ORANJPEEL

My model favors the Raptors. They lost to the Bulls couple of days ago, and i was impressed with how they fought even though management is tearing down the team. Chris Boucher was the next man up to replace Norman Powell, with a line of 38pts and 19 rebounds for a career night. I expect his contributions to continue and Gary Trent will look more comfortable with each game. The Cavaliers beat the tanking Thunders couple of days ago, but this Raptors team doesn’t play like it is tanking. There is also a chance Lowry plays tonight. Take the Raptors.

OP STAFF | 18-12 NBA SEASON 2020-21

My model favors the Bulls. Toronto’s lead guard of Lowry and Van Vleet are on IR, Gary Trent should fill in admirably but this doesn’t look like a team that is in win-now mode. Chicago on the other hand traded away part of the future for All Star veteran Vucevic, and everyone on the roster is relativity healthy with the wire indicating that Lavine and Markkanen will be ready to go. The Bulls have a .500 road record and with Raptors playing games in Tampa, there is no home advantage. Lay the points.

OP STAFF | 17-12 NBA SEASON 2020-21

My model favors the Knicks. Ok, so the Knicks are now in-play for the 4th straight ‘Pick of the week’. Saturday’s blowout win over the JV Pistons defined the Knicks 2020-21 season. Tonight’s road matchup with Harden and Irving in the lineup should pose problems, but there is no home advantage here, there are just as many Knicks fans at Barclay as Nets fans. The Nets are playing a B2B with some key role players injured. However, any one who lives in NY know that this is a rivalry for the ages and 6pts is a lot to give for either team who hate each other. Take the points.

OP STAFF | 16-12 NBA 2020-21 SEASON