Cleveland Cavaliers at Brooklyn Nets
It's fair to say the Cavs are limping into the play-in game after winning just 3 of their last 10 games to finish the regular season. The struggles also extend onto the road where they've won just 2 of their last 10. They also lost recently against the Nets in Brooklyn by 11 pts. Their defence struggled against Durant (36 pts) and will need to improve. Jarrett Allen is out with injury and Moses Brown should continue to get the start at centre.
Meanwhile, the Nets closed the regular season with a 4 game winning streak and look like a very dangerous team for the East to deal with. Especially with Durant healthy and Irving able to play home games now. Durant scored 36 against the Cavs last Saturday and will be the primary shooter in this playoff matchup as well. At home, they've been strong with a 3 game winning streak and a 7-3 record in their last 10. In terms of injuries, Ben Simmons is out with an ongoing back injury but Seth Curry should be able to play through an ankle injury.
Led by Kevin Durant, the Nets should record a comfortable victory to get the #7 seed. They have been strong on their home court recently and also have the wood over the Cavs this season. Especially after a 118-107 result just a few days ago.
Stadium Record
The Nets are 4-1 in their last 5 at home. Cleveland has lost 4 of their last 5 in Brooklyn.
Head to Head Record
Brooklyn has won 3 of the 4 meetings this season. They're also 2-0 at home.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Clippers head into the play-in game with a ton of confidence after 5 straight wins, which included 4 straight wins on their home court. With Paul George back from injury, they should give the Timberwolves plenty to think about. The only concern is their road form at the moment as they've lost 4 of their last 5 and Minnesota will be rocking for this playoff game. In terms of injuries, they're still missing Leonard but George is healthy and Luke Kennard should play through a hamstring issue.
The Timberwolves rested their starters against the Bulls on Monday so their starting 5 should be fit for this important playoff matchup. They've been playing well at home recently with 7 wins in their last 10 and will enjoy the home crowd advantage. However, they have lost both meetings against the Clippers at home this season. But they did beat the Clippers in LA by 18 pts in early January. They have no significant injuries at the moment, which is a positive.
Considering the Clippers record at this venue and against the Timberwolves overall, they do look good value as a road underdog.
Stadium Record
The Timberwolves are 16-5 at home in their last 21. The Clippers have a strong record in Minnesota with 5 wins from 6 meetings.
Head to Head Record
Los Angeles has won 3 of the 5 meetings this season and 8 of 10 overall since 2019.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Clippers +4.5 = $1.78
Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks
The Hornets finished the season with a 3 game winning streak and the average winning margin was 19 pts. They have a good record on the road recently with 6 wins in their last 10 so they'll head to Atlanta with a lot of confidence. Terry Rozier comes off scoring 25 pts against the Wizards and LaMelo Ball also added 24. Along with Bridges, they'll be important for the Hornets in a potential shootout with the likes of Trae Young. The Hornets will still be missing Gordon Hayward in the lineup but otherwise, they're looking healthy.
Atlanta have been up and down with 3 wins in their last 5 games. However, their home form should give them a lot of belief against the Hornets. Overall, they've won 9 of their last 10 in Atlanta and will use the crowd to their advantage in this playoff matchup. Most of the offence will revolve around Trae Young and he'll look to recapture his playoff form of last season. They'll continue to be without John Collins with injury so Bogdanovic and Gallinari will be important in his absence.
The Hawks are a strong home team with 9 wins in their last 10 and that should count against the Hornets. Defensively, the Hornets struggled at the end of the season and that will likely hurt them against Trae Young.
Stadium Record
Atlanta has won 9 of their last 10 at home. Charlotte has lost 17 of their last 25 in Atlanta.
Head to Head Record
The season series is tied at 2-2 and both teams won a game against each other at this venue.
Best Bet
San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans
The Spurs scrapped into the last play-in spot over the Lakers and their form coming into this matchup isn't the best. They've lost their last 3 games. However, they were missing Dejounte Murray for most of that stretch and he should be fully fit for this contest. He's the leader of this young team and they'll need him to put up plenty of points to get them over the line. Lonnie Walker is day to day with an injury but otherwise, they look healthy.
New Orleans were 1-12 at one stage this season so reaching the play-in tournament is a great outcome. Especially with Zion missing the entire season. They were boosted at the trade deadline with the addition of CJ McCollum and he'll be even more important if Brandon Ingram can't play. He's struggling with a hamstring injury and will be questionable for this matchup.
A low scoring game does look on the agenda as has been the trend. In the last 10 meetings, the Under is 8-2. The Pelicans offence is weaker if Ingram can't play his full minutes and Dejounte Murray has also missed the time to end the season.
Stadium Record
The Pelicans are 5-5 in their last 10 home games. The Spurs have won their last 2 in New Orleans.
Head to Head Record
The Spurs lead the season series 3-1 and are 2-0 at this venue.
Best Bet
