Category: Basketball

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets Prediction

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets Prediction

by | May 16, 2021 | , | 0 |

Nuggets and Trail Blazers Battle It Out For Western Conference Seeding Placements
The Nuggets will travel to Portland for their final regular-season game of the year. The Nuggets are 47-24 this year, and the Blazers are 41-30. This game will affect the seeding for these two teams tremendously.
If the Nuggets win this game, they will be placed to the third seed, which would be a first-round matchup potentially against the Lakers because it would knock back the Blazers to the 7th seed. If they were really concerned about who they faced, Mike Malone and staff would consider resting his stars Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr.
If the Trail Blazers are able to win this game, they would secure the 6th seed in the West and avoid the play-in tournament. The Blazers will have all hands on deck to try and stop the soon-to-be MVP Jokic and this Nuggets team.
Denver Nuggets Will Be Difficult to Beat
The Nuggets are on a 3 game win streak right now and show no signs of slowing down. The offense has been led by Nikola Jokic’s incredible all-around arsenal and Michael Porter Jr.’s ascent to becoming a star in this league.
Denver is tied for first in the league in assists per game and is fourth in overall field goal percentage. Both of these categories prove that the Joker’s MVP season is legit. Plus, the Nuggets are winning at a high rate, even without star point guard Jamal Murray.
Against the Pistons on Friday night, Jokic was able to drop a huge triple-double in just 26 minutes of action. His insane stat line was 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. Markus Howard was able to add 20 points. Michael Porter Jr. had an off night, shooting 3-14 from the field, but will look to bounce back tonight if he plays.
As stated above, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Nuggets opt to rest their star players. The only way I could see Nikola Jokic play is because he has played every game as of yet, which helps out his MVP case. Nevertheless, look for whoever plays for the Nuggets to play tough and unselfish to maintain momentum into the postseason.
The Trail Blazers Fight Against the Play In Once More
It seems like this has been the theme for this talented Blazers team the past 10 or so games. Avoid the play-in! And Terry Stots’s guys will be able to follow through if they’re able to get past Denver tonight.
Portland is coming off of a heartbreaking loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Devin Booker was able to sink two free throws and put them up by 1, leaving the Blazers to throw up a prayer with 2 seconds left. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum were both individually spectacular in this game.
As mentioned, Damian Lilliard dropped 41 points on 16-23 from the field, and CJ McCollum added in 27 points. The Blazers have won 8 of their last 10 and are playing great to end the year. If they’re able […]

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Warriors vs Grizzlies Prediction

Warriors vs Grizzlies Prediction

by | May 15, 2021 | , | 0 |

The Biggest Game of the Year For the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies
The regular season is coming to an end on Sunday, as all 30 teams in the NBA will play their final game. The Warriors just so happen to face off against the Grizzlies to end the season. Both teams own a record of 38-33, and the Grizzlies have the tiebreaker currently against the Warriors.
Whoever wins this game will claim the 8th seed in the Western Conference Playoffs, which is very significant. Whoever receives the 8th seed will have two chances to win one game, and whoever gets the 9th seed will have to win two games in a row. There are very high stakes on Sunday afternoon.
For the Warriors, Coach Kerr quoted, “In effect, tomorrow is a playoff game.” Both teams have been playing consistent offense and defense all year. It would be heartbreaking for either team to miss out on the playoffs this year.
Each team was able to rest their star players in anticipation of this game. The play-in starts on Tuesday, but the playoffs have already started for these two sizzling teams.
The Grizzlies Have Been Red-Hot at the Right Time
The Memphis Grizzlies have won their past 5 matchups and are looking for the 6th in a row against the Dubs. Even though the past two matchups have been against the depleted Kings, they have still been impressive in the wins.
The last game with all of their traditional starters was on Thursday night. Ja Morant recorded a near triple-double with 12 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. Dillon Brooks was able to drop 30 points and lead the Grizzlies. Jonas Valanchiunas recorded a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Jaren Jackson is still getting into his full form after missing the majority of the season.
The Grizzlies are 1-1 against the Warriors this year, but 2-time MVP Steph Curry was unavailable in both matchups. The Grizzlies have a lot at stake in this game and will use all the energy they have in the final regular-season matchup of the season.
The Warriors Also On A Tear To End the Regular Season
Golden State has also won 5 in a row and is becoming one of the scariest threats heading to the playoffs. Steph Curry and Draymond Green will lead this young team into the play-in tournament, and they are both ecstatic to do so.
Tuesday night’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns was the last time we saw the normal starters for the Warriors. Andrew Wiggins could not be stopped, scoring 38 points on 17-24 from the field. Draymond Green recorded a triple-double consisting of 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Steph Curry has been in a shooting slump, going 4-24 from three the past two games. The Warriors have still found a way to win even though their star player has struggled. Steph Curry is also looking to win the scoring title as he currently leads the way with 31.8 points to Bradley Beal’s 31.4 points.
Jordan Poole splashed […]

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Warriors vs Pelicans Prediction

by | May 14, 2021 | , | 0 |

Warriors Play Pelicans For A Game That Is Meaningless
The Warriors will host the Pelicans at the Chase Center on Friday night. The Warriors have continued to play beautiful basketball, with their most recent win coming against the 2 seeded Suns. The Pelicans have been struggling, losing 3 of their last 4.
When all is said and done, this game does not affect the Western Conference playoff picture whatsoever. The Warriors are at the 8th seed, and a win or loss will not affect their position. They will have to play the Grizzlies at home on Sunday afternoon, and that game will affect the seedings.
The New Orleans Pelicans truly have nothing to play because their season will be over once the regular season ends. They were eliminated from playoff contention last game against the Dallas Mavericks. The Pelicans will play this one out but have very little motivation against the Dubs.
Warriors Wanting To Keep Momentum Before Playoffs
The Warriors have nothing to play for tonight, and we could see them rest some of their key guys. Steve Kerr may opt to play Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins for very few minutes, so they rest up for Sunday’s game facing the Grizzlies.
Even though this game won’t affect the placements of the postseason, the Warriors will still be playing to win with the guys on the court. They have won 4 games in a row, beating the Western Conference top two seeds in the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns most recently.
Steph Curry scored 21 points but was the secondhand man to Andrew Wiggins 38 points. Wiggins shot 17-24 from the field and led the game with a plus-minus of 14. Draymond Green recorded a triple-double consisting of 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
The most encouraging thing about this four-game win-streak for the Warriors has been their offense when Steph is struggling. Steph has shot just 4-24 from the three-point line the past two games, and the Warriors still are getting it done. If they maintain this offensive consistency, they will be a threat once the playoffs begin.
The New Orleans Pelicans Season of Disappointment
The Pelicans just can’t seem to get over the hump and make a run in the playoffs or even get there. Their record of 31-29 was good for the 11th seed this year, just a few games away from competing in the play-in. With all of that being said, the Pelicans will not put any effort in to win this game.
Their last game against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks was a struggle, and they lost 125-107. Eric Bledsoe led the Pels in scoring with 15 points. Willy Hernangomez contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and Zion Williamson have all been ruled out of the lineup tonight once again. Brandom Ingram, Steven Adams, and Wes Iwundu headline the players that are questionable for tonight.
New Orleans star forward Zion Williamson has been ruled out for the remainder of the season anyways with a left-hand fracture. The […]

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Knicks need to keep Derrick Rose next season

Knicks need to keep Derrick Rose next season

by | May 14, 2021 | , | 0 |

Knicks need to keep Derrick Rose next season: Derrick Rose has really found new life with the New York Knicks, as he has averaged 15.1 points and 4.3 assists in 33 games with the Knicks. Rose has been particularly huge as of late, averaging 22.0 points on nearly 60 percent from the floor in the […]
The post Knicks need to keep Derrick Rose next season appeared first on Knup Sports.

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Hornets vs. Clippers Preview

Hornets vs. Clippers Preview

by | May 13, 2021 | , | 0 |

Hornets vs. Clippers Preview: The Charlotte Hornets will play host to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, as the Clippers look to solidify themselves as the third seed in the Western Conference.
The Hornets, on the other hand, are battling it out with the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards for positioning for the play-in tournament.
The Clippers are coming off a nice win over the Toronto Raptors down in Tampa, as they bounced back after a tough loss at home to the New York Knicks on Sunday.
As for the Hornets, they’ve dropped two straight games and three of their last four, as they’re heading in the wrong direction at the wrong time of the year.
ODDS
The spread for Tuesday night is set at -8 Clippers. The over/under is slated at 224.
Clippers Look to Hold onto Third Seed
Kawhi Leonard won’t make life easy for the Hornets, as the two-time Finals MVP can take you off the dribble on the drive to the rim or pull-up and shoot at any time. Leonard can burn opposing defenses in a number of ways, but he can also lock in on the opposing teams’ best player and prevent them from getting any real rhythm going.
Paul George is also more than capable of turning it up at any time in terms of scoring the ball, but George has also stepped up his playmaking big time this season, as he’s averaging a career-high 5.2 assists per game.
Marcus Morris is also very capable of getting hot in a hurry from behind the arc, so if the Hornets’ defense focuses too much of their energy trying to shut down the Clippers’ superstar duo, then Morris can all of a sudden establish himself as a powerful weapon.
Hornets Look to Build Continuity
The Hornets are currently in the eighth spot in the East, as they’re currently slated to face off against the Boston Celtics in the play-in tournament. The winner of that matchup will earn the seventh seed in the playoffs.
LaMelo Ball has looked good in the seven games since he’s made his return, as he’s averaged 15.1 points, 6.6 assists and 6.6 rebounds in those games.
Terry Rozier’s career year continues as well, as the team’s leading scorer is averaging nearly 31 points per game in his last three games including a 43 point effort in Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Hornets will once again be without Gordon Hayward, who would’ve provided another big time threat as a scorer.
Clippers Win
The Clippers are too good of a team to let up against a team that has lost four of their last six. The Hornets’ future is bright, but there are just too many injuries and inconsistencies on their team to overcome a team that can win the championship this summer. There should be no shortage of scoring in this game, however, as both teams can fill it up.
Free Play: -8 Clippers
Over/Under: Over 224

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Heat vs 76ers Prediction

by | May 12, 2021 | , | 0 |

Heat and 76ers Duel As The Postseason Approaches
The 38-31 Miami Heat will host the 47-22 Philadelphia 76ers in one of the final regular-season games of the year. Both teams have been red hot, each winning 8 of their last 10 games. This game will come down to who can play better defense against these high-scoring juggernauts.
This matchup will be played at American Airlines Arena, where the Heat are 20-15 this year. Philadelphia coincidentally has the same record whenever they play on the road this year. Look for this game to be close to the end.
The 76ers are still fighting to maintain the first seed in the eastern conference, and the Heat are looking to stay in the 5th spot. Both teams have been playing phenomenally and will bring all they have in the tank to prepare for the playoffs.
The Heat Have Been Cooking and Looking Scary
The Miami Heat have won their last three games and seem to be playing their best basketball of the year. The Heat have been consistent on both ends of the floor and will look to compete against this number 1 seed Philadelphia 76ers.
Miami’s most recent wins have come against the struggling Boston Celtics. The Heat were able to score 130 points on Sunday and 129 points on Tuesday night. Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Duncan Robinson have all played extremely well during this win streak.
Jimmy Butler had to leave the court just before halftime after receiving a poke to the eye against the Celtics. He is questionable for tonight’s matchup. Tyler Herro was able to lead the Heat to victory with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson each dropped 22 points of their own.
The Heat just received news yesterday afternoon that star guard Victor Oladipo will undergo season-ending surgery on his meniscus. This a huge loss for the Heat because they just traded for Oladipo in exchange for a thriving Kelly Olynk in Houston.
The Heat have just clinched a playoff spot and are looking to compete with one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. If they are able to continue this offensive surge and defensive prowess, then Philadelphia will have a tough time staying with Miami.
Philadelphia 76ers Looking To Bounce Back After First Loss in Nine Games
The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off of a loss against the Indiana Pacers. Their all-star center, Joel Embiid, was out of the lineup due to a non-covid illness. They had won 8 games in a row prior to the loss on Tuesday.
Tobias Harris was able to carry the load against the Pacers, leading the way with 27 points on 11/24 shooting. Ben Simmons recorded a near triple-double with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. The 76ers just weren’t able to pull through without Joel Embiid’s scoring and defensive presence.
Tobias Harris explained post-game that he felt like the 76ers “lost their composure late” in the game against Indiana. They had taken a 16-point lead in the first half and ended up losing the […]

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Jazz vs Trail Blazers Prediction

by | May 12, 2021 | , | 0 |

Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers Battle It Out For Western Conference Playoff Position
The Utah Jazz will host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. The Utah Jazz are coming off of a tough loss to the Warriors on Monday. The Blazers are running through their opponents with a four-game win streak.
The Jazz have been the example of consistency all year, with a record of 50-19. The Trail Blazers have been up and down all year long, but still with a solid record of 40-29.
This matchup is held in Utah, where the Jazz are 31-4 at home. Both teams will be fresh and ready to go tonight, as each of their previous games were on Monday.
The Jazz Try and Maintain the 1 Seed in the West
The Utah Jazz have been playing phenomenal basketball all year long. They are coming off of a loss to a Steph Curry three with 13.4 seconds remaining in that game. They didn’t have their best player, Donovan Mitchell, to try and tie the game up.
Jordan Clarkson scored 41 points against the Warriors but shot just 16-33 from the floor. He has carried the offensive load, with Utah struggling with injuries recently. The Jazz will continue to be without star guards Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley, as they both heal before the playoffs start.
Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a consistent scorer as well, dropping 27 points on 9-21 shooting. Gobert had his almost nightly double-double. As for defense, The Jazz were able to hold Steph Curry to just 3-13 from three-point range, thanks to Royce O’neal’s excellent face-guarding defense. Quin Snyder may opt to use the same strategy against the electric Damian Lillard.
Utah has 50 wins on the year and is looking to add some more to the total, with three regular-season games remaining. They are 31-4 at home, so look for the Jazz to feel comfortable in this matchup.
Trail Blazers Can’t Be Touched As They Try To Avoid the Play In
The Trail Blazers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. Winning 4 in a row, and 8-2 in their last 10, Portland has been able to play their best basketball at the right time. With an 11 point victory against the Houston Rockets on Monday night, they’ll be ready for the might Utah Jazz.
Damian Lillard recorded 34 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds against the Rockets. CJ McCollum and Norman Powell both poured in 28 points to propel the Trail Blazers to 140 points. Jusuf Nurkic also played very well, putting up 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Carmelo Anthony and Zach Collins both sat out with injuries against the Rockets, but just Carmelo Anthony will return tonight. He has been a key part of this team during their win streak. Nassir Little had a scare against the Rockets and is considered doubtful for this contest.
If Portland is able to consistently play defense, then they could potentially make a deep run into the playoffs. They have all the fire-power on offense, but […]

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