We were hit with just five NBA games on Monday night, but we were able to brave the storm and escape with a rock solid 4-1 record (503-263 on the year) to get the week started. In fact, it could have easily ended up being a sweet 5-0 sweep, but the Nets dashed our hopes of perfection with a Jarrett Jack shot with just one second left. Things pick up slightly on Tuesday night with seven contests on the docket, so let’s jump right into it and see who should be coming out on top:
Celtics @ Cavaliers
Kyrie Irving could be back tonight but even if he and Kevin Love both sit, LeBron James is more than enough to help his Cavs take down the Celtics in Cleveland.
Pick: Cavs 107, Celtics 103
Kings @ Knicks
New York has gotten some random wins lately and the Kings are still without DeMarcus Cousins, but the Kings are still the better team and have Rudy Gay to lead the way.
Pick: Kings 102, Knicks 96
Lakers @ Hornets
Al Jefferson should have his way down low and Mo Williams should do the trick at the point for Charlotte, who needs every win with a heated race going on for the East’s 8th playoff seed.
Pick: Hornets 103, Lakers 100
Rockets @ Hawks
James Harden will serve a one-game ban, which puts the Rockets in a tough spot on the road against a very good Hawks squad.
Pick: Hawks 106, Rockets 102
Wizards @ Bulls
Chicago is down Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol but the Wiz have been so bad lately that it’s easy to side with the Bulls at home.
Pick: Bulls 104, Wiz 101
Jazz @ Grizzlies
Utah has been playing great defense lately but the Grizz are at home and play just as good on that side of the ball. Mike Conley and Marc Gasol should carry Memphis to a nice home win.
Pick: Grizz 99, Jazz 95
Bucks @ Nuggets
Milwaukee would love to end a two-game losing streak, but with the firing of head coach Brian Shaw, something tells me the Nuggets will get up to play at home tonight.
Pick: Nuggets 105, Bucks 101