Two NBA games where the shape of the roster matters more than the standings. Memphis arrives with the best record in the league and a scoring spread across several guards, while New Orleans is missing its guard scorer and its starting centre. Orlando, meanwhile, keeps losing players from an already thin rotation, and Washington is the fresher side.
Memphis against New Orleans: Memphis is 6-0 and built on shooting, with big third quarters and a depth answer already tested when it won comfortably with guards out. New Orleans scores freely, and its win over Atlanta leaned on points off turnovers, but its defence is the weaker unit and Poole and Missi were out for its last two wins too. At home Memphis should take control in the second half. That's why I'm siding with Memphis to win.
Orlando against Washington: Orlando just lost its lead guard Black on top of Banchero, Suggs and several others, plays on short rest in a busy week, and carries a deeply negative point differential through six games. Washington has the positive differential, about three days of rest, flatter quarter scoring and better free-throw shooting. Even if the frontcourt doubts on Washington's side clear up, I expect a close game or a Washington edge. That's why I'm siding with Washington getting the points.
