup with the Pelicans struggling defence.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans season is quickly slipping away after a 1-4 record in their last 5 and it won't be any easier against the 76ers. They continue to battle injuries and that showed against the Nets last time out as they allowed 139 pts in a disappointing 28 pt defeat. Ingram and Lonzo Ball are both questionable for this matchup again, so the Pelicans will be desperate to get them back on the court.
At this point, the 76ers offence should be able to feast on the Pelicans non-existent defence and record a comfortable victory. They've also won 8 of their last 10 road games.
Stadium Record
The Pelicans just have a winning record at home this season (14-13). The 76ers hold an average 2-4 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
This is the first meetings since 2019 and the 76ers have won 6 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
San Antonio Spurs (24-25) at Denver Nuggets (33-18)
After a recent 10 point defeat against the Nuggets at this venue, it's difficult to see where the Spurs improvement can come from to cause an upset. They've lost their last 4 games and also have a horrible record in Denver. Defensively, they'll be happy with conceding 106 points against the Nuggets on Thursday. However, their offence has gone ice cold as they've scored 96 pts and 101 pts (against Cleveland) in their last 2 games.
The Nuggets moved to 8-0 since trading for Aaron Gordon from the Magic and they won't be looking to change their gameplan against the Spurs. Denver could also get Jamal Murray back from a knee injury as Campazzo started at point guard last game. Jokic also continued his good season with 25 pts and fell 1 rebound short of a triple-double.
After the Nuggets recent 10 point win over the Spurs at this venue, there's no reason to suggest why they can't do it again. The Spurs are struggling to score points so they'll likely fall short of this red-hot Nuggets team again.
Stadium Record
The Nuggets are 5-0 at home in their last 5 and 17-9 this season. The Spurs have lost their last 5 here.
Head to Head Record
The Nuggets beat the Spurs by 10 pts a few days ago and have won 7 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
