NBA Picks January 16: Orlando versus Brooklyn Featured Game

As we enter the middle of January, the NBA season is in full swing.  A blockbuster trade sending James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets instantly makes them a favorite in the Eastern Conference. Their game against the Orlando Magic headlines action with other games on slate.

Orlando Magic versus Brooklyn Nets

The Magic come in with the fifth best record in the Eastern Conference and the Nets are fourth. Orlando has a +18 to +8 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, while the Nets are “average” versus “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The teams have been trending on opposite sides of the “over/under” line, but with Harden’s added scoring, betting the “over” is a safe play. Orlando has been more consistently performing according to their favorite/underdog status, as indicated by the Team Volatility Oscillator. The Nets are entirely too strong for the Magic with the addition of Harden. Go with the Nets to win and cover.

Charlotte Hornets versus Toronto Raptors

The Hornets are hovering around the .500 mark, while the Raptors have struggled to the second worst record in the Eastern Conference. Not surprisingly, the Hornets have a +16 to +4 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Totals Predictor indicates the Raptors have trended in games slightly over the line, while the Hornets have been in games going significantly under. I would be the “under” in this one. Both teams are showing inconsistency in terms of performing according to their favorite/underdog status. Go with the Hornets to edge the Raptors, perhaps in overtime.

Detroit Pistons versus Miami Heat

The Pistons have the worst record in the Eastern Conference and face a Miami team that is struggling to reach the .500 mark after an excellent season in 2019-2020. The Heat have a +13 to +3 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average down” versus “ice cold up” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Here’s a game to avoid the “over/under” with the teams trending on opposite sides of the line. Despite poor records, both teams have been consistently performing according to their favorite/underdog status. With the Pistons a road underdog, it’s prime time to bet on the Heat not only to win, but to cover the spread.

Philadelphia 76ers versus Memphis Grizzlies

After dropping two out of three with a depleted roster due to COVID-19 protocols, the 76ers should have most of their lineup in tact against the Grizzlies. The 76ers are near the top of the Eastern Conference and have a +25 to +6 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator against the Grizzlies, who are near the bottom of the Western Conference. With a two-game winning streak, the Grizzlies are “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Look for a lower scoring game, so betting the “under” is a smart play. Philadelphia is +7 on the Team Volatility Oscillator, among the best in the NBA. The 76ers should take this one on the road by a narrow margin.

Indiana Pacers versus Phoenix Suns

Fourth in the Western Conference, the Suns are one of the surprise teams in the NBA. They have a +28 to +18 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. The Pacers are fourth in the Eastern Conference and are “average” versus “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator.  I would avoid betting the “over/under” since teams are trending on opposite sides of the line. Note that the Pacers are -2 on the Team Volatility Oscillator, so take their favorite/underdog status lightly when considering a bet. The Suns will have an edge at home, so pick them to win and cover.

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