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NBA fans got a bit of a break on Sunday, as just four games were on the schedule. Perhaps that led to some easy winnings with a clean sweep, too. That could have especially been the case if NBA bettors followed our NBA picks (3-1). We aim to pick up where we left off last night as we take our solid season record (72-35) into a formidable nine-game slate on Monday night:
Mavericks @ Hornets
Charlotte’s usual nasty defense hasn’t been on display much this year, as elite perimeter defender Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has struggled to stay healthy. He’s out again on Monday, which is awesome news for the visiting Mavs. Dallas can’t stop anyone on defense, but they should be able to run Charlotte until they can’t take it anymore.
Pick: Mavs 108, Hornets 102
Nuggets @ Cavaliers
Denver has been quite bad this year. They should be able to score against a shaky Cleveland defense, but the Nuggets have no hope in stopping the Cavs on the other end. LeBron James could shake things up (illness) if he sits out, but even if he does Cleveland should remain the heavy favorites at home.
Pick: Cavs 121, Nuggets 114
Heat @ Nets
Miami has dropped three straight and tonight could stretch their mini-free fall to four games if Dwyane Wade is out yet again. Brooklyn is also sliding with three straight losses, so something has to break. If Wade isn’t on the court, we’ll have to side with the hometown Nets.
Pick: Nets 106, Heat 101
Magic @ Pistons
Orlando has been a tough out just about every night this year, and they’ll travel to Detroit tonight to give the Pistons troubles. Detroit has the size to rumble with the Magic down low, but the return of Victor Oladipo might give Orlando the slight edge they need to try to improve on their paltry 2-5 road mark.
Pick: Magic 101, Pistons 99
Suns @ Celtics
If you’re looking for a high-scoring affair, this might be the one tonight, as the Celtics and Suns both give up over 105 points per game and also drop over 104 points per game on opponents. Phoenix is arguably the more talented squad, so they’ll get the slight nod in a road shootout.
Pick: Suns 112, Celtics 107
Rockets @ Grizzlies
Two of the league’s best defensive teams square off tonight, as Houston travels to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies. Both teams are 9-1 and are allowing less than 92 points per game, while the winner of this intense duel will temporarily take over the Southwest division, as well as the top seed out West. Houston has the better defense and offense by the numbers, so they get the slight edge even with this one being in Memphis.
Pick: Rockets 96, Grizzlies 93
76ers @ Spurs
San Antonio has picked things up a bit since starting the year off 2-3, but they still aren’t dominant with just a 5-4 mark. They’re at home against a winless Sixers team, though, so picking them to lose here is a suicide mission.
Pick: Spurs 109, 76ers 88
Pelicans @ Blazers
The Pellies could be without center Omer Asik and the Blazers could be missing LaMarcus Aldridge again, potentially setting up a bit of a defensive battle. Portland is petty tough on their home floor, though, so despite a likely strong effort from Anthony Davis, it’ll be hard to bet against the Blazers.
Pick: Blazers 98, Pelicans 95
Bulls @ Clippers
The final game of the night may not be the game to watch, but it’s certainly one of them. Derrick Rose won’t be on the court (hamstring), but the Bulls will otherwise be at full strength and ready to get a big road win. L.A. is at home and isn’t without any of their big players, however, so it’ll be tough to confidently bet against Lob City.
Pick: Clippers 103, Bulls 102
