NBA Prediction for November 18th: Rockets Soar to Five Consecutive Wins, Harden Steers Clippers to End Losing Streak
Today's predictions for five games were all incorrect, and previously the accuracy rate for predicting wins and losses was around 60-70%.
A while ago, I had a conversation with a classmate who works in self-media. He suggested that if I want to pursue a career in NBA self-media, I should adapt to the development of the traffic era. Nowadays, everyone's pace of life is fast, and not many true fans constantly follow the NBA. They only occasionally pay attention to their favorite teams. Only things related to interests will attract more attention. Therefore, during this period, I started trying to develop in the direction of predicting point spread victories and defeats.
The accuracy rate of predictions during this period has been extremely low. I completely think from the perspective of a fan, so I fell into the trap set by the bookmakers. I can only continuously summarize experience and hope to improve. There are ten games tomorrow, and the pre-game predictions are as follows:
Suns vs Timberwolves (-7.5)
Pre-game analysis:
Durant and Beal continue to be sidelined due to injuries. Booker has not yet proven that he can lead the team without All-Star teammates. In the last game against the Thunder, Booker shot 2-for-10, scoring only 10 points with 4 rebounds and 4 assists, and the team's record dropped to fifth in the West with 9 wins and 4 losses.
The Timberwolves have also been in poor form recently, with 2 wins and 3 losses in the last five games. Edwards showed toughness in the key moments of the last game against the Kings, changing his previous tendency to opt for easy three-point shots. He repeatedly attacked the paint and scored two crucial 2+1s, keeping the Timberwolves alive with 36 points.
Point spread prediction: After observing the games during this period, it is generally believed that there won't be too many surprises in the earlier games, but the later games are more susceptible to manipulation. I favor the Timberwolves to win at home with the point spread.
Heat vs Pacers (-3.5)
Pre-game analysis:
In the last matchup between the two teams, the Pacers opened as favorites at home but were completely dominated by the Heat. Tomorrow, the Pacers are again favored at home, which is very misleading. The Pacers lack defense; they were able to perform well last season solely relying on offense. This season, their offensive struggles are largely due to the inconsistent form of their playmaker, Haliburton, resulting in a 5-7 record.
Butler remains sidelined due to injury, but under Coach Spo's guidance, the Heat have established a system. Even without their core players, the team can still function normally, with different players stepping up.
Point spread prediction: The Pacers are known for their offense and are unlikely to perform poorly at home for two consecutive games. I favor the Pacers to win at home with the point spread.
Hornets vs Cavaliers (-10.5)
Pre-game analysis:
The Cavaliers have won 14 consecutive games, and it seems that only the Celtics can pose a threat to them later on. Mitchell will rest tomorrow. Ball has put up All-Star numbers this season, averaging 29.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. His 2-meter height allows him to play guard with a graceful and entertaining style.
Point spread prediction: Although the Cavaliers are a popular choice, the point spread is quite high. I favor the Hornets to win on the road with the point spread.
Pistons vs Wizards (+5.5)
Pre-game analysis:
The Pistons have shown significant growth this season, unlike the Wizards, who are still considered a weak team. The Pistons have been playing with great resilience in recent games, with Cunningham gradually maturing and performing more comprehensively. However, his 4.9 turnovers per game rank first in the league, and he still needs to control his mistakes better.
Poole has played much better this season than before, but unfortunately, the team's strength is lacking, and they have suffered seven consecutive losses.
Point spread prediction: The Wizards rarely receive points, and they have a chance to cover the spread. I favor the Wizards to win at home with the point spread.
Nuggets vs Grizzlies (-1.5)
Jokic's participation is questionable, and without him, the Nuggets lack confidence. There are too many unpredictable factors in this game, making it difficult to predict.
Hawks vs Trail Blazers (+5.5)
Pre-game analysis:
I have a feeling that the Hawks' offense and defense become more balanced when Trae Young doesn't play. The Trail Blazers have boosted their confidence by defeating the Timberwolves twice in a row. Normally, it's hard to say who would win between the Hawks and the Trail Blazers, but now the Hawks are favored by 4.5 points on the road.
Point spread prediction: I favor the Trail Blazers to win at home with the point spread.
Mavericks vs Thunder (-5.5)
Pre-game analysis:
The Mavericks are undoubtedly a strong team, and their success depends on the performances of their core players, Doncic and Irving. I believe that a focused Doncic is still unstoppable. Although the Thunder have won three consecutive games, their centers are all out, leaving no one in the paint, forcing them to play a small lineup of five guards, which exposes their weaknesses when facing stronger opponents.
Point spread prediction: The Mavericks rise to the challenge against strong opponents, and I favor them to win with the point spread.
Nets vs Knicks (-8.5)
Pre-game analysis:
In the last matchup between the two teams, the Knicks narrowly defeated their opponents with Brunson's buzzer-beater. The Knicks' performance this season has been inconsistent, with their defense not as good as last season. The last game had a small margin, and most people might think that tomorrow's game will also be intense, but it often goes against expectations.
Point spread prediction: I favor the Knicks to win at home with the point spread.
Rockets vs Bulls (+4.5)
Pre-game analysis:
The Rockets have a group of energetic young players who play with great enthusiasm. They just go for it when they get the ball, and their record is 9 wins and 4 losses, ranking third in the West. The Bulls find it difficult to match the Rockets' intensity, and if they play normally, the Bulls are likely to be overwhelmed by the Rockets.
Point spread prediction: I favor the Rockets to win on the road with the point spread.
Jazz vs Clippers (-8.5)
Pre-game analysis:
The Jazz will be playing back-to-back games tomorrow, and they have been very competitive in the last two games, narrowly losing to the Kings today. The Clippers are in poor form, having lost three consecutive games, but they are still favored by 8.5 points, which is a relatively high point spread. Harden is getting old, and it's unlikely that he will have a scoring outburst. He can only help the team with his organization and playmaking, and the Clippers mainly rely on Powell for scoring.
Point spread prediction: Later games are easily controlled, and the less favored team often has a greater chance. I favor the Clippers to win at home with the point spread.
Game Schedule:
Thank you for your likes and attention. My recommendations for point spread predictions are mostly incorrect, so please take them as references only. Everyone is welcome to share their opinions!
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