ORANJPEEL

My model favors the Grizzlies. The Wizards’ best player is coming off of a Sunday night ASG in Atlanta where the nightlife is thriving, a couple of days off may not be enough. The Memphis defense really surprised me in the first half of the season. They are ranked 9th in point per game allowed. I think Jonas Valanciunas will have a big game against the center-by-committee approach of the Wizards. Lay the points.

OP STAFF | 12-9 NBA 2020 SEASON

My model favors the Knicks. The Knicks are at home tonight against the Pistons. They struggled without veteran point guard play (Payton and Rose) in their last game. However, up against the worst team in the NBA minus its best player, Jerami Grant; The Knicks led by Immanuel Quickley off the bench and cast of youngsters should be able to help cover this game.

OP STAFF | 11-9 NBA 2020 SEASON

My model favors the Clippers. The Clippers worry me, they are an uber-talented team with a lackadaisical attitude. This criticism is directed towards their super star tandem. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have a laid back demeanor and the latter may still be under load management. i.e. R&R on back to back with reduced practice times. Further, Tyrone Lue is a player’s coach, the team lacks the outspoken fiery leadership like the Cleveland team had with Lebron. That said, I still pick the Clippers because they are talented and their February loss to the Celtics and more recent loss to the Bucks on Sunday should motivate them. The Celtics have a nice two game winning streak going, but those wins were against teams with losing records. Clippers at -4.

OP STAFF | 10-9 NBA 2020 SEASON

* Kawhi Leonard pulled out of lineup minutes before game time due to back spasm.