Buzzerbeater Predictions : Game 14
It was not my best day for predictions on Saturday. I was off by an average of 16.95 points, I correctly predicted the winners on only 5 games (was expecting 6.5). Hopefully this week turns out better. I am expecting to have predicted the correct winner in 6.9 games, and for the Great 8 to pull through with 5.8 wins.
Featured Game
The Mercenaries at Balls of Steel
The premiere matchup this week pits two likely playoff teams against each other. These teams are nearly identical on offense and defense, so expect scoring efficiency to not be the deciding factor in this game. The major player here is scoring opportunities. Balls of Steel has a sizeable rebounding advantage, and a modest passing advantage as well. Balls of Steel should have more second chances to score, which will translate into a decent victory.
Balls of Steel by 17.3 (91.4%)
The Rest
Misfits at Trombe BC
Trombe dominates Misfits in every category, and has home court, so don’t expect much of a battle here.
Trombe BC by 45.1 (99.5%)
New York Knuckleheads at Bautosai
The Knuckleheads were caught off guard at home Saturday, but don’t expect a repeat performance here. Bautosai is above average in only one category – rebounding – but don’t expect that to be an assett for them Saturday. The Knuckleheads feature the second best rebounding in the league.
New York Knuckleheads by 25.2 (96.2%)
Upland Raptors at Slashing Dragons
This matchup projects closer than you might think on an initial glance. Both teams feature average offenses. The Raptors have a sizeable rebounding advantage and a modest defensive advantage. Slashing Dragons counters with superior passing and home court advantage. Upland is expected to win, but can’t afford to take the Slashing Dragons lightly.
Upland Raptors by 1.9 (58.8%)
BC Iron Horse at Cold Fish
I don’t care how much of a blowout this is predicted to be. Cold Fish has now lost two games in a row where they were expected to cruise to a modest victory. At this point, until Cold Fish regains their footing, every team can expect to be in the game.
Cold Fish by 24.3 (95.8%)
illinois frostes at Wheels World
Both teams featured in this game still have playoff hopes that are very much alive. Despite only having a 3-10 record, illinois is only one game out of a playoff spot. The same goes for the 6-7 Wheels World. Wheels world kept themselves in the playoff race by winning on Saturday. illinois frostes have stayed in the playoff race by default – nearly all the competition for the 4th playoff spot lost. More of the same should be expected here, with Wheels World taking advantage of home court and a massive rebounding advantage.
Wheels World by 10.6 (83.0%)
Crooklyn Ruckus at white -red knights
Crooklyn will have problems winning this one. white -red knights feature a slightly below average offense and defense, but Crooklyn may not be able to take advantage. Crooklyn ranks last in offense and second to last in defense.
white -red knights by 14.4 (88.5%)
Cathar Heretics at The Ashkickers
The only real difference between these two teams this season is that Cathar has more pathetic rebounding than The Ashkickers. Their offensive, defensive, and passing numbers are nearly identical. Couple the rebounding advantage with home court, and give the nod to The Ashkickers.
The Ashkickers by 9.2 (80.4%)
