NBA Week 17 Tips and Predictions Part 1
Photo Credit: NBC Sports
New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Amway Center Orlando, FL
New York Knicks will travel to take on Orlando Magic on Tuesday. The Knicks are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference and have won five of their last seven matches. They will be looking to continue that form against a Magic side who sit 13th on the ladder, with three wins from their past five outings.
The key matchup in this game is between All-Star center Nikola Vucevic for Orlando and Knicks guard RJ Barrett. Vucevic is having a career-best season and has been the focal point of the Magic’s offense, while rookie Barrett has had an impressive first year in the league and has shown he can put up big numbers on any given night.
New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic Prediction:
The Knicks have been solid lately and should be able to snatch the win in this one. Expect Vucevic to put up big numbers, but the combination of Barrett and Julius Randle should be too much for Orlando to handle.
New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic betting tip:
New York starts favourites at $1.80 to Orlando $2.05.
Phoenix Suns Brooklyn Nets
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Barclays Center Brooklyn, NY
Phoenix Suns will be looking to continue their impressive season when they travel to take on the Brooklyn Nets. The Suns currently fifth in the Western Conference standings and have won eight of their last ten matches, while the Nets are fifth in the East with a 32-21 record after a hot start to the season.
This game has all star potential, with Devin Booker and Chris Paul going up against Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Both teams have plenty of firepower to call upon but it will be interesting to see who gets the upper hand in this game.
Phoenix Suns vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction:
This should be an entertaining battle between two high-flying teams. Expect both sides to put up a lot of points, but the Suns have been in good form lately and should be able to snatch the win in this one.
Phoenix Suns vs Brooklyn Nets betting tip:
The Suns start as favourites at $1.48 while the Nets are outsiders at $2.75.
Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Smoothie King Center
New Orleans, LA
The Atlanta Hawks will be looking to take another step closer to a postseason spot when they travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans. The Hawks are currently ninth in the East but have lost four of their last six matches, while the Pelicans sit 11th in the West with a 28-27 record.
This game will be an interesting battle as Trae Young faces off against Brandon Ingram. Both players have been having strong seasons, but if Atlanta want to come away with a win they’ll need more from their supporting cast, especially De’Andre Hunter who has been inconsistent lately.
Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction:
This should be a close matchup between two teams trying to make up ground in their respective conferences. Young should be able to get the better of Ingram, but the Pelicans have been in good form lately and should be able to take this one.
Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans betting tip:
New Orleans start as favourites at $1.77 while Atlanta are outsiders at $2.10.
Chicago Bulls vs Memphis Grizzlies
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
FedExForum Memphis, TN
The Chicago Bulls will be looking to continue their resurgence when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies. The Bulls have won four of their last six games and currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Grizzlies are second in the West with a 31-21 record.
This game should feature an exciting matchup between Zach LaVine for Chicago and Ja Morant for Memphis. Both players have been impressive this season and it’s likely to come down to who can make more plays down the stretch.
Chicago Bulls vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction:
The Bulls have been playing some good basketball lately, but the Grizzlies have also been in good form and could cause them trouble here. Expect a close affair with LaVine and Morant going head-to-head, but Memphis should come away with the win in this one.
Chicago Bulls vs Memphis Grizzlies betting tip:
Memphis start as favourites at $1.35 while Chicago are outsiders at $3.40.
Minnesota Timberwolves Denver Nuggets
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Ball Arena Denver, CO
The Minnesota Timberwolves will be hoping to end their five game losing streak when they travel to take on the Denver Nuggets. The Wolves are currently seventh in the Western Conference standings with a 29-27 record, while the Nuggets are first in the West and have won six of their last ten matches.
This game could come down to which team is able to get more production from their star players. Karl-Anthony Towns will be key for Minnesota, while Nikola Jokic is always an important figure in Denver’s offense.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets Prediction:
The Timberwolves have been struggling lately, but the Nuggets have been playing some good basketball and should be too strong for them here. Expect another win for Denver.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets betting tip:
Denver start as favourites at $1.30 while Minnesota are outsiders at $3.70.
Oklahoma City Thunder Los Angeles Lakers
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Crypto.com Arena Los Angeles, CA
The Oklahoma City Thunder will be looking to keep their playoff hopes alive when they travel to take on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder are currently 12th in the West with a 25-27 record, while the Lakers sit 13th in the same conference and have won four of three last six matches.
This should be an exciting matchup between two teams that are fighting for playoff spots. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will need to step up if the Thunder are going to cause an upset, while LeBron James and Anthony Davis will lead the way for LA.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction:
The Thunder have been inconsistent lately but could cause some problems against this strong Lakers team. However, the Lakers have been in better form and should take this one.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers betting tip:
Los Angeles start as favourites at $1.35 while Oklahoma are outsiders at $2.30.