NBA Restart Day Predictions (7/30)
- BIDW Media
- Jul 30, 2020
- 3 min read
In just a couple of hours the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans will tip-off, and the NBA will be back for the first time in over four months. We’ve spent an entire offseason plus without basketball and over here at BIDW we couldn’t be more excited for the return of the NBA! Caleb Otte, Logan Adams, and Thomas Stapleton got together to make a quick collaboration of their picks for tonight’s games, so enjoy this quick post and the games tonight!
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Utah Jazz (+107) vs New Orleans Pelicans (-128)
Via: Action Network
Thomas:
I'm actually really excited to watch this game. The reason I want to watch the game is also the reason why the Pelicans will win: Zion Williamson. I've talked about how I think that the Jazz won't be all that good in Orlando and I expect a dominant performance from Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram and I think that Derrick Favors will lock the paint up against his former team. I've got the Pelicans in a blowout win.
Winner: New Orleans Pelicans
Logan:
With Zion Williamson (as far as I know), not available for opening night, there is a huge piece missing for the Pelicans if they want to beat the Jazz. With stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, the Jazz should be the clear favorite, crushing this team with its athleticism and defense.
Winner: Utah Jazz (121-107)
Editor's Note: Zion is a game-time decision.
Caleb:
Even if Zion ends up not playing, I think I’m going with the Pelicans. Brandon Ingram has been great this year, Lonzo Ball has improved his shot, and Jrue Holiday can lock up Donovan Mitchell. This will be the first time we’ll truly get to see how the Utah Jazz's chemistry is and I don’t think it will be good. It’ll be close but, especially if Zion plays even 15 minutes, I’ve got New Orleans.
Winner: New Orleans Pelicans by 9
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Los Angeles Clippers (+176) vs Los Angeles Lakers (-212)
Via: FanDuel
Thomas:
This has no impact on who I think will make the title or anything like that but I do think that the Lakers will win this game. The Clippers are currently missing Montrezl Harrell, Lou Williams, and Pat Beverley for this game. The Lakers are a lot more healthy and a lot more prepared for this game. Kawhi Leonard has also been struggling immensely in these scrimmage games. Unless he has an absolutely monster game, the Lakers should win this game thanks to a great performance by not LeBron James, not Anthony Davis, but Dion Waiters.
Winner: Los Angeles Lakers
Logan:
I’m picking the Clippers over the Lakers, because of their defensive prowess of their wings, but also the things that don’t have to do with talent. The Lakers technically had home court advantage for all three matchups this season, whereas in the bubble that will be eliminated. The Clippers are also simply a better coached team, and despite missing some key pieces in their rotation, I still have them as my pick to win.
Winner: Los Angeles Clippers (108-105)
Caleb:
The Clippers are missing some key bench pieces like Lou Williams, and I think that’ll hurt them especially coming off a long break. LeBron and Anthony Davis look to be ready for this game, and while I think Kawhi and PG can do great things tonight I don’t really see them doing enough. While I’ve got the Clippers winning it all, I don’t see them winning this one. The Lakers are just more ready and healthy right now.
Winner: Los Angeles Lakers by 5
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We hope you enjoyed this mini-collab and we hope you enjoy the games tonight! Comment your predictions down below and subscribe to our YouTube and podcast!
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