NBA Daily Picks: Lakers Want A Win Against Heat, Clippers Are Favorites In Phoenix
Last night, the NBA showcased thrilling games, and Fadeaway World had a successful 4-2 record on our daily picks, elevating our season standing to an impressive 59-28. Anticipating another night of excitement, we're gearing up for a 12-game slate and eager to discuss our predictions for tonight's matchups.
Kicking off the day, the Wizards go head-to-head with the Cavs, coinciding with the Bucks challenging the Pacers. Following that, the Pelicans clash with the red-hot Timberwolves, and the resurgent Grizzlies tackle the Raptors. Transitioning to the Big Apple, the Knicks go up against the Bulls while the Blazers make their way to face the Mavericks.
The evening intensifies as the Clippers pay a visit to the Suns, concurrently with the Pistons confronting the Jazz. As the night unfolds, the Magic take on the Kings, setting the stage for the marquee clash between the Heat and the Lakers.
Washington Wizards At Cleveland Cavaliers - 7 PM EST
Wizards Last 10 Games: 3-7
Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 5-5
Wizards Injuries: Danilo Gallinari - Questionable (Back)
Cavaliers Injuries: Darius Garland - Out (Jaw), Evan Mobley - Out (Knee), Ty Jerome - Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Cavaliers Lead 4-1
In this Wednesday matchup, the struggling Washington Wizards (6-26) are set to visit the Cleveland Cavaliers (18-15) on January 3. The Wizards, amidst a rebuilding phase, have faced challenges this season after trading away key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Bradley Beal. Despite their developmental focus, they look to overcome their difficulties and make an impact against a Cavaliers team dealing with its own set of challenges.
Cleveland, currently without Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Ty Jerome due to injuries, faces limitations in its roster depth. Garland and Mobley, integral to the Cavaliers' starting lineup, are sorely missed, impacting the team's competitiveness in the Eastern Conference. On the flip side, the Wizards await news on Danilo Gallinari's availability, who is dealing with lower back spasms. With the potential return of Gallinari, Washington aims to exploit any weaknesses in the Cavaliers' lineup and strive for a positive outcome in this midweek clash.
Prediction: Cavaliers def. Wizards 124-112
Milwaukee Bucks At Indiana Pacers - 7 PM EST
Bucks Last 10 Games: 8-2
Pacers Last 10 Games: 5-5
Bucks Injuries: Khris Middleton - Day To Day (Knee), Jae Crowder - Out (Groin), AJ Green - Out (Nose)
Pacers Injuries: Andrew Nembhard - Day To Day (Back), Bruce Brown - Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Pacers Lead 3-2
In their fifth and final encounter of the season, the Milwaukee Bucks face the Indiana Pacers, trailing 1-3 in the series against the determined Pacers. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's impressive performances, including a recent triple-double, the Bucks have struggled against the youthful Pacers, led by standout Tyrese Haliburton.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's remarkable averages of 46.3 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in their four encounters highlight individual brilliance, but the Bucks must address defensive lapses, particularly in the fourth quarter, to turn the tide against Indiana. With Haliburton's stellar contributions and a supportive cast, the Pacers aim to conclude the season series with yet another victory over the star-studded Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing their prowess and resilience against one of the Eastern Conference powerhouses.
Prediction: Pacers def. Bucks 130-124
Oklahoma City Thunder At Atlanta Hawks - 7:30 PM EST
Thunder Last 10 Games: 8-2
Hawks Last 10 Games: 4-6
Thunder Injuries: N/A
Hawks Injuries: Seth Lundy - Day To Day (Ankle), Vit Krejci - Day To Day (Thumb), De’Andre Hunter - Out (Knee), Mouhamed Gueye - Out (Back)
Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 3-2
In a highly anticipated matchup on January 3rd, 2024, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Atlanta Hawks are set to clash at State Farm Arena in Atlanta at 7:30 PM ET. The Thunder, riding a five-game winning streak and holding the second seed in the competitive Western Conference with a 23-9 record, enter the game with momentum after a recent victory against the Boston Celtics.
Meanwhile, the Hawks, breaking a four-game losing streak with a win over the Wizards, strive to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference, currently holding the 9th seed with a 13-19 record. The historical context adds an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup, as the Thunder and Hawks have a tied all-time record, each winning 71 of the 142 regular-season games they have played against each other.
Prediction: Thunder def. Hawks 118-102
Brooklyn Nets At Houston Rockets - 8 PM EST
Nets Last 10 Games: 2-8
Rockets Last 10 Games: 4-6
Nets Injuries: Lonnie Walker IV - Out (Harmstring), Ben Simmons - Out (Back)
Rockets Injuries: Tari Eason - Day To Day (Leg), Dillon Brooks - Out (Oblique), Victor Oladipo - Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 4-1
As part of the NBA's extensive 12-game slate on January 3, basketball enthusiasts can look forward to the Brooklyn Nets taking on the Houston Rockets in a matchup that marks the first encounter between the two teams this season. However, they face the Rockets, a team looking to build on their recent victory over the Detroit Pistons, determined to break the Nets' dominance in their head-to-head history.
In the upcoming game, the Rockets' injury report highlights Tari Eason as a game-time decision, introducing an element of uncertainty to their lineup. On the other side, the Nets will be without the services of Ben Simmons and Lonnie Walker, both listed as 'out' due to ongoing injuries, with expectations for their return slated for mid-January.
Prediction: Rockets def. Nets 115-108
Toronto Raptors At Memphis Grizzlies - 8 PM EST
Raptors Last 10 Games: 4-6
Grizzlies Last 10 Games: 5-5
Raptors Injuries: Christian Koloko - Out (Illness)
Derrick Rose - Day To Day (Thigh), Brandon Clarke - Out (Achilles), Steven Adams - Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Grizzlies Lead 3-2
In a compelling showdown scheduled for Wednesday, the Toronto Raptors face the Memphis Grizzlies in a matchup that marks their first encounter of the season. As the Raptors, currently 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 13-20 record, seek to improve their road performance, the Grizzlies, positioned 13th in the West with an 11-22 record, aim to build on their recent success following Ja Morant's return.
Toronto, undergoing a roster revamp with the recent acquisitions of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, looks to find stability and climb the standings. On the other hand, the Grizzlies, enjoying a 5-3 record since Morant's return from suspension, have shown resilience and promise. With both teams eager for a positive outcome, fans can anticipate an intriguing battle with contrasting dynamics as the Raptors aim to overcome road struggles and the Grizzlies look to extend their recent surge.
Prediction: Grizzlies def. Raptors 123-107
New Orleans Pelicans At Minnesota Timberwolves - 8 PM EST
Pelicans Last 10 Games: 7-3
Timberwolves Last 10 Games: 7-3
Pelicans Injuries: Trey Murphy III - Day To Day (Knee), Matt Ryan - Out (Elbow)
Timberwolves Injuries: Jaylen Clark - Out (Achilles)
Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 4-1
In a clash between Western Conference contenders, the New Orleans Pelicans (20-14) face the Minnesota Timberwolves (24-8) on January 3. The Timberwolves, sitting atop the West, showcase championship-contending characteristics with the emergence of Anthony Edwards and a formidable double-big lineup featuring Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. On the other side, the Pelicans, propelled by the consistent presence of Zion Williamson, boast a unique rotation with elite downhill capabilities.
While the Timberwolves enter as favorites, the Pelicans, led by Williamson's scoring prowess and Brandon Ingram's three-level scoring, present a formidable challenge. Expect a dynamic battle as Minnesota aims to rebound from a recent loss, relying on the two-man game of Towns and Edwards, while the Pelicans seek to exploit their own offensive strengths for a statement victory.
Prediction: Wolves def. Pelicans 117-110
Chicago Bulls At New York Knicks - 8:30 PM EST
Bulls Last 10 Games: 6-4
Knicks Last 10 Games: 5-5
Bulls Injuries: Patrick Williams - Day To Day (Ankle), Coby White - Day To Day (Ankle), Nikola Vucevic - Out (Groin), Zach LaVine - Out (Foot), Onuralp Bitim - Out (Nose), Lonzo Ball - Out (Knee), Torrey Craig - Out (Heel)
Knicks Injuries: Malachi Flynn - Out (Ankle), Mitchell Robinson - Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 3-2
In a highly anticipated matchup on Wednesday, the Chicago Bulls face the New York Knicks in their first meeting of the season since December 23, 2022. The Bulls, playing the second game of a back-to-back after a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, have shown improvement with a 6-4 record in their last 10 games despite missing Zach LaVine due to injury.
The Knicks, coming off a significant 112-106 victory against the top-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves, will look to build on the momentum created by OG Anunoby's impactful debut. With a historical head-to-head record favoring the Bulls at 127-115, the Knicks aim to continue their recent success, having won six of the last 10 matchups since February 1, 2021, in what promises to be a closely contested battle between Eastern Conference rivals.
Prediction: Knicks def. Bulls 120-111
Portland Trail Blazers At Dallas Mavericks - 8:30 PM EST
Blazers Last 10 Games: 3-7
Mavericks Last 10 Games: 4-6
Blazers Injuries: Moyes Brown - Day To Day (Wrist), Toumani Camara - Day To Day (Knee), Justin Minaya - Day To Day (Illness), Duop Reath - Out (Back), Anfernee Simons - Out (Illness), Deandre Ayton - Out (Knee), Robert Williams III - Out (Knee)
Mavericks Injuries: Dante Exum - Day To Day (Heel), Maxi Kleber - Out (Toe)
Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 3-2
In the third encounter of the season between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Dallas Mavericks, Dallas aims to continue their dominance in the series, having secured a 2-0 lead. Led by superstar Luka Doncic's outstanding 40-point triple-double, the Mavericks convincingly won their last matchup on December 16 with a 131-120 score.
While the Blazers, currently standing at 9-23, seek to rebound from a recent road loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Mavericks (19-15) are eager to bounce back from their season-worst defeat against the Utah Jazz. With Portland facing challenges in the interior, Dallas looks poised to exploit their offensive strengths, averaging 128 points per game in the previous matchups.
Prediction: Mavericks def. Blazers 126-102
Los Angeles Clippers At Phoneix Suns - 9 PM EST
Clippers Last 10 Games: 8-2
Suns Last 10 Games: 5-5
Clippers Injuries: N/A
Suns Injuries: Kevin Durant - Out (Hamstring), Damion Lee - Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Clippers Lead 3-2
In a highly anticipated matchup on Wednesday, the LA Clippers take on the Phoenix Suns, marking their first encounter of the season since April 9, 2023, when the Clippers secured a 119-114 victory. The Suns hold a historical advantage with a 137-98 all-time record against the Clippers. Despite initial struggles after acquiring James Harden, the Clippers have found their stride and currently sit fourth in the Western Conference with a 20-12 record.
Riding a three-game win streak, they face a formidable challenge against the surging Suns (18-15), who have won four consecutive games. With the oddsmakers favoring the Clippers in the absence of Durant, both teams are expected to bring intensity to this clash, making it a compelling matchup with playoff implications.
Prediction: Clippers def. Suns 124-110
Detriot Pistons At Utah Jazz - 9 PM EST
Pistons Last 10 Games: 1-9
Jazz Last 10 Games: 7-3
Pistons Injuries: Stanley Umude - Day To Day (Knee), Isaiah Stewart - Out (Toe), Monte Morris - Out (Quad)
Jazz Injuries: N/A
Last 5 Meetings: Jazz Lead 3-2
In a matchup between the Detroit Pistons, fresh off breaking their 28-game losing streak, and the Utah Jazz, the game holds an intriguing dynamic. While the Pistons, with a 3-30 record, might seem an unlikely challenge, recent victories over Toronto and a competitive showing against Boston showcase glimpses of potential. Led by rising star Cade Cunningham, the Pistons have intriguing pieces on their roster, including former Jazz veterans Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks.
On the other side, the 15-19 Jazz are coming off a convincing win against Dallas, with notable performances from Jordan Clarkson and a breakthrough triple-double, breaking a long-standing curse. Despite the Pistons' struggles, the Jazz approach the game with confidence, led by a rejuvenated roster, and should be favored to secure a win in this matchup.
Prediction: Jazz def. Pistons 119-104
Orlando Magic At Sacramento Kings - 10 PM EST
Magic Last 10 Games: 3-7
Kings Last 10 Games: 6-4
Magic Injuries: Jonathan Issac - Out (Hamstring), Joe Ingles - Out (Ankle), Markelle Fultz - Out (Knee)
Kings Injuries: N/A
Last 5 Meetings: Kings Lead 4-1
In an effort to bounce back from their recent 104-111 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, the Sacramento Kings aim for a victory as they host the Orlando Magic at the Golden 1 Center on January 3. Despite the setback, the Kings hold a solid 19-13 record and have won two of their last three games, showcasing an offensive prowess with an average of 119.0 points and 30 assists over the past 10 matches. On the flip side, the Orlando Magic, currently standing at 19-14, look to recover from their 121-115 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Both teams, sitting fifth in their respective conferences, share similar records and face an opportunity to secure a crucial win in a tightly contested battle, promising an intense matchup with potential playoff implications for both squads.
Prediction: Kings def. Magic 124-113
Miami Heat At Los Angeles Lakers - 10 PM EST
Heat Last 10 Games: 6-4
Lakers Last 10 Games: 3-7
Heat Injuries: Jimmy Butler - Out (Foot), Caleb Martin - Out (Ankle), Josh Richardson - Out (Back), Haywood Highsmith - Out (Concussion), Dru Smith - Out (Knee)
Lakers Injuries: LeBron James - Day To Day (Illness), Cam Reddish - Day To Day (Groin), Anthony Davis - Day To Day (Ankle), D'Angelo Russell - Day To Day (Tailbone), Rui Hachimura - Out (Calf), Gabe Vincent - Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 3-2
In a crucial matchup, the struggling Los Angeles Lakers (17-17) face the Miami Heat (19-14) on their home court, aiming to break free from a challenging 3-7 stretch in their last 10 games. The Lakers, dealing with defensive inconsistencies and offensive stagnation beyond LeBron James and Anthony Davis, confront a formidable Heat squad despite the absence of the injured Jimmy Butler.
However, the Heat, also on a two-game skid, possess a sturdy defensive unit and a well-rounded roster, presenting a potential low-scoring contest. As LeBron James remains questionable due to illness, the Lakers hope to start 2024 on a positive note, exploiting a potentially weakened Miami lineup. The Heat, known for their defensive prowess, could dictate the tempo, making this cross-conference clash an intriguing battle of contrasting styles.
Prediction: Lakers def. Heat 119-110
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