New Orleans Pelicans (22-28) at Brooklyn Nets (35-16)
The Pelicans continue to struggle through an injury crisis and as a result, they've lost 3 of their last 4. However, Zion Williamson did return from injury on Wednesday in the loss to the Hawks. He'll have a great matchup against a Nets defence that has really struggled with power forwards this season. Brandon Ingram has missed the last few games and will be questionable again. Meanwhile, Josh Hart and Alexander-Walker have already been ruled out with injury.
Brooklyn will be missing James Harden after he reinjured his hamstring against the Knicks in their 114-112 win on Tuesday. But the good news is - Kevin Durant is likely expected back from injury after a long layoff with a hamstring injury. Along with Kyrie Irving, the Pelicans defence will likely have a handful with the Nets trio. Also, Bruce Brown will likely get the start at point guard in place of Harden.
This should be a high paced matchup between two teams that love to play attacking basketball but struggle on the defensive side. The key for the Pelicans should be Zion against this Nets defence and that should see the Pelicans keep this one close. Especially with no Harden on the floor and Durant probably won't play 30 minutes in his return from injury.
Stadium Record
Brooklyn has a perfect 5-0 record in their last 5 home games. The Pelicans hold a 4-2 record at this venue in their last 6 games.
Head to Head Record
Since 2016, the Pelicans have won 6 of 10 meetings. However, the Nets have won all of the last 3 meetings in 2019.
Best Bet
San Antonio Spurs (24-24) at Denver Nuggets (32-18)
The Spurs will be looking to end a 3 game losing streak on Wednesday. They were disappointing last time out as they went down to the mediocre Cavaliers 125-101. So the Spurs will need a better effort on defence or this matchup could get ugly. The Spurs main problem defensively is containing point guards but Jamal Murray's injury should give them hope against the position.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets are flying after 6 straight wins, which also includes big wins over the Clippers and 76ers. They will be missing Jamal Murray again with injury but they've got plenty of depth to cover him. Against the Pistons on Wednesday, the Nuggets trio of Porter Jr, Jokic and Barton all scored over 20 pts.
It's really hard to see the struggling Spurs turn around their form at a venue they've struggled at as well. The Nuggets offence will likely have too much force for the Spurs leaky defence.
Stadium Record
The Nuggets have a strong 7-1 home record in their last 8. San Antonio has struggled at this venue with a 1-8 record.
Head to Head Record
In the earlier meeting this season, the Spurs won by 10 pts (119-109). But Denver has won 6 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Utah Jazz (38-12) at Phoenix Suns (35-14)
The Utah Jazz will be keen to bounce back from a rare loss after an 8 point defeat against Doncic and the Mavericks. So the key against the Suns will be containing their key trio on defence - Paul, Booker and Ayton. Meanwhile, the Suns don't have many weaknesses on the defensive side so the Jazz will need a full team effort on offence.
The Suns have played a few struggling teams lately so they should enjoy the challenge against the #1 seeded Jazz. As mentioned, the Suns mainly rely on Paul, Booker and Ayton to get the job done and that shouldn't change here. They were also the last team to beat the Jazz in Utah so they'll be extra confident on their home court.
With two of the best teams in the West going head to head, we feel this will be a playoff type game built on defence and low scoring has been a trend between these two. They played this season and totalled just 201 pts. The Under is also 4-1 when they meet at this venue.
Stadium Record
Phoenix has won their last 5 home games and have won 18 of 26 at home this season. The Jazz hold a strong 7-1 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Suns are one of the only teams to beat the Jazz in Utah this season. However, the Jazz have dominated this matchup since 2018 with a 8-2 record.
Best Bet
