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Stephen Curry can’t be stopped, the Rockets didn’t want to be 0-4 and the Nets might be one of the worst teams in the league. It was a fun Monday night of NBA action to help get the week started, and it didn’t disappoint as far as individual performances go.
Curry went nuts, but it was James Harden who poured in the most points of the night and staved off his former team (as well as an 0-4 start) with a big home win over OKC. Houston is off tonight, but 14 other teams hit the hardwood to provide us with seven sweet NBA games to bet on. Let’s break each one down and see which side we should lean on tonight:
Bulls @ Hornets
Charlotte can’t really catch a break this year, as they’re 0-3 despite playing solid defense, overall. It’s the offense that is lacking, as well as inconsistency. The Bulls know nothing about either aspects, as they’re a solid 3-1, are playing quality defense and are putting up nearly 100 points per game. Derrick Rose isn’t even at top form yet, and Chicago still looks like a tough out. Charlotte is probably looking at another loss.
Pick: Bulls 101, Hornets 96
Pacers @ Pistons
Indiana has been failing at turning into an up-tempo offense, as Monta Ellis hasn’t been the offensive spark he was supposed to be, the bench is rather barren and the Pacers can’t compete consistently down low. All of that sounds awful as they hit up Detroit, where the Pistons are 3-0, putting up a decent 98 points per game and playing stifling defense. Detroit should stay perfect.
Pick: Pistons 102, Pacers 97
Hawks @ Heat
At least for three games now, Miami has found an offensive groove and Dwyane Wade is a healthy superstar. Who knows how long that lasts, but with no true defensive stopper on the wing for the Hawks and this one being in South Beach, it’s hard not to favor the Heat.
Pick: Heat 99, Hawks 96
Magic @ Pelicans
This is a tale of sadness and despair, as the Magic have fought hard to an 0-3 start, losing three nail-biters and actually looking quite good in the process. The Pelicans are also winless, but have looked less impressive in their defeats. That being said, Anthony Davis can’t stay grounded for long and extra minutes allotted to point guard Jrue Holiday helps New Orleans greatly at home.
Pick: Pellies 108, Magic 104
Raptors @ Mavs
This is what we like to call a trap game. Toronto has to go into Dallas to take on a potent Mavs offense that is slowly getting healthy, and ahead of them on Wednesday night is a brutal road date with the Thunder. Toronto absolutely can win this game, but it’s on the road and Deron Williams, Wes Matthews and Chandler Parsons should all be available. I like Dallas by a hair at home in what figures to be a shootout.
Pick: Mavs 104, Raps 102
Grizzlies @ Kings
DeMarcus Cousins is out for a couple games due to injury, so right off the bat the Kings aren’t going to be a fun team to bet on. That probably was the case even with a healthy Boogie, as Sacramento is giving up 113 points per game and so far has only beaten the Lakers. Congrats, Sac-town. They’re at home tonight, but sans their best player and the Grizz are going to be irate after getting slapped around last night by the Warriors. I expect a big Memphis win.
Pick: Grizz 106, Kings 85
Nuggets @ Lakers
Quite arguably the game of the night is Denver vs. L.A., as neither team can play defense, but both can put the ball in the hoop. So, it has the prospects of an exciting, back and forth affair. Kobe Bryant has been woefully inefficient, but he’s admitted as much and renewed determination could lead to his best game of the year. Los Angeles is playing far worse defense so far this year and is not the better team, but Emmanuel Mudiay has regressed since a sensational debut and the Lakers’ veteran roster should take advantage of an ideal setting to get their first win of the year.
Pick: Lakers 112, Nuggets 110
