Monday night was light on NBA games but it was not light on action, as we got a nice overtime battle between the Timberwolves and Jazz and James Harden shined with a 44-point effort. Through it all we managed to escape with a 4-2 mark (613-314 on the year) and could have been 5-1 had the Jazz not fallen at home in OT.
Tuesday brings another light six-game slate, which could give us a shot at perfection. Chase it with us as we break down our NBA picks for 3/24/2015:
Raptors @ Pistons
Detroit has turned things around lately despite Greg Monroe missing time and if they can get him back tonight they could be in good shape at home. Toronto is at their worst on the road and have been stumbling over their last 10 contests (4-6), but they’ve been on top of the Pistons (2-1) so far this year. Look for Toronto to cap this series with a 3-1 edge, although expect a good amount of points.
Pick: Raptors 114, Pistons 112
Spurs @ Mavericks
Dallas and San Antonio are neck and neck in a race for the West’s sixth seed, with the Spurs holding a slight edge coming into tonight. Needless to say, the Mavs badly need to hold their ground at home. That’s easier said than done, as momentum works against them with the Spurs riding a three-game winning streak.
Pick: Spurs 102, Mavs 100
Heat @ Bucks
Normally we might take Miami here, as they’ve been hot (winners of six out of their last 10 games), but Milwaukee has been scratching and clawing for a win. They have an ugly six-game skid and are at home, so I like them to get off the schneid.
Pick: Bucks 97, Heat 95
Lakers @ Thunder
Don’t look now, but OKC is just five games outside of first place in the West’s Northwest division. With injuries taking the Blazers down, OKC just needs to keep winning. They’re ravaged with injuries themselves but Russell Westbrook has been on a tear. The Thunder have won three in a row, are at home and it’s the freaking Lakers, so this one should be an easy call.
Pick: Thunder 107, Lakers 101
76ers @ Kings
Sacramento is rebounding a bit now that both Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins are healthy, as they head into tonight with two straight wins under their belt. They take on a bad 76ers team at home, giving them a fantastic shot at a third straight win.
Pick: Kings 105, 76ers 97
Warriors @ Trail Blazers
The fire could be taken out of this matchup due to injuries, as Nicolas Batum is out with a bad back and LaMarcus Aldridge is probably going to miss this one with another hand issue. If that’s the case, the Warriors should take this one.
Pick: Warriors 106, Blazers 104