NBA Play-in games
Hawks vs Heat: MIA -5
Twitter: @ZGthagrapevine
Miami covers the 5 easily. Jimmy Butler always rises to the occasion in the playoffs. Plus. Trae Young sucks against the Heat.
In 17 careers games Young is averaging: 21.4 points on 40.2 percent shooting, including 32.8 percent on 3-pointers. In four games this season, Young averaged 19.8 points on 35.6 percent shooting, including 20.8 percent from deep.
On March 4, for example, Miami held Young to eight points on 2-for-13 shooting
Eric Spolstra has figured out how to limit Young. If they can continue to do that, which it seems like they will, Miami should win this game handily.
T-Wolves vs Lakers: LAL -7.5
No Gobert, which will surprisingly hurt the Timberwolves. Gobert is simply an overpaid role player who should only play against teams that have offenses that involve big men, like Anthony Davis and the Lakers.
The interesting thing is I like Minnesota’s offense more when Gobert isn’t in the way. He clogs up the lane, which makes it tougher for ANT to get going. When he isn’t in the game they can go 5-out and spread the floor. This allows KAT to shoot and ANT to create off of his penetration.
BUT, the Lakers are really good defensively, and AD looks like a top 5 player in the league right now. Lebron looks good off the injury. I don’t know how people couldn’t take the Lakers here to win and cover.
Bulls vs Raptors: TOR -5
Give me the Bulls. I’m surprised that Toronto is -5. The Bulls are more talented offensively between Derozan and Lavine. Lavine has been on a tear recently. He’s averaging just under 27 ppg.
Beverley and Caruso defensively are going to give the Raptor’s backcourt problems. Vucevic has been good defensively this year.
If Lavine and Derozan can be solid defensively then the Bulls should win.
Thunder vs Pelicans: NO -5.5
I want to take the Thunder. I have loved watching them all year long, but the Pelicans are experienced. The Pelicans have two go to guys on offense in Ingram and McCollum. Outside of SGA I don’t trust anyone else to get me a bucket on the Thunder.
This Pelicans team was the 1 seed earlier this year, then injuries derailed them. They’ve figured it out, and I fully expect them to win tomorrow night and to beat the Timberwolves for the 8 seed.
They’ll give the Nuggets all they can handle with or without Zion.
