Man vs Machine: NBA Day 37

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After a few days off Man vs Machine returns for another week - just in time for the giant Thanksgiving slate, with 13 games to choose from. On today's agenda, LeBron returns to Cleveland for the first time as a Laker, Toronto head to Atlanta whilst the Pelicans visit Philly.

New Orleans @ Philadelphia

After trouncing the San Antonio Spurs last time out, the New Orleans Pelicans hit the road to take on Jimmy Butler and the Philadelphia 76ers.

It's been a promising start to the Butler era in Philly, with the team on a three-game win streak after dropping Butler's first game as a Sixer in Orlando. Anthony Davis vs Joel Embiid looms large, as the two bigs go head to head.

Key Stats and Trends: New Orleans have been excellent at home, but they're just 2-6 on the road, including 3-5 ATS. Philadelphia meanwhile are still undefeated at home, standing at 9-0 including 5-4 ATS. Their Net Rating at home is also very impressive, posting a +7.4 per 100 possessions, which ranks 12th in the NBA.

New Orleans are talented and could shoot the lights out, posting 109.9 points per 100 (ranked 8th) but on the road a win is less likely because of a leaky defense, which concedes 111.9 points per 100, ranked 22nd. Trust the Process, and it shall deliver. Take Philly.

Key Play: Philadelphia -4

Toronto @ Atlanta

Toronto backs up from a buzzer-beating win against the Orlando Magic last night, heading to Atlanta to take on the struggling Hawks. At 3-14 on the season, there's not a whole lot for Hawks fans to smile about.

John Collins has returned for the Hawks, however, and may provide a spark. For Toronto meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard will sit out due to rest, OG Anunoby and C.J. Miles are both questionable while Norman Powell is still out. 

Key Stats and Trends: starting with the home team, Atlanta doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. They're 2-5 at home this season and are 2-5 ATS in those games. Their Net Rating is ranked 29th at -7.3 per 100, and won't scare the Raptors despite their outs.

Toronto might be the deepest team in the league and will be confident despite key outs. They're 7-2 on the road this season and have the #1 ranked Defensive Rating (102.6 per 100) and Net Rating (+7.0 per 100) in those contests. The line has shrunk into single digits, and that's enough for me to take it with confidence.

Key Play: Toronto -7.5

LA Lakers @ Cleveland

LeBron James returns to Cleveland for the first time as an LA Laker, as the struggling Cavs try to overcome their JR Smith drama and injury concerns to try and overcome LeBron and his new squad.

Since their blowout loss to Toronto the Lakers have won 5 of their last 6 games, and are starting to find their groove. Cleveland meanwhile are a miserable 2-13, and have lost 7 of their last 8.

Key Stats and Trends: the Cavs are 2-5 at home this season, including 2-5 ATS in those contests. Their Net Rating is -5.0 per 100, ranked 27th in the NBA. Their Offensive Rating (105.8 per 100, ranked 22nd) and Defensive Rating (110.8 per 100, ranked 24th) aren't much better.

LA are 4-4 on the road, but their Net Rating of +2.6 per 100 is good for 4th in the NBA. LeBron just dropped 51 on his former Miami Heat squad, and he'll carry that into this one. Trust him and the Lakers to cover the 9.5 point spread.

Key Play: LA Lakers -9.5

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