Washington Wizards (32-36) at Atlanta Hawks (37-31)
The Wizards are still a chance of finishing as the 8th seed in the East and they're playing solid Basketball at the moment. Overall, they've won 5 of their last 7 games and that includes two 1 point defeats on the road against the Bucks/Mavericks. However, a hamstring injury to Bradley Beal is a big blow. So Russell Westbrook will take full control of the offence against the Hawks.
Meanwhile, the Hawks 3 game winning streak ended in Indiana as they went down to the Pacers 133-126. However, they've been in much better form at home with 7 straight wins and a crushing 135-103 result over the Suns in their latest. They'll also get a good matchup against a Wizards defence that gives up plenty of points.
Without Beal on the court, the Wizards will likely struggle to keep up with the Hawks offence. Especially with the Hawks coming off a huge home win over the Suns lately and they should dominate the Wizards leaky defence with the combination of Young/Collins/Capela.
Stadium Record
The Hawks are 5-0 in their last 5 home games. The Wizards are 2-2 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
Atlanta won the earlier season meeting 116-100. But since 2018, the head to head is split at 5-5.
Best Bet
Milwaukee Bucks (43-24) at San Antonio Spurs (32-35)
The Bucks have won their last 5 games and still have their eyes set on the #2 seed in the East if the Nets slip up down the stretch. Their offence has been firing lately after scoring 141 and 135 pts in their last 2 and we don't see them slowing down against the Spurs. So look for the trio of Giannis, Middleton and Holiday to get the Bucks over the line.
In contrast, the Spurs have been struggling of late with 6 defeats in their last 7 games. They'll be coming off a 4 game road trip where they lost 3 of 4 and that includes a 124-102 defeat last time out against the Trail Blazers. So their defence will need to improve if they're looking to upset the Bucks.
Just can't see the Spurs getting out of their current funk against the flying Bucks. The Bucks offence is firing and the Spurs defence has struggled lately. The Spurs have also lost 6 of their last 7 home games.
Stadium Record
San Antonio has a poor 1-6 home record in their last 7 games. Since 2017, the Bucks are 2-2 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Bucks won the earlier season meeting 120-113 and hold a 6-4 record in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Utah Jazz (50-18) at Golden State Warriors (35-33)
Despite injuries to Mitchell and Conley, the Jazz have won 5 straight games and have almost sealed the #1 seed in the West. In the absence of their 2 stars, Bogdanovic has stepped up in the scoring department and should enjoy a nice matchup against the Warriors defence. The same can be said for Rudy Gobert in terms of the matchup.
Golden State has recorded comfortable back to back wins over the Thunder on their home court but will expect a much tougher challenge against the Jazz. As usual, Steph Curry will be the key man but the Jazz defence has been solid against point guards lately. So Andrew Wiggins will likely need to put up big numbers for a Warriors upset.
At this stage, the Jazz have more to play for in terms of the #1 seed in the West and we expect Utah to take advantage of the Warriors undermanned squad.
Stadium Record
The Warriors have won 5 of their last 7 home games. Utah holds a 2-2 record on the road against Golden State.
Head to Head Record
Best Bet
