NBA Tips and Predictions: February 7 - 13
Summary
The NBA is kicking into high-gear, and as teams are figuring out their rosters close to the trade deadline, only drama will unfold in following days. The NBA is a cut-throat industry, and minimizes negatives a team may have, so deals are to be done no matter what happens. However, the chemistry and cohesion of a team must be considered before all else. General Managers and Owners will be looking to upgrade positions on their roster, while also maintaining balance of team morale and chemistry. This NBA Week 17 will prove to be crucial down the stretch to all these teams fighting for their playoff spots. There are so many games on the board, what to choose?
February 7th – Chicago Bulls versus Phoenix Suns
The Chicago Bulls have been unlucky in recent times due to injuries and COVID concerns among the roster. As the team is slowly getting back to health, their backups and role players have taken on increased roles to shine in the spotlight more. There is no doubting what this Bulls team can do when they have their full roster, however, they must learn to push through adversity. Zach Lavine and his Bulls team will have a huge test this upcoming Monday when they play the hottest team in the NBA at the moment, the Phoenix Suns.
Chris Paul and his squadron are currently in the middle of a Eastern road tour, and this game will not be an easy task for them. Monty Williams needs to rotate line-ups in order to provide defence against one of the best offenses in the NBA. Although the Suns are the definite favourite when the Bulls are not 100%, they still have the confidence in any situation to create offense and play some stifling defence. Look for Paul and Booker to sweep this one under the rug, to add to their impressive mid-season resume already.
Selection: Suns ML, Suns will win this game straight up and possibly cover the spread as well!
February 8th – Los Angeles Lakers versus Milwaukee Bucks
The Lakers are a team that is clinging onto a sliver of hope. After a signature win against the Knicks in which they were down twenty points, Lebron James is back, and they look to roll onto more games with similar momentum. The former Champions need to rebound this season, and this test versus Giannis and co. will be critical in determining what they end up doing. Milwaukee will be tough to beat, and this game will be a battle to the finish.
In times of great triumph for the Bucks, they will be using this game as great atmosphere and play into the coming playoffs where they look to defend their NBA title. They are slowly getting back to their full form, and that is scary for the rest of the league.
Selection: Lakers Spread / ML in an underdog classic