The NBA this year seems like everyone is a little mixed up because of the irregular scheduling and all of the COVID-19 precautions that have to be taken every day in spots where there is so much physical contact and so many people courtside.  Tonight’s four games look like a fun reason to stay at home and enjoy some NBA basketball action.

The Pels Meet The Hornets

The New Orleans Pelicans are a better team than the 4-4 would indicate.  They have lost their last 2 games in a row, blowing 10 point leads late, because the just did not finish what they started. Pelicans head coach Stan Van Gundy said after the loss on Wednesday, “The bottom line is didn’t play any defense. You give up 27 fast-break points to a team that came in averaging 7.5 fast break points, we don’t need to talk about anything else.”  For the Hornets, Gordon Hayward is averaging 21.9 points per game, Terry Rozier 20.6 and Lamelo Ball 12.1.  The Pelicans top three players are Brandon Ingram at 24.9 points per game, Zion Williamson at 21.4 and Lonzo Ball at 13.4.  Notice that we will see the two Ball Brothers g0ing head to head for the first time tonight.  The Hornets are the underdogs at +210, while the Pelicans are getting 6.5 on an Over/Under of 218.

Grizzlies Face Issues Against The Nets

The Brooklyn Nets will be without their two big guys tonight when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies.  Both Kevin Durant is still on COVID-19 protocols and Kyrie Irving is sitting out the game for “personal reasons.”  Caris LeVert, who is averaging 15.3 points per game for the Grizzlies, said after the game on Wednesday night, “Obviously it’s a totally different team when those guys are out here.  But I think we’ve done a great job of having the next man up mentality, guys stepping into those roles and filling what we need as a team and that will be important for us all year.”  This could very well be the best matchup of the evening, even without the super stars.  The spread is close, with the Nets getting 1.5 points and -122 on the moneyline.  The Over/Under seems to be right on target, at 217.5, but this one could go over.

Lakers Not Expecting Trouble From The Bulls

The LA Lakers are going for victory number seven in a row tonight against the Chicago Bulls at home at the Staples Center in LA where they are heavily favored.  After struggling last night against the San Antonio Spurs and losing the game. Bulls star Zach LeVine is averaging 24.7 points per game which just edges out LeBron James who is averaging 24.2. The difference here is that the Bulls are lacking another big guy like Anthony Davis to complement LeVine.  Still, the Lakers are the clear favorites, at -455, and the 9.5 spread in their favor seems to show that they’ll have little difficulty.  With that in mind, the Over/Under of 226.5 might not be reached.

Clippers And Warriors To Battle

In the biggest in-state rivalry in the NBA, the LA Clippers has now won four straight against the Golden State Warriors.  Since being beaten by Golden State in the 2019 playoffs, the Clippers seem to have the Warriors’ number.  Stephen Curry is back and playing spectacular basketball this year for the Warriors averaging 29.6 points per game and putting on a clinic from the 3-point line. Paul George is rocking for the Clippers, averaging 24.6 points per game and playing exhibition defense. Kawhi Leonard is up to 23 points per game.  Ironically, both teams have five players averaging in double figures this early in the season.  The Clippers have now made 45 straight free throws against the Warriors, all on the Golden State home court at the Chase Center, and that’s one of the reasons they’re getting -210 from oddsmakers.  The 5.5 spread shows that this could be a close game, and the Over/Under of 231 will probably be broken.