New Orleans vs Boston
When: Monday, March 29, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Where: TD Garden

TV:
LINE: -140 Boston
PREDICTION:

Oddsmakers currently have the Boston listed as 2.5 point favorites versus the New orleans, while the game’s total is sitting at .229.5

Zion Williamson is routinely accomplishing feats that link him to NBA legends.

He has scored more than 20 points in 23 consecutive games, making him the only player younger than 21 to do that.

Dallas coach Rick Carlisle described the second-year forward as “a Shaquille O’Neal-type force of nature with a point guard skill set” after Williamson had 38 points in a win over the Mavericks on Saturday.

“It’s an honor to hear my name in those categories, but I am who I am: Zion,” Williamson said. “I’m trying to be the first and only Zion. That’s all there is to it.”

Williamson and the Pelicans’ next game is against the Celtics on Monday night in Boston.

His point total against Dallas was one less than the career-high he had in a loss to Denver on Friday.

“Honestly, I was just making reads,” Williamson said. “If the driving lane was there, I was going to go, but I also used that to my advantage when it came to passing, because I’ve got great shooters around me who are very confident, so I made the pass and they executed off of it.”

Nickeil Alexander-Walker was one of the players who executed off Williamson’s efforts, scoring 20 points on Saturday. Williamson scored or assisted on the Pelicans’ final 14 points.

“Every read, he’s just making the reads and of course he’s doing Zion things,” Alexander-Walker said. “At this point in time, I’m not surprised. He’s a great player and very unselfish, and he made winning plays.”

Williamson had 28 points and 10 rebounds to support Brandon Ingram’s 33 points in a 120-115 overtime victory over the visiting Celtics on Feb. 21. New Orleans overcame a 24-point deficit for the largest comeback win in franchise history.

Boston had a winning comeback of its own in a 111-94 victory at Oklahoma City on Saturday.

The Thunder led 80-76 after three quarters, but the Celtics went on a 19-0 run early the fourth quarter and finished with a 35-14 edge in the period. Boston made 56 percent of its shots and Oklahoma City made 5-of-17 shots in the final period.

“We feel good,” Celtics guard Marcus Smart said. “We don’t feel great. We don’t feel like — we’re not complacent. We’re not done. We’re not satisfied. This is just a start for us.”

The victory followed another in Milwaukee on Friday as Boston concluded a four-game trip on a winning note after losing five of six.

“This was one where we had to find a way because we can’t keep going back and forth,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “We’ve got to establish some momentum here.”

Jayson Tatum scored 20 of his 27 points in the second half and Jaylen Brown added 25 points.

“We’ve got a lot of talent out here individually, but that’s not going to beat anybody,” Smart said. “That’s not going to beat teams. Teams are getting better, teams are good, teams are doing their homework.”

Monday’s game, which starts a seven-game homestand, is the first Celtics home game this season in which a limited number of spectators will be allowed.

“We have our fans coming in,” Smart said. “It’s time for us to go out there and play Celtics basketball and make this run.”

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TORONTO vs BOSTON
When: 2/11/2021 7:30 PM
Where: TD Garden, Boston

TV: 7:30 PM
LINE: -4.5 Boston
PREDICTION: BOSTON , TORONTO

Oddsmakers currently have the Boston Celtics listed as -4.5 point favorites versus the Toronto Raptors, while the game’s total is sitting at 222.5.

The Celtics have gone 9-6 against Eastern Conference teams. Boston has a 12-6 record when scoring more than 100 points.

The Raptors are 9-6 in Eastern Conference play. Toronto is third in the Eastern Conference shooting 39.1% from downtown. Norman Powell leads the Raptors shooting 43.8% from 3-point range.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Celtics won 126-114 in the last matchup on Jan. 4. Tatum led Boston with 40 points, and Fred VanVleet led Toronto with 35 points.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Tatum is averaging 26.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Celtics. Kemba Walker is averaging 12.2 points and 3.3 assists over the last 10 games for Boston.

VanVleet leads the Raptors averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers while scoring 20.4 points per game and shooting 38% from beyond the arc. Chris Boucher is averaging 7.6 rebounds and 12.6 points per game over the last 10 games for Toronto.

LAST 10 GAMES:

Celtics: 4-6, averaging 111.1 points, 41.8 rebounds, 21.8 assists, 8.1 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.4 points on 48.2% shooting.

Raptors: 6-4, averaging 120 points, 41.5 rebounds, 25.5 assists, 10 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.9 points on 46.9% shooting.

INJURIES:

Celtics: Romeo Langford: out (right wrist), Marcus Smart: out (calf).

Raptors: Yuta Watanabe: out (ankle), Patrick McCaw: out (knee), OG Anunoby: out (calf).

BOTTOM LINE: Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics host the Toronto Raptors. Tatum is ninth in the NBA averaging 26.8 points per game.

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CLEVELAND vs DENVER
When: 2/10/2021 9:00 PM
Where: Ball Arena, Denver

TV: 9:00 PM
LINE: -9.5
PREDICTION: DENVER , CLEVELAND

Oddsmakers currently have the Denver Nuggets listed as -9.5 point favorites versus the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the game’s total is sitting at 225.

The Nuggets have gone 5-6 in home games. Denver ranks third in the Western Conference shooting 38.2% from downtown, led by JaMychal Green shooting 46.3% from 3-point range.

The Cavaliers are 3-8 in road games. Cleveland is 4-11 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The matchup Wednesday is the first meeting this season for the two teams.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets with 8.5 assists and scores 27.5 points per game. Jamal Murray is averaging 14.6 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 38.0% over the last 10 games for Denver.

Collin Sexton leads the Cavaliers averaging 23.6 points and collecting 2.4 rebounds. Andre Drummond is averaging 11.4 rebounds and 16.2 points per game over the last 10 games for Cleveland.

LAST 10 GAMES:

Nuggets: 6-4, averaging 115.1 points, 46.7 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 8.3 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.8 points on 47.1% shooting.

Cavaliers: 2-8, averaging 103.4 points, 41.7 rebounds, 21.6 assists, 7.1 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.9 points on 49.6% shooting.

INJURIES:

Nuggets: Greg Whittington: out (knee), PJ Dozier: out (hamstring), Gary Harris: out (left adductor).

Cavaliers: Larry Nance Jr.: out (finger), Matthew Dellavedova: out (concussion), Kevin Love: out (calf).

BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland will try to break its five-game road skid when the Cavaliers take on Denver.

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OKLAHOMA CITY vs LA LAKERS
When: 2/10/2021 10:00 PM
Where: STAPLES Center, Los Angeles

TV: 10:00 PM
LINE: -11.5 Lakers
PREDICTION: LA LAKERS , OKLAHOMA CITY

Oddsmakers currently have the Los Angeles Lakers listed as 11.5 point favorites versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the game’s total is sitting at 219.5.

The Lakers are 12-4 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles is third in the Western Conference with 51.4 points per game in the paint led by Anthony Davis averaging 12.3.

The Thunder have gone 5-10 against Western Conference opponents. Oklahoma City has a 3-9 record in games decided by 10 points or more.

The teams square off for the second game in a row.

TOP PERFORMERS:

LeBron James is averaging 25.6 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers. Dennis Schroder is averaging 13.9 points and 3 rebounds while shooting 46.8% over the last 10 games for Los Angeles.

Al Horford leads the Thunder averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers while scoring 13.7 points per game and shooting 41.5% from beyond the arc. Darius Bazley is averaging 8.2 rebounds and 13.9 points per game over the last 10 games for Oklahoma City.

LAST 10 GAMES:

Lakers: 8-2, averaging 109.8 points, 41.7 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 7.6 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 104.6 points on 45.3% shooting.

Thunder: 4-6, averaging 110.3 points, 44.5 rebounds, 23.1 assists, 7.6 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116 points on 46.4% shooting.

INJURIES:

Lakers: Alex Caruso: day to day (hand), Anthony Davis: out (achilles), Kostas Antetokounmpo: out (knee), Jared Dudley: out (calf).

Thunder: Theo Maledon: out (health protocols), George Hill: out (thumb), Trevor Ariza: out (personal), Mike Muscala: out (concussion), Isaiah Roby: out (foot).

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles hosts Oklahoma City looking to extend its three-game home winning streak.

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MILWAUKEE vs PHOENIX
When: 2/10/2021 10:00 PM
Where: PHX Arena, Phoenix

TV: 10:00 PM
LINE:
PREDICTION: PHOENIX , MILWAUKEE

Oddsmakers currently have the Milwaukee Bucks listed as 4 point favorites versus the Phoenix Suns, while the game’s total is sitting at 226.5.

The Suns have gone 7-4 at home. Phoenix ranks ninth in the NBA with 25.9 assists per game led by Chris Paul averaging 8.2.

The Bucks have gone 7-6 away from home. Milwaukee ranks second in the league with 48.8 rebounds per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo paces the Bucks with 11.1.

The matchup Wednesday is the first meeting this season between the two teams.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Devin Booker is second on the Suns with 4.3 assists and scores 23.5 points per game. Cameron Johnson is averaging 2.1 made 3-pointers and 10.8 points over the last 10 games for Phoenix.

Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.3 points, 11.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists for the Bucks. Khris Middleton is averaging 19 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 53.4% over the last 10 games for Milwaukee.

LAST 10 GAMES:

Suns: 6-4, averaging 109.8 points, 46.8 rebounds, 25.6 assists, 6.6 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.7 points on 44.7% shooting.

Bucks: 7-3, averaging 122.6 points, 50.5 rebounds, 28.8 assists, 7.5 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.5 points on 44.9% shooting.

INJURIES:

Suns: Chris Paul: out (hamstring), Cameron Payne: out (foot), Dario Saric: out (ankle), Abdel Nader: out (ankle), Jae Crowder: out (right foot).

Bucks: Jrue Holiday: out (health protocols).

BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix will attempt to extend its three-game win streak with a victory against Milwaukee.

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TORONTO vs WASHINGTON
When: 2/10/2021 7:00 PM
Where: Washington

TV: 7:00 PM
LINE:
PREDICTION: WASHINGTON , TORONTO

Oddsmakers currently have the Toronto listed as 5.5 point favorites versus the TORONTO, while the game’s total is sitting at 229.5.

The Wizards have gone 4-11 against Eastern Conference teams. Washington has a 6-15 record when allowing over 100 points.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had a stretch like this where, great win — two- or three-point win, last seconds of the game — tough loss, great win, same thing,” Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. “Three-and-three in the last six. What we’ve gone through, I’m not usually fired up about 3-3, but we’ve gone through a lot, and our guys battled back.”

The Raptors are 8-6 against Eastern Conference opponents. Toronto averages 14 turnovers per game and is 4-1 when turning the ball over more than opponents.

“We all challenged each other to play harder and be more into it, and that didn’t just include the five guys that were on the floor,” said Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, who scored 32 points. “That was also the guys on the bench. We definitely went out there and earned it after giving up 70 (points) in the first half.

“A 27-point third and a 16-point fourth. You can live with that. You can survive that way. So, hopefully, we’ll build on that moving forward.”

The matchup Wednesday is the first meeting of the season for the two teams.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Davis Bertans leads the Wizards averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers, and is scoring 10.3 points per game while shooting 33.1% from beyond the arc. Russell Westbrook is averaging 13.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists over the last 10 games for Washington.

Fred VanVleet is averaging 20.7 points and 4.3 rebounds for the Raptors. Norman Powell is averaging 18.3 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 40.4% over the last 10 games for Toronto.

LAST 10 GAMES:

Wizards: 3-7, averaging 106.5 points, 44.7 rebounds, 22.4 assists, 6.8 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 42.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.8 points on 47.0% shooting.

Raptors: 6-4, averaging 116.4 points, 41.4 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 10.6 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.5 points on 46.7% shooting.

INJURIES:

Wizards: Thomas Bryant: out for season (left knee).

Raptors: Patrick McCaw: out (knee), Kyle Lowry: day to day (back), OG Anunoby: out (calf).

BOTTOM LINE: Bradley Beal leads Washington into a matchup against Toronto. He leads the league scoring 33.3 points per game.

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INDIANA vs BROOKLYN
When: 2/10/2021 8:00 PM
Where: Brooklyn

TV: 8:00 PM
LINE:
PREDICTION: BROOKLYN , INDIANA

Oddsmakers currently have Brooklyn listed as 2.5 point favorites versus Indiana, while the game’s total is sitting at 234.5.

The Nets are 9-9 in Eastern Conference games. Brooklyn is 6-2 when it wins the turnover battle and averages 15.4 turnovers per game.

“It’s up to the team to decide what type of team they want to be, what they want to get out of this experience,” Nets coach Steve Nash said. “I think our team needs to challenge themselves and figure out who they want to represent together.”

The Pacers are 7-6 in Eastern Conference play. Indiana is seventh in the Eastern Conference scoring 113.1 points per game and is shooting 47.6%.

“We’re obviously a little frustrated with the last four or five games,” Indiana’s Doug McDermott said. “It hasn’t gone the way we wanted them to go, but we also know what we’re capable of, how we started this year. We know we have enough in that locker room to win games.”

The teams meet Wednesday for the first time this season.

TOP PERFORMERS:

James Harden is shooting 49.2% and averaging 23.7 points. Kyrie Irving is averaging 24 points and four rebounds while shooting 48.8% over the last 10 games for Brooklyn.

T.J. McConnell leads the Pacers averaging 6.7 assists while scoring 4.7 points per game. Malcolm Brogdon is averaging 20.5 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 42.7% over the last 10 games for Indiana.

LAST 10 GAMES:

Nets: 5-5, averaging 122.4 points, 40.8 rebounds, 28.1 assists, 5.6 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 50.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.5 points on 48.5% shooting.

Pacers: 4-6, averaging 113.4 points, 43.3 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 7.1 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.5 points on 45.6% shooting.

INJURIES:

Nets: Iman Shumpert: out (left hamstring), Spencer Dinwiddie: out for season (acl), Kevin Durant: out (health and safety protocols).

Pacers: Caris LeVert: out (kidney), TJ Warren: out (foot).

BOTTOM LINE: The Brooklyn Nets and the Indiana Pacers meet in a matchup of two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

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ATLANTA vs DALLAS
When: 2/10/2021 7:30 PM
Where: America Airlines Center, Dallas

TV: 7:30 PM
LINE: -3.5
PREDICTION: DALLAS , ATLANTA

Oddsmakers currently have Dallas Mavericks listed as -3.5 point favorites versus Atlanta Hawks, while the game’s total is sitting at 233.5.

The Mavericks have gone 4-7 at home. Dallas averages 43 rebounds per game and is 4-13 when outrebounded by opponents.

“It helps bring back a little bit of the normalcy,” Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said regarding the return of 1,500 spectators to the venue.

The Hawks are 5-5 on the road. Atlanta is 8-3 in games decided by 10 or more points.

“I don’t know if you’re just going to replace De’Andre,” Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce said. “You just have to have other guys step up, and that’s what we’re looking for. … It definitely doesn’t sound like a season-ending injury. I’m sure it’s going to take some time for rehab and from a strength and conditioning standpoint, but all signs so far are he’s going to be back — just don’t know exactly when.”

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Mavericks won 122-116 in the last matchup on Feb. 3. Doncic led Dallas with 27 points, and John Collins led Atlanta with 35 points.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Doncic leads the Mavericks with 9.3 assists and scores 27.8 points per game. Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers and 16.8 points over the last 10 games for Dallas.

Trae Young leads the Hawks averaging 9.2 assists while scoring 26.7 points per game. Collins is averaging 20.7 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 53.0% over the last 10 games for Atlanta.

LAST 10 GAMES:

Mavericks: 3-7, averaging 113.8 points, 40.7 rebounds, 23.1 assists, 6.1 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.3 points on 49.5% shooting.

Hawks: 5-5, averaging 114.4 points, 44.9 rebounds, 24.2 assists, 6.1 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.5 points on 46.2% shooting.

INJURIES:

Mavericks: None listed.

Hawks: De’Andre Hunter: out (right knee), Kris Dunn: out (right ankle), Bogdan Bogdanovic: out (knee).

BOTTOM LINE: Luka Doncic leads Dallas into a matchup with Atlanta. He ranks sixth in the NBA scoring 27.8 points per game.

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LA CLIPPERS vs MINNESOTA
When: 2/10/2021 8:00 PM
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis

TV: 8:00 PM
LINE: 8.5
PREDICTION: MINNESOTA , LA CLIPPERS

Oddsmakers currently have LA Clippers listed as 8.5 point favorites versus Minnesota Timberwolves, while the game’s total is sitting at 226.5.

The Timberwolves are 4-12 in conference matchups. Minnesota is ninth in the Western Conference with 24.1 assists per game led by Ricky Rubio averaging 6.0.

The Clippers have gone 11-5 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles is fifth in the NBA scoring 114.8 points per game while shooting 48%.

The two teams play for the second time this season. The Clippers defeated the Timberwolves 124-101 in their last matchup on Dec. 29. Lou Williams led LA with 20 points, and D’Angelo Russell paced Minnesota scoring 22 points.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Jarred Vanderbilt is second on the Timberwolves with 6.1 rebounds and averages 6.4 points. Beasley is shooting 46.2% and averaging 22.6 points over the last 10 games for Minnesota.

Leonard has shot 50.4% and is averaging 26 points for the Clippers. Serge Ibaka is averaging 12.3 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 56.8% over the last 10 games for Los Angeles.

LAST 10 GAMES:

Timberwolves: 3-7, averaging 109.4 points, 42.6 rebounds, 23.9 assists, 8.8 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.6 points on 47.7% shooting.

Clippers: 6-4, averaging 114.7 points, 46.7 rebounds, 23.1 assists, 7.3 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.9 points on 46.4% shooting.

INJURIES:

Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns: out (health and safety protocols), Jarrett Culver: out (left ankle), D’Angelo Russell: day to day (leg).

Clippers: Patrick Beverley: day to day (knee), Paul George: day to day (foot).

BOTTOM LINE: Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers visit Malik Beasley and the Minnesota Timberwolves in Western Conference action.

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NEW ORLEANS vs CHICAGO
When: 2/10/2021 9:00 PM
Where: United Center, Chicago

TV: 9:00 PM
LINE: Pelicans -3
PREDICTION: CHICAGO , NEW ORLEANS

Oddsmakers currently have the CHICAGO listed as 3 point favorites versus the NEW ORLEANS, while the game’s total is sitting at 231.

The Bulls are 3-8 on their home court. Chicago is sixth in the Eastern Conference shooting 37.4% from deep, led by Zach LaVine shooting 40.9% from 3-point range.

The Pelicans are 4-7 on the road. New Orleans ranks eighth in the Western Conference giving up only 111.8 points while holding opponents to 45.6% shooting.

The Bulls and Pelicans square off Wednesday for the first time this season.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Coby White leads the Bulls with 5.3 assists and scores 14.9 points per game. LaVine is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers and 28 points over the last 10 games for Chicago.

Brandon Ingram leads the Pelicans averaging 23.8 points and is adding 5.5 rebounds. Zion Williamson is shooting 60.2% and averaging 23.7 points over the last 10 games for New Orleans.

LAST 10 GAMES:

Bulls: 4-6, averaging 111.4 points, 43.4 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 7.3 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.2 points on 47.2% shooting.

Pelicans: 6-4, averaging 118.9 points, 46.3 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 7.2 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.9 points on 45.6% shooting.

INJURIES:

Bulls: Chandler Hutchison: out indefinitely (personal), Wendell Carter Jr.: out (quad), Lauri Markkanen: out (shoulder), Otto Porter Jr.: day to day (back).

Pelicans: None listed.

BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans will attempt to prolong its four-game win streak with a victory against Chicago.

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