International Friendlies

The Clippers enter this matchup with a veteran core led by James Harden and Ivica Zubac, capable of controlling tempo and exploiting Brooklyn’s defensive struggles. The Nets have been inconsistent, particularly on defense and in protecting the paint, making it difficult to contain Los Angeles’ offensive weapons. With superior depth, experience, and a matchup edge, the Clippers are well positioned to dominate and cover.

The Nuggets have held up well without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. They’ve won three of their first five games since he was ruled out, including wins over Philadelphia and Boston in their previous two. The Hawks lost back-to-back games at the Raptors earlier this week, and they’ve lost five of their last six away trips.

The Knicks have struggled on the road, going just 7-9 and 5-12 ATS, despite strong production from Jalen Brunson and their frontcourt. Phoenix has been one of the most consistent Western teams, with Devin Booker leading the way and Dillon Brooks providing crucial secondary scoring. With the Suns playing confidently at home and New York’s road inefficiencies continuing, the edge clearly goes to Phoenix.

This will be the second straight meeting between the sides, with the Trail Blazers coming out on top in the first meeting at home. With Alperen Sengun remaining out, the Rockets will once again be on the road without their leading playmaker. In each of the last 3 games they have failed to score over 104 points and if they struggle similarly without his creativity here, it is hard to see them pick up a dominant win.

Both teams are on short rest, which should lead to tired legs and weaker defence, favouring the deeper roster. New Orleans is mostly healthy, with Zion Williamson producing consistently and Trey Murphy expected back to boost scoring. Washington faces lineup uncertainty and defensive issues. The Pelicans have capitalised when favoured, and they’re well placed to beat a Wizards side that gave up two players in their rotation for an injured Trae Young with an eye on sliding down the standings to keep their draft pick. 

The Raptors have lost both meetings with the Celtics this season, including a 112-96 home defeat just before Christmas. Toronto have been dominated in the rebounding battle in those games, and the continued absence of Jakob Poeltl – their only 7 ft player – leaves them vulnerable. With doubts over their two most talented players, back Toronto to struggle against Boston again.

The Clippers enter this matchup with a veteran core led by James Harden and Ivica Zubac, capable of controlling tempo and exploiting Brooklyn’s defensive struggles. The Nets have been inconsistent, particularly on defense and in protecting the paint, making it difficult to contain Los Angeles’ offensive weapons. With superior depth, experience, and a matchup edge, the Clippers are well positioned to dominate and cover.

The Nuggets have held up well without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. They’ve won three of their first five games since he was ruled out, including wins over Philadelphia and Boston in their previous two. The Hawks lost back-to-back games at the Raptors earlier this week, and they’ve lost five of their last six away trips.

The Knicks have struggled on the road, going just 7-9 and 5-12 ATS, despite strong production from Jalen Brunson and their frontcourt. Phoenix has been one of the most consistent Western teams, with Devin Booker leading the way and Dillon Brooks providing crucial secondary scoring. With the Suns playing confidently at home and New York’s road inefficiencies continuing, the edge clearly goes to Phoenix.

This will be the second straight meeting between the sides, with the Trail Blazers coming out on top in the first meeting at home. With Alperen Sengun remaining out, the Rockets will once again be on the road without their leading playmaker. In each of the last 3 games they have failed to score over 104 points and if they struggle similarly without his creativity here, it is hard to see them pick up a dominant win.

The Nuggets have held up well without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. They’ve won three of their first five games since he was ruled out, including wins over Philadelphia and Boston in their previous two. The Hawks lost back-to-back games at the Raptors earlier this week, and they’ve lost five of their last six away trips.

The Knicks have struggled on the road, going just 7-9 and 5-12 ATS, despite strong production from Jalen Brunson and their frontcourt. Phoenix has been one of the most consistent Western teams, with Devin Booker leading the way and Dillon Brooks providing crucial secondary scoring. With the Suns playing confidently at home and New York’s road inefficiencies continuing, the edge clearly goes to Phoenix.

This will be the second straight meeting between the sides, with the Trail Blazers coming out on top in the first meeting at home. With Alperen Sengun remaining out, the Rockets will once again be on the road without their leading playmaker. In each of the last 3 games they have failed to score over 104 points and if they struggle similarly without his creativity here, it is hard to see them pick up a dominant win.