My NBA Prediction Practice Journey
Woke up this morning scrolling hoops news when that Pelicans-Pacers matchup caught my eye. Been tracking both teams all season so figured I’d try my hand at predicting tonight’s game. Here’s exactly how it went down:
First thing? Dug through my messy notebook for recent stats. Saw Pacers dropped 135 points last game against Boston – crazy offense right there. Meanwhile Pelicans choked hard against Warriors scoring less than 90. Flipped back pages remembering Zion shot like trash that night. Grabbed cold pizza from fridge while scribbling notes.
- Checked injury reports: CJ McCollum still out? Big problem for NOLA
- Glanced at Pacers’ possible missing players – not as bad
- Saw Zion’s 20-for-5 shooting circled three times in red pen
Then pulled up that weird ESPN win probability thing – showed 62% chance for Pacers. Didn’t fully trust it though. Remembered Pacers play at warp speed while Pelicans move like turtles sometimes. Would tire out Zion fast? Chugged coffee thinking about it.
Finally made my messy prediction chart:
- Pacers offense too hot right now
- Pelicans missing too many shooters
- Indiana’s bench deeper than Lake Michigan
- Zion looked exhausted last three games
Slapped the table shouting “PACERS BY 6!” Spilled cold coffee everywhere. Called my buddy Dave who knows ball – he laughed saying “Pelicans without CJ? Zero chance man.” Felt better hearing that. Ended up writing my final prediction on pizza box: 128-122 Pacers. Not perfect but feels right based on all the mess I looked at today. Let’s see tonight if my pizza box math holds up.
