Author: voidsports1

Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers

The first matchup in this year’s Eastern Conference playoffs sees fifth seed Toronto take on fourth seed Cleveland. Many will have their eyes on the outcome of this series to see whether the new look Cleveland back court of Donovan Mitchell & James Harden will elevate them to post-season success.

Since the arrival of James Harden on 4th February, Cleveland are 21-9 and have the second best win percentage in the East. Harden is averaging 20.5pts and 7.7 in Cleveland. But critics question his ability to get it done in the post season, as he has never won a championship. Similar, Donovan Mitchell has failed to reach a conference final. Will this year mark another glaring failure for both in their post season careers, or could they conquer the East together as a dynamic and electric back court partnership.

Standing in their way are the steady and consistent Toronto Raptors. Ball movement and consistent scoring from starters has been the key for the Raptors this season. They rank 3rd in the league for assists per game and have four players averaging close to 20pts per game. Leading the way for scoring has been Brandon Ingram, who averages 21.5pts and was an excellent acquisition from New Orleans. My concern for Toronto is the lack of scoring depth available to them from the bench.

Betting Markets:

  • Toronto Raptors ML (+380)/Cleveland Cavaliers ML (-400)
  • Toronto Raptors +8.5pts (-110)/Cleveland Cavaliers -8.5pts (-110)
  • Total points over 220.5 (-110)/Total points under 220.5 (-110)

Our Prediction:

I’d have big questions on whether Toronto can go punch to punch with this Cleveland side especially on the road. Toronto have a 2-16 record against the top 3 sides in each conference across the regular season. Cleveland did finish 4th, but have performed like an elite side since the acquisition of James Harden.

Injury Report:

Toronto Raptors: Immanuel Quickly (Questionable)

Cleveland Cavaliers: Thomas Bryant (Out), Tristan Enaruna (Out), Riley Minix (Out), Olivier Sarr (Out)

Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns

Golden State will be looking for their second road win in three days to advance to the playoffs as they play the Phoenix Suns. With Golden State taking the series 3-1 in the regular season.

Golden State had a 4th Quarter comeback against the Clippers in their first play in match. Steph Curry rolled back the years and dominated with 35pts, shooting 7-12 from 3pt range and 12-23 from the field. The supporting cast of Gui Santos & Kristaps Porzingis were vital as they both chipped in 20pts on efficient field goal percentage. Golden State had 20 turnovers Wednesday and this will be one area Steve Kerr is keen to fix for tonight’s game.

Phoenix lost 110-114 against Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Star player Devin Booker had an inefficient shooting night, shooting 7-17 from the field for 22pts. Jalen Green had a really impressive night, scoring 35pts. Phoenix only turned the ball over 13 times in their loss against Portland, so the main focus for them is to just execute better when they get open looks. This is something that they will get tonight as Golden State lack the athleticism and energy to prevent good looks for opposition teams. Devin Booker averaged 33.7pts against the Warriors this season and should be confident of another big night.

Betting Markets:

  • Golden State Warriors ML (+120)/Phoenix Suns ML (-154)
  • Golden State Warriors +2.5pts (-110)/Phoenix Suns -2.5pts (-110)
  • Total points over 220.5 (-110)/Total points under 220.5 (-110)

Our Prediction:

It will take another Stephen Curry clinic to will Golden State into the playoffs. This Phoenix roster doesn’t have experience as a group of winning key matches in the post season, but I believe the overall neat and organised basketball will be enough. Especially when you compare the athletic ability of the two sides.

Injury Report:

Golden State Warriors: N/A

Phoenix Suns: Mark Williams (Out)

Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic

It’s all or nothing tonight as Charlotte travel to the Kia Center to take on Orlando. Orlando are looking to make it 3 consecutive play off appearances, whilst this will be the first appearance for Charlotte in ten years!

Charlotte defeated Miami in dramatic fashion on Tuesday evening. Coby White hit a contested fadeaway three to force the game into overtime. From there it always felt like the momentum and initiative was with a Charlotte side full of confidence. Charlotte shot 32% from 3 point range in their victory over Miami and will want to improve that going into tonight. They will be confident after beating Orlando 3-1 in the regular season and dominating in the rebounding.

Orlando went 7-8 in their final 15 regular season matches and were comfortably beaten by Philadelphia on Wednesday. They lacked momentum towards the back half of the regular season with fitness issues to key players such as Franz Wagner. They are a well coached and methodical team, and will need to try and make themselves seen by Charlotte who will likely hoist lots of shots from beyond the arc tonight.

Betting Markets:

  • Charlotte Hornets ML (-150)/Orlando Magic ML (+115)
  • Charlotte Hornets -1.5 (-125)/Orlando Magic +2.5pts (-120)
  • Total points over 217.5 (-110)/Total points under 217.5 (-110)

Our Prediction:

The pressure is all on Charlotte given this would be their first playoff appearance in ten years if they can win tonight. I don’t believe Charlotte play the type of basketball that responds well to pressure. Their over dependance on 3 point shooting can stall in key moments.

Injury Report:

Charlotte Hornets: N/A

Orlando Magic: N/A

Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers

This will be the first of two road trips to strong Eastern Conference teams, the second being against number seed Detroit Pistons. Houston have struggled on the road (11-12) compared to an impressive (15-3) home record. They will also have to navigate tonight without Steven Adams in the backup centre position after he suffered an ankle sprain against New Orleans Pelicans. This will disrupt one of the core foundations of their success this season, rebounding. Houston lead the NBA with 49 rebounds per game. In their victory over San Antonio on Tuesday night, they were out rebounded by 45-43 which highlights the drop off.

Philadelphia has been up and down this season. They have an impressive roster on paper when everyone is available, but have struggled to find consistent rotations and have been plagued by injuries. Tyrese Maxey has been reliable for Philadelphia since the season tip off late October. He has played 40 out of 42 matches, averaging 30 points & 6.7 assists per game. But he has slowed down in his last 5 games, averaging just 23.6 points on 41% FG. Philadelphia rank in the top 10 for defensive rating in their last 15 matches, and they look well organised despite changing rotations.

Betting Markets:

  • Houston Rockets ML (-143)/Philadelphia 76ers ML (+110)
  • Houston Rockets -2.5 pts (-110)/Philadelphia 76ers +2.5 pts (-110)
  • Over 221.5 pts (-110)/Under 221.5 pts (-110)

Our Prediction:

Houston are on a 3 game winning run and Philadelphia’s home record is nothing to be feared at 11-12. A lot of tonight will depend on how well Houston can control the boards because they are likely to shut off Maxey’s free flowing scoring ability.

Recent Form:

Injury Report:

Houston Rockets: Fred VanVleet (Out), Steven Adams (Out), Aaron Holiday (Out)

Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid (Probable), Paul George (Questionable)

Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic

The Philadelphia 76ers (20-15) travel to the Kia Center to take on Orlando Magic (21-17) tonight at 7PM ET.

With four wins in five, Philadelphia are in good form. They have climbed into 5th seed in the East and have found a starting five that looks very strong and set to challenge in the playoffs. Philadelphia have the perfect mix of quality young players mixed with experience when they field Paul George, Dominick Barlow, Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, & Tyrese Maxey as the starting five. Tyrese Maxey is putting up MVP level numbers; averaging 30.7 PPG & 7.1 APG. He has also massively improved his efficiency in the last 5 games, averaging 57.7% shooting.

Orlando has failed to record back to back victories since December 1st. In their last 10 games, they have won 5 and lost 5. But with five of their last six matches being away from the Kia Center they will be relatively pleased with that performance. There is a stark contrast between their home and away record this season. They are 12-5 at home, compared to 9-12 on the road. Franz Wagner continues to be a huge miss for Orlando, as he leads their scoring on 22.7 PPG. It is difficult to see which players will perform well enough to carry the scoring burden to compete against the levels of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, & Joel Embiid.

Betting Markets:

  • Philadelphia 76ers ML (-154)/Orlando Magic ML (+125)
  • Philadelphia 76ers -3.5 pts (-110)/Orlando Magic +3.5 pts (-110)
  • Over 227.5 pts (-110)/Under 227.5 pts (-110)

Our Prediction:

Philadelphia perform well on the road with a 10-6 record away from the Xfinity Mobile Arena this season. With the starting five settled and the explosive scoring of Tyrese Maxey, I don’t expect Orlando to keep pace.

Without Franz Wagner Orlando lack fire power. I’m expecting this match to be tied up and over by the 4th quarter.

Recent Form:

Injury Report:

Philadelphia 76ers: N/A

Orlando Magic: Colin Castleton (Out), Jalen Suggs (Out), Moritz Wagner (Out), Franz Wagner (Out)