Basketball fans are in for a treat later tonight as the NBA has served up a pair of exciting matchups that will definitely capture the imagination of hoops lovers all over. First off, the streaking Atlanta Hawks put their winning run on the line when they face LaMarcus Aldridge and the rest of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Then, the New Orleans Pelicans take on the red-hot Los Angeles Clippers in an explosive Western Conference showdown. Read on below for our quick breakdown of these two marquee games and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of Super Bowl XLIX as the biggest sporting event of the year draws ever closer.
[sc:NBAArticles ]
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Atlanta Hawks (7:30 PM ET)
Line: Portland Trail Blazers (+7) at Atlanta Hawks (-7); total: 202.5 – view all NBA lines
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Atlanta Hawks are simply on fire right now after recording their franchise-record 17th consecutive victory Wednesday with a convincing 113-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Paul Millsap led the charge for the Hawks, scoring 28 points in addition to his 15 rebounds. Five other Atlanta players scored in double-figures.
They will look for that same balance on the offensive end when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers later tonight. The Blazers are coming off a tough 99-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Blazers had no answer for Kyrie Irving who exploded for a career-high 55 points. Even with the defeat, Portland will take heart in Aldridge’s great form.
Even with an injured thumb, Aldridge looked like his old dominant self against the Cavs, scoring 38 points and hauling down 11 boards. He leads the team in points and rebounds this season, averaging 23.6 PPG and 10.2 RPG.
The Hawks are 3-2 in their last five meetings with the Blazers at home.
Writer’s Prediction
Atlanta wins, 102-89.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans (8:00 PM ET)
The Los Angeles Clippers will look to extend their winning streak to seven games when they travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans later tonight. The Clippers are playing some lights-out basketball during their winning run, averaging 109.6 points per game in their last six contests.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, are looking to rebound from their disappointing 93-85 defeat to the Denver Nuggets Wednesday night. Anthony Davis led the way for New Orleans with 24 points and 12 rebounds but his effort was simply not enough to stop the Nuggets who snapped their seven-game losing skid.
The Pelicans are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 meetings with the Clippers at home.
