Man vs Machine: NBA Day 30

Sports predictions are a relatively new concept in Australia. As sports fans and punters, we are accustomed to hearing opinions, sometimes mixed in with historical stats and trends, on how a game is likely to pan out. We also form our own expert opinion based on knowledge of the game.

For every sport, we will release Author opinions in these segments, and each week we’ll recap how each side did - the opinion or the data, the head or the heart, THE MAN OR THE MACHINE. 

For everything our models account for - past performance, individual data, location factors and much more - we'll compare them against our authors, their insights and their emotions, to truly see who has that inside edge. 

THIS is how we will show you that the average punter can benefit from Stats Insider, not just the pros. No matter what kind of punter you are - social, regular or serious, Stats Insider has something for you.

The Machine won the first day of battle yesterday, going 2-0 against the Man, who went 0-3 overall for the day. Kemba Walker put up a stinker in a blowout loss for the Hornets to the Cavs, James Harden and Chris Paul turned it on for the Rockets against the Nuggets, and the Warriors couldn't cover the spread in their win over the Hawks.

On today's segment, there's a loaded eleven game slate to choose from. We'll be focusing on Jimmy Butler's debut for the Sixers in Orlando, Utah's trip to Dallas, and the Spurs hit the road to take on Phoenix.

Philadelphia @ Orlando

The attention will be on Jimmy Butler, as he makes his much-anticipated debut for the Philadelphia 76ers today against the Orlando Magic. All of the early season stats for the Sixers go out the window (not entirely, but still) as they adjust to their new superstar.

Orlando have been about as expected under new coach Steve Clifford, trying to combine defensive acumen with their frontcourt athleticism. It's proved to be unreliable night-to-night and makes them a tough team to predict.

Key Stats and Trends: with Philadelphia losing two starters and gaining Butler, let's take a look at the Magic's key numbers this season. They're just 2-6 ATS at home this season, with the 30th ranked offense (101.0 points per 100 possessions), 20th ranked defense (109.5 per 100) and 28th ranked Net Rating (-8.5 per 100).

Philadelphia have struggled on the road this season, but look for them to show out today, especially Butler.

Key Play: Philadelphia -5.5

Utah @ Dallas

The currently inconsistent Utah Jazz take their three-game win streak to Dallas to take on the offensive power of the Mavericks. Donovan Mitchell is brushing off a slow start to the season, as he finds his feet this year, much like his team.

Dallas meanwhile is brushing off rumours of infighting and will look to win their third game in a row after an impressive win over Oklahoma City and road win in Chicago against the Bulls.

Key Stats and Trends: today we're banking on Dallas' offensive weaponry to make this a serious contest. At home, the Mavericks post the 5th ranked offense at a scorching 115.8 points per 100 possessions. Utah's defense is good, but it hasn't quite found it's feet yet outside of Rudy Gobert.

The Mavericks are 4-2 ATS at home, we're thinking it'll be 5-2 after today. Take the points.

Key Play: Dallas +5

San Antonio @ Phoenix

San Antonio will look to arrest a recent skid, as they've dropped three of their last four games, and they'll head to Phoenix to take on the Suns, who might be the worst team in the NBA right now.

Phoenix still has Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker however, and can make life tough for opponents. The question for them will be defense, where they leak points at an alarming rate.

Key Stats and Trends: Phoenix are 2-11 on the season, 5-8 ATS with the league's worst point differential (-13.5), having lost four in a row by an average of 16.5 points. Their offense is ranked 27th at home (102.3 points per 100), 25th in defense (111.1 per 100) and 29th in Net Rating (-8.9 per 100).

San Antonio is 6-6 ATS this season, but have been solid on the road. Their offense ranks 8th (110.5 per 100), defense 16th (108.9) with a +1.6 Net Rating, ranked 9th overall. This is the perfect game for them to bounce back from their recent woes.

Key Play: San Antonio -5.5

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