NBA: Celtics (-7) Vs Knicks $
These two teams played just two nights ago with the Knicks coming away with a dramatic buzzer beating win. RJ Barrett hit the the winner with zeros on the clock as NY completed a 25 point comeback at home against their rivals from Boston. Evan Fournier was red hot hitting 10-14 from behind the arc for 41 total points.
It was total collapse by the Celtics who had this game in the bag and pretty much gave the game away. Afterward the game, Celtics head coach Ime Udoka questioned his team’s mental toughness and challenge them to be more focused. The Celtics are one of the worst teams in the league in close games and have a history of blowing games such as this.
But their should be little question who is the more talented team is between these two. The Celtics should be blowing out the Knicks by double digits most nights. Fournier is not going go lights from range like he did in the last game. I like the Celtics to respond to their coach’s critisisms in this matchup and be dominant at least for one night. But if these mental lapses continue for the Celtics, they could find themselves losing the playing-in game and missing the playoffs this season.
NBA: Suns (-8.5) Vs Heat $
I picked against the Suns a couple of times last week and they crushed both times. My thoughts were they would be missing a couple of their big men in Ayton, Crowder, and McGee. But the Suns lived up to the challenge with a smaller lineup. Chris Paul in particular has been playing great and pulled off a triple double in their last game against the Clippers. How much better will this team be now that they are healthy once again?
The Heat, in contrast have a slew of injuries at nearly every position. The most notable of course is Jimmy Butler who is been sidelined with an ankle injury. Butler is listed is listed as questionable for this game, but his presence is one of the most vital for his team of any player in the NBA. Even if he does play, he may not be at 100%. But even with Butler fully healthy, beating the Suns at home is no small order.
Legend $$ – Two unit play $ – one unit play
I am now 21-12 (63.6%) for the season so be sure to follow my Daily Picks page regularly for all my free NBA picks.
