NBA Picks January 2: Cleveland versus Atlanta Featured Matchup

The NBA has begun its 72-game schedule and a week into action, a few teams have surprised. Two of them face off as the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Atlanta Hawks. Several other games will be examined for January 2, 2021.

Note that the point spread lines have not yet been set for these games as of December 30.

Charlotte Hornets versus Philadelphia 76ers

Two teams starting off the season in opposite directions, the Hornets are “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +9 on the Power Ranking Indicator. The 76ers, on the other hand, are “burning hot” and +22, respectively. If considering the over/under in this one, it’s best to pass according to the Totals Predictor. Take note that the Hornets are woefully inconsistent according to their favorite/underdog status, but the 76ers are quite stable. Philadelphia won both meetings between the teams last season and expect much of the same in this one.

New York Knicks versus Indiana Pacers

New York has been a bit of a surprise team, winning two of their first four games. They enter the game “burning hot” and +12 on the Power Ranking Indicator. The Pacers are near the top of the Eastern Conference in the early going and are “average down” and +29. The over/under is best to be avoided in this game with the teams trending on opposite sides of the line. Indiana easily disposed of the Knicks by 14 points on December 23. The Pacers have been consistently performing and will be home favorites. Look for another comfortable win by the Pacers.

Toronto Raptors versus New Orleans Pelicans

The Raptors have gotten off to a terrible start, losing their first three games. They are “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator and only +3 on the Power Ranking Indicator. On the other hand, New Orleans is +25 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average” status. Both teams have been trending in games under the line, so it’s best to bet “under” in this contest. The Pelicans comfortably defeated the Raptors in the first meeting by 14 points on December 23. They have also been the more stable team according to the Team Volatility Oscillator. Look for the game to be closer this time, but the Raptors have yet to put together a complete game. The Pelicans will win again by about half dozen points.

Cleveland Cavaliers versus Atlanta Hawks

Two teams that were not expected to go anywhere this season are off to great starts, having lost only once between them in seven games. Cleveland is “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator compared to “burning hot” for Atlanta. Both teams are +29 on the Power Ranking Indicator. The teams are trending on opposite sides of the over/under line, so the wise play is to avoid betting on the line. Cleveland took control last season between the teams, winning both games. Be aware of the fact that the Cavaliers have been inconsistent according to their favorite/underdog status. They will likely be road underdogs, but the inconsistency will continue. Go for Cleveland to win in an upset.

Sacramento Kings versus Houston Rockets

Despite the dominant scoring of James Harden, the Rockets have dropped their first two games. They are “average down” and +11 on the Power Ranking Indicator. The Kings are off to a great start, winning three of four. They are “average up” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +21 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Here’s another game where betting the over/under is an iffy proposition. The Team Volatility Oscillator indicates that the Rockets are significantly more stable according to their favorite/underdog status. In this first meeting between the two teams this season, expect Houston to get back on track with a win and cover.

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