NBA Daily Picks: Lakers Desperate For A Win Over Jazz, Warriors Take On Bucks
Last time out, we navigated a 5-game NBA night, securing a 2-3 record and bringing Fadeaway World's overall season tally to 92-43. Now, with another exciting 8-game NBA night on the horizon, we're geared up to analyze, predict, and continue our strong record.
The NBA action begins with an exciting matchup as the Houston Rockets face off against the Boston Celtics. Following that, the Washington Wizards take on the Atlanta Hawks, and the New York Knicks go head-to-head with the Memphis Grizzlies. The marquee matchup of the day features the Golden State Warriors against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Later in the day, the Orlando Magic meet the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the New Orleans Pelicans go up against the Dallas Mavericks. The Chicago Bulls face the San Antonio Spurs, and the day concludes with a showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz. Stay tuned for a day filled with thrilling basketball matchups!
Houston Rockets At Boston Celtics - 7 PM EST
Rockets Last 10 Games: 4-6
Celtics Last 10 Games: 7-3
Rockets Injuries: Dillon Brooks - Out (Oblique), Tari Eason - Out (Leg), Victor Oladipo - Out (Knee)
Celtics Injuries: N/A
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 4-1
The Houston Rockets (18-13) aim to break their two-game losing streak when facing the Boston Celtics (29-9) on Saturday night. Struggling in recent outings, the Rockets have lost four of their last five games, with road performances being a particular challenge, securing only three wins in 15 away games.
On the other hand, the Celtics, following a recent win against Minnesota, suffered a blowout loss to Milwaukee. Now back at home, where they boast an 18-game winning streak, the Celtics are determined to extend their success by defeating the Rockets. This seems like an uphill battle for Houston, whose record on the road has not been great, while the Celtics are perfect at home. Plus they have their full squad and this could be an easy victory for the Celtics.
Prediction: Celtics def. Rockets 122-105
Washington Wizards At Atlanta Hawks - 7:30 PM EST
Wizards Last 10 Games: 1-9
Hawks Last 10 Games: 3-7
Wizards Injuries: Johnny Davis - Day To Day (Questionable), Landry Shamet - Day To Day (Personal)
Hawks Injuries: Wesley Matthews - Day To Day (Calf), Vit Krejci - Out (Shoulder), De'Andre Hunter - Out (Knee), Mouhamed Gueye - Out (Back)
Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 5-0
In this Eastern Conference matchup, the struggling Washington Wizards (6-31) are set to face the Atlanta Hawks (15-22). In their recent encounter just six games ago, the Hawks secured a 130-126 victory over the Wizards. On the other hand, the Atlanta Hawks, despite a shaky performance in the last month and losing the majority of their last 20 games, have been more formidable at home.
Coming off a recent win against the Sixers, the Hawks aim to capitalize on their success against the struggling Wizards once again. The Wizards have a tough task on their hands as they are not in great form and the Hawks are in great shape at home. This could be an easy victory for the Hawks who look to build on their recent win over the Sixers.
Prediction: Hawks def. Wizards 119-108
New York Knicks At Memphis Grizzlies - 8 PM EST
Knicks Last 10 Games: 6-4
Grizzlies Last 10 Games: 5-5
Knicks Injuries: Jalen Brunson - Day To Day (Calf), Mitchell Robinson - Out (Ankle)
Grizzlies Injuries: Desmond Bane - Day To Day (Ankle), Santi Aldama - Day To Day (Knee), Marcus Smart - Out (Finger), Ja Morant - Out (Shoulder), Derrick Rose - Out (Thigh), Brandon Clarke - Out (Achilles), Steven Adams - Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Grizzlies Lead 4-1
In a cross-conference clash, the New York Knicks (22-16) are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies (14-24) in a matchup featuring two teams riding waves of recent success. The Knicks, currently holding the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference, come into the game after securing five consecutive victories, including notable wins over the Timberwolves, Bulls, and 76ers.
Although plagued by injuries, the Grizzlies will bring their scrappy home game against the Knicks. However, the prediction leans towards the New York Knicks securing another convincing victory on the road.
Prediction: Knicks def. Grizzlies 112-102
Golden State Warriors At Milwaukee Bucks - 8 PM EST
Warriors Last 10 Games: 4-6
Bucks Last 10 Games: 5-5
Bucks Injuries: N/A
Warriors Injuries: Draymond Green - Day To Day (Conditioning), Moses Moody - Out (Calf), Chris Paul - Out (Hand), Gary Payton II - Out (Hamstring)
Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2
In a challenging back-to-back, the Golden State Warriors (18-20) will look to rebound from recent struggles when they face the Milwaukee Bucks (26-12) on Saturday night Despite the impending return of Draymond Green from suspension, the team faces uncertainty.
On the other side, the Bucks, also grappling with inconsistencies, managed to regain momentum with a decisive win over the Boston Celtics. The Warriors, dealing with a demanding schedule, face the challenge of recovering from a victory over the Chicago Bulls just a day earlier, while the Bucks enter the game rested after a lighter workload in their recent blowout victory. This should be an easy victory for the Bucks as they are the better team and the Warriors are on a back-to-back.
Prediction: Bucks def. Warriors 125-104
Orlando Magic At Oklahoma City Thunder - 8 PM EST
In a clash between promising young rosters, the Orlando Magic (21-17) will face the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-11) in a cross-conference showdown. Affected by injuries, the team faces a tough road matchup against one of the Western Conference's top performers.
On the other side, the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading the Northwest Division and boasting a tied record for the best in the Western Conference with the Minnesota Timberwolves, enter the game in peak form. With eight wins in their last ten games and a three-game winning streak, the Thunder aim to maintain their dominance. Despite the Magic's depth, injuries may hinder their ability to counter the Thunder's high-scoring and well-rounded performance, making Oklahoma City the favorites at home.
Prediction: Thunder def. Magic 119-107
New Orleans Pelicans At Dallas Mavericks - 8:30 PM EST
Pelicans Last 10 Games: 6-4
Mavericks Last 10 Games: 6-4
Pelicans Injuries: Matt Ryan - Out (Elbow)
Mavericks Injuries: Josh Green - Day To Day (Illness), Grant Williams - Day To Day (Ankle), Dante Exum - Out (Heel), Maxi Kleber - Out (Toe), Luka Doncic - Out (Ankle), Dereck Lively II - Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 3-2
In a showdown between Southwest Division contenders, the New Orleans Pelicans (23-16) face the Dallas Mavericks (23-16) for the third time this season, with the series currently tied at 1-1. Leading the division by a slim margin, the Pelicans have displayed excellent form, securing six victories in their last seven games.
Close on their heels, the Dallas Mavericks have won four of their last five games, eager to gain an advantage in the season series. Hosting the matchup as slight home underdogs with an extra day of rest, the Mavericks aim to capitalize on their 12-8 home record. Expect a high-paced, closely contested game with both teams seeking to assert dominance, making it a coin flip, but the home court may provide the Mavericks with a slight edge.
Prediction: Mavericks def. Pelicans 122-113
Chicago Bulls At San Antonio Spurs - 8:30 PM EST
Bulls Last 10 Games: 5-5
Spurs Last 10 Games: 3-7
Bulls Injuries: Torrey Craig - Out (Heel), Lonzo Ball - Out (Knee)
Spurs Injuries: Doug McDermott- Day To Day (Ankle), Victor Wembanyama - Out (Rest), Sidy Cissoko - Out (Ankle), Zach Collins - Out (Ankle), Charles Bassey - Out (ACL)
Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 4-1
In a cross-conference matchup, the Chicago Bulls (18-22) take on the San Antonio Spurs (7-30) for the third and final time this season, with the Bulls leading the series 2-0. Seeking to sweep the season series against the struggling Spurs, Chicago aims to capitalize on their recent success. The San Antonio Spurs, residing at the bottom of the Southwest Division, have experienced challenges, winning only two of their last twelve games.
Despite recent victories over the Pistons and Trail Blazers, the Spurs face an uphill battle against the Bulls, who have outscored them by 28 points in their previous two meetings. While the Spurs show signs of improvement, the Bulls, led by DeMar DeRozan, are poised for another victory in this matchup. And without Victor Wembanyama, this should be another blowout victory for the Bulls.
Prediction: Bulls def. Spurs 119-104
Los Angeles Lakers At Utah Jazz - 9:30 PM EST
Lakers Last 10 Games: 4-6
Jazz Last 10 Games: 8-2
Lakers Injuries: D'Angelo Russell - Day To Day (Knee), Cam Reddish - Day To Day (Knee), Christian Wood - Day To Day (Illness), Anthony Davis - Day To Day (Ankle), LeBron James - Day To Day (Ankle), Gabe Vincent - Out (Knee)
Jazz Injuries: N/A
Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 3-2
The Los Angeles Lakers (19-20) head to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz (20-20) after a disappointing 127-109 loss at home to the Phoenix Suns. The Jazz, on the other hand, are in the midst of a back-to-back, playing against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
Despite potential fatigue, the Lakers' recent struggles, both in wins and losses, put them in a precarious position. With the Jazz capitalizing on mistakes and enjoying home-court advantage, they are poised to secure a victory in front of an energized Salt Lake City crowd. The Lakers will need to be at their best to even have a chance against the Jazz.
Prediction: Jazz def. Lakers 123-110
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