Three NBA games where the rosters on the floor look lopsided on paper: one side is intact, the other is missing key bigs or guards. Each game is built on depth and shot creation rather than a single star.
In Indiana against Philadelphia, the Pacers are without their starting centre and backup guard, and several rotation players carry injury tags. Their third quarter faded badly at Milwaukee after an early lead. Philadelphia arrives with a nearly complete roster and should take control in the second half. That's why I'm siding with Philadelphia.
In Detroit against Charlotte, Detroit has the clearly better shooting base and Charlotte is short of its lead guards, which thins its creation and three-point volume. Detroit's back-to-back and the absence of its centre cost something, but Charlotte lacks the shooting to exploit it, and its fourth quarters have leaked. I'm siding with Detroit.
In Utah against San Antonio, the Jazz have given up about 121 a game and are missing their centres and a likely second big. The Spurs have scored freely in their last two games. Utah can only stay close if its shooting runs hot at home. I'm siding with San Antonio to win.
