NBA Predictions

Charlotte Hornets – Miami Heat: clash of tempos in North Carolina The Spectrum Center hosts a proper styles showdown tonight. Charlotte takes on Miami. Both squads are stacked with individual talent. Their philosophies collide head-on. The home side will force their familiar pace in front of their crowd. Whoever controls the tempo will win this…

Los Angeles Clippers – San Antonio Spurs: Texas steamroller heads to California Intuit Dome is set for a full-tilt mismatch Monday night. LA meets San Antonio. The Californian side are scrapping to keep their spot in the Western pack. The Spurs have been running teams over with cold efficiency. Bookmakers have sensibly made the visitors…

New Orleans Pelicans – Dallas Mavericks: Losers’ showdown in Louisiana The Smoothie King Center hosts a dispirited scrap Monday night. New Orleans welcomes Dallas. Both clubs are stuck in the Western Conference basement. There’s almost nothing at stake — just pride. Expect chaos. Lax defense on both sides points to a loose, high-scoring night. New…

Brooklyn Nets – Portland Trail Blazers: a clash of extremes at the Barclays Center The Barclays Center hosts a cross-conference game with polar opposite stakes this Monday night. Brooklyn are mid-rebuild and paying the price. Portland are scrapping for their playoff life in a savage West. The visitors’ pace will set the script. Brooklyn’s inability…

Chicago Bulls – Memphis Grizzlies: a showdown of disappointments at the United Center The United Center hosts a grim little showdown tonight. Chicago meets Memphis. Both clubs are stuck near the bottom of their conferences. Long-term rebuilds matter more than tonight’s result. Expect a fast pace. Don’t expect tidy execution. Sloppiness will shape this messy…

Houston Rockets – Los Angeles Lakers: fireworks expected in Texas Tonight the Toyota Center hands us a proper Western Conference scrap: Rockets versus Lakers. The home side are juggling doubts in the roster, which gives a red-hot Laker group every reason to smile. Elite scorers on both ends and defenses showing cracks — expect a…

Boston Celtics – Phoenix Suns: Celtics under pressure at TD Garden Tonight the TD Garden serves up a juicy interconference clash: Celtics vs Suns. Boston’s injury list has finally cleared, but the wins haven’t followed. The C’s are still hunting for rhythm. Phoenix arrive armed to the teeth offensively and they’ll try to blow up…

Washington Wizards – Golden State Warriors: urgent must-win in the capital Capital One Arena hosts a high-stakes clash. Washington welcome Golden State. The home side is in freefall. The California outfit are desperate to steady a poor road record. Bookmakers have, sensibly, made the visitors heavy favorites. On paper the stats point to a lop-sided…

Atlanta Hawks – Orlando Magic: Home court to decide it State Farm Arena hosts a heavyweight clash tonight. Atlanta takes on Orlando. Both teams are hot. The Georgia crowd will tilt this one — no doubt. Atlanta’s offense attacks from every angle. Too many ways to score means too many problems for opponents. Whoever controls…