This time of year is a joy to behold for all you NBA fans out there. The season is well underway, and the teams are starting to settle into their routine for the season.
This time of the week is when we look at the upcoming games and preview the best of the action. We have analyzed four games for you in total, and they are all sizing up to be blockbuster Basketball events.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Boston Celtics
The last time we saw the Spurs, they delivered an impressive victory, beating the Thunder by 121-112. In the early games of the season, this side led the way in the NBA Western Conference, but in recent weeks their form has declined. The key to this game is starting well. If they can get out of the blocks fast and build up a decent lead, we might see an upset.
It’s easy to look at the Celtics and think that everything has been perfect for them in the NBA so far. If you look closer at those results, and some of the injuries they have sustained, that picture becomes a little more unclear.
Nobody can argue that a 6-1 for the season so far is fantastic, though. The last defeat for Boston came in the opening NBA game. They lead the way at the top of the Eastern Conference and look unstoppable.
Prediction: At the risk of upsetting a few in the office, Celtics to win this one
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors
The definition of an average season, is how we would describe the performances of the Thunder. The ‘nearly’ men on many occasions this season, they need to get a win out of this one. 3-5 for the season is not the worst return, but they promise to deliver so much more if they can pull a run together. It could be that they are meeting the Warriors at the right time.
The Warriors’ spectacular fall from grace over the last few seasons has well and truly continued into this NBA season. They lost against the Rockets with a whimper, and on so many occasions this season, the team has looked well off the pace. They are 14th in the Western Conference with only two wins from eight games, which is very disappointing.
Prediction: Thunder to pile on the misery with a well-earned win
Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The Hornets come into this one as the favorites. That is less down to their abilities, and more down to their opposition. The last game saw them pushed aside by the Celtics, which is a painful blow.
Even more distressing is watching their all-time leading point scorer walk out onto the court for the other team, although that was Jordan’s call when he chose not to give Walker the contract he demanded.
The Pelicans are rock bottom of the NBA Western Conference. Their record reads as 1-6 after seven games, and only a win in this game would take them to level at the foot of the standings.
In reality, a season of glory was never expected, but at least seeing some fight in the team would be fantastic for the fans. Can they cause an upset to draw level in the standings with the Warriors?
Prediction: Hornets to cruise to victory in this game
Chicago Bulls vs. Houston Rockets
Three wins and six defeats for the Bulls so far this term is below expectations. The last time they were out on the court they performed well, putting in a hard-earned win over the Hawks.
That came at the right time. Before, they were on a two-game losing streak. Jabari Parker looked promising with his 18 points and 5 rebounds, and he is the man to watch for Chicago.
The Rockets have fared well so far, with an above-average start to this year’s NBA season. Their last victims were the Warriors in a game they dominated, forcing a 129-112 scoreline that didn’t flatter their performance. If they can find that level of intensity again, they will be too much for the Bulls, even away from home.
Prediction: Rockets to add another victory and climb further up the NBA Western Conference
The Verdict
The games are all there, and the predictions give you what you need if you are gambling this weekend. As always, we will be back next week with more predictions and results from the matchups happening this weekend.
The season still has a long way to go, and anything could happen at this stage. Be sure to take some time this weekend to take in the NBA in all its glory.