Three NBA games, three different shapes, but each one has a clear gap in current form and available players. In two of them a struggling side is leaking points every night. In the third, two healthy, well-built teams meet and the depth chart decides it.
New York vs Milwaukee: the Bucks are 1-9, allow about 121 a game and have lost five of their last six by seven or more. The Knicks have won three straight, by 12, 30 and 13, including a road win at Cleveland, and come in rested at home. Milwaukee's middle quarters are where it bleeds most, and the Knicks have the depth to keep the pressure on. Even if Josh Hart is limited, the defensive gap does not close. That's why I'm siding with the Knicks to win.
Philadelphia vs Boston: Boston is healthy and has the better shooting base, around 39 percent from three against about 34 for Philadelphia, with a clearly bigger scoring margin over its last ten. Philadelphia has Bona, Hukporti and Barlow all out, so any Embiid rest minute goes to thin big-man depth. Home court and Brown's return add motivation, but Boston's spread-out scoring and rotation edge matter more. I'm siding with Boston to win.
Utah vs Miami: Utah is 1-9, concedes nearly 118 a game and fades in the second and third quarters. Jackson Jr and Nurkic are out, and Keyonte George is newly out after playing last game, with Markkanen doubtful. That leaves the Jazz thin on creation and rim protection. Miami shoots better, has the size, and only needs to win. That's why I'm siding with Miami.
