Man vs Machine: NBA Day 42

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It was a tough day for both Man and Machine yesterday, as they agreed on both Sacramento and Portland to cover before both teams were blown off their home floors by Utah and the LA Clippers respectively. We lick our wounds and move on to Day 42 action.

Day 42 brings a seven-game slate, and we've picked out three games of interest. The Hornets host the red-hot Milwaukee Bucks in Charlotte, Boston travels to New Orleans whilst the Pacers head to Utah to take on the Jazz.

Milwaukee @ Charlotte

The hottest team in the league heads to Charlotte as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Hornets. Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing like an MVP and Mike Budenholzer has reinvigorated the team on both ends of the floor.

Charlotte meanwhile have been a bit hard done by this season. Despite a point differential of +4.5 (3rd in the Eastern Conference), they've lost close games by one, one, three and five points. They're better than their 9-10 record suggests.

Key Stats and Trends: this is a matchup of a very good road team against a very good home team. The Hornets are 6-3 at home (6-3 ATS), the Bucks are 4-3 on the road (3-4 ATS). At home, the Hornets are 4th in Offensive Rating (116.1 points per 100 possessions), on the road the Bucks are 1st (114.4 points per 100).

Defensively the Hornets are ranked 12th (106.2 per 100), the Bucks are 13th (108.5 per 100), whilst in Net Rating Charlotte are 3rd (+9.9 per 100) at home, whilst the Bucks are 2nd on the road with a +5.9 per 100. Close across the board, this points to me to be a close game. Take the points with Charlotte and have faith.

Key Play: Charlotte +4.5

Boston @ New Orleans

A struggling Boston Celtics head to New Orleans to take on Anthony Davis and the Pelicans, who are battling injuries and patchy form. Brad Stevens is still trying to figure out the best mix of his loaded roster, while Alvin Gentry is managing injuries and rotation issues.

With just a two-point spread, unless you think this game will be a one-point game it's essentially a pick 'em - so which way should you lean? Let's take a look at the numbers.

Key Stats and Trends: the Pelicans have been brilliant at home, with an 8-1 record, but just 5-4 ATS in those games. Their Offensive Rating of 117.0 per 100 is 1st in the NBA amongst home teams, but their Defensive Rating is 24th, leaking 110.8 points per 100. The Pels Net Rating of +6.2 per is 11th.

Boston meanwhile are 5-7 on the road, and just 3-9 ATS in those games. Their offense has struggled (20th overall), posting 105.5 points per 100. Defensively they've been as sturdy as always, holding teams to 105.3 points per 100 (ranked 5th). It's, for this reason, I think the Celtics can hang with the Pels, and make life difficult for them. Take the points.

Key Play: Boston +2

Indiana @ Utah

The impressive Indiana Pacers head to Utah to take on the Jekyll and Hyde Jazz, who haven't been able to find their groove this season. They might've found it last time out though, as they thumped Sacramento yesterday (much to the Man AND the Machine's dismay).

Donovan Mitchell will miss this game for Utah, and it'll be interesting to see if they can hit shots and generate consistent offense the same way they could against the Kings yesterday.

Key Stats and Trends: the Jazz have struggled mightily at home this season, with just a 2-5 record including 3-4 ATS. Their offense has been middle of the road, ranked 13th (111.1 points per 100). Defensively they've been a disaster, ranked 29th allowing 114.1 points per 100, whilst their Net Rating is 25th (-2.9 per 100).

Indiana has been a mixed bag on the road with a 5-4 record (3-5-1 ATS), mainly due to defensive struggles (ranked 20th, 111.1 per 100). Their offense has been good though, ranked 7th posting 110.7 points per 100. Their Net Rating is 11th (-0.4 per 100). I like Utah, but this 4 points on offer for the Pacers is too tempting. Lay it.

Key Play: Indiana +4

Week Record: 0-2

(Sacramento +4 - Loss, Portland -4.5 - Loss)

Man vs Machine Record: 0-0 (Man & Machine agreed on Monday's picks)

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