Author: Sacha Stermer

Dallas Mavericks – Denver Nuggets: showdown without AD or Jokic The Mavericks and the Nuggets meet in a peculiar game: neither big man is available — Anthony Davis nor Nikola Jokic, both out injured. Dallas and Denver are scraping to stay afloat without their natural leaders. Still, this one could turn into a proper scrap…

New Orleans Pelicans – Brooklyn Nets: bottom-dwellers duel Pelicans vs Nets. The West cellar hosts the East cellar. Not exactly the night’s must-see, obviously. Still, don’t write this one off — a few factors could make it more interesting than it looks. One thing’s certain: both teams desperately need a win to lift the mood.…

Chicago Bulls – Utah Jazz: the Lauri Markkanen Game The Bulls and Jazz meet in a scrap between two mid-table outfits. Given how both franchises play this season, expect one of the most offensive games — just like their first meeting, a 150-147 Jazz win after double overtime. Will the rematch be as prolific with…

Los Angeles Clippers – Washington Wizards : a different class This Thursday night in Los Angeles the Clippers host a Wizards team still stuck at the bottom of the East. Neither club has lived up to expectations this season, but their paths couldn’t be more different. The Californians are still chasing the play‑in. Washington already…

Philadelphia 76ers – Cleveland Cavaliers: Playoff clash The Sixers and the Cavaliers meet in a showdown between the East’s fifth and seventh seeds — two teams firmly in the Playoff hunt. Expect offense. Both sides want to send a loud message to the conference pecking order. The Cavs might be a touch short on paper,…

Indiana Pacers – Toronto Raptors : an uneven showdown The Pacers host the Raptors in a game that looks closer than it actually is. Indiana can still spring surprises — their recent win over Boston proved that — but the momentum is fragile. The Raptors, even shorthanded, look more together as a unit. Indiana Pacers…

Sacramento Kings – New York Knicks: NY must win Kings and Knicks, two teams at opposite ends, meet at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. The numbers and recent trends suggest this could be tighter than you expect… or it could be a rout. Simple as that. Sacramento Kings: why not keep the run going…

Golden State Warriors – Portland Trail Blazers: future Play-In? Intriguing card in San Francisco. Warriors still dangerous at home. Blazers can cause trouble on the road. Golden State are the logical favourites, but Portland’s away form deserves respect. This one could come down to how each side deals with zone defence. Golden State Warriors: pace…

Los Angeles Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks: two opposite trajectories The Lakers and Hawks meet in Los Angeles for their second clash of the season. L.A. need to reboot after a poor run. The Hawks want to keep rolling since Trae Young left. Don’t expect a defensive slugfest — both teams have shown plenty of holes…