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A day after the home team won 8 of 10 games, just 3 of 5 NBA squads held down the fort on their home floor. That contributed to a sloppy 2-3 record with our daily NBA picks, but we’re still a solid 45-29 on the year. That’s the unpredictable nature of pro basketball and precisely why it’s so much fun to cover. It was still odd to see the Thunder lose their third game in a row in Chicago, while Memphis got blown out by a seemingly inferior Portland team.
There’s more insanity on it’s way, as Friday doesn’t slow down at all with the schedule boasting a strong 10 games. All the stars are out, too, as we get to see Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and James Harden hit the courts in games tonight. Let’s get to our picks:
Raptors @ Magic
Orlando is down center Nikola Vucevic (knee) and while they’ve been highly competitive all year, they’ve also lacked that killer instinct needed to close out games. They get another tough draw with the undefeated Raptors coming to town tonight. Orlando plays hard, can put up points and are at home, but Toronto is no stranger to road success (3-0 away from home this year) and they’re the healthier squad.
Pick: Raptors 105, Magic 103
Wizards @ Celtics
Boston hasn’t been the feisty team they were a year ago thus far this season and could be without lock down defender Marcus Smart again tonight. His presence may not matter with the way John Wall and Bradley Beal are playing, though. Washington needs some work on the defensive side, but this is a matchup that works in their favor and they’ve proven strong (2-0) on the road so far.
Pick: Wiz 104, Celtics 101
76ers @ Cavs
Cleveland took down the winless Sixers last week and the result shouldn’t be any different in their second meeting of the year. This time they play at Quicken Loans Arena, where the Cavs tend to thrive. They’re in a good flow anyways, as they’ve won four straight since dropping their opener and are giving up just 90 points per game. Sorry, Sixers.
Pick: Cavs 109, Sixers 91
Lakers @ Nets
Two winless teams go head to head at Barclays Center tonight, giving us one of the tougher games to call. The Nets are at home and have Brook Lopez to lean on, but I’m not sure that matters with Roy Hibbert to give him trouble down low. Kobe Bryant should finally shows some signs of life tonight because if not in this game, then when? Neither team can defend, but the Lakers at least can put the ball in the hole (Nets averaging just 89 points per game).
Pick: Lakers 106, Nets 104
Bucks @ Knicks
The Knicks are at home tonight as they try to go up 2-0 in their season series with the Bucks. Milwaukee is slowly getting healthier but could be without Michael Carter-Williams yet again and their woeful defense could be a problem on the road. New York’s defense isn’t a whole lot better, but their offense certainly has been. I’m expecting a big game from Carmelo Anthony as the Knicks get back to .500.
Pick: Knicks 101, Bucks 98
Hawks @ Pelicans
New Orleans really has their work cut out for them to get their first win of the year tonight, as the Hawks come into town riding a nice five-game winning streak. More importantly, Atlanta’s offense is slowly rounding into form and their defense has been fairly stingy. That’s the exact opposite for the Pelicans, who can’t stop anyone due to a litany of injuries.
Pick: Hawks 109, Pelicans 95
Heat @ Pacers
We get a mini-rivalry game tonight as Dwyane Wade and Paul George to head to head in Indiana. The Pacers and Heat have both been inconsistent to this point and run completely different styles, so it will be interesting to see who can force their will. Wade has been dealing with a migraine issue, but if he’s a full go he should have no problem putting up 20+ points for the sixth game in a row. Schematically speaking, Miami has the clear upper-hand with more size down low and a more methodic offense.
Pick: Heat 101, Pacers 96
Pistons @ Suns
Detroit looks to test their defense out on the Suns tonight, as they’re allowing just over 92 points per game but have to go into Phoenix and slow down an offense putting up 104 points per game. Phoenix looked awful in their first game of the year, but since then has really come together with Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight playing well off of each other. Andre Drummond can probably control this game to a certain degree, but it won’t necessarily be easy with Tyson Chandler and Markieff Morris in the paint. I like the Suns just barely in a shootout, as they’re a little more explosive and aren’t as prone to poor shooting stretches.
Pick: Suns 106, Pistons 102
Nuggets @ Warriors
Emmanuel Mudiay has been a nice find for Denver and the Nuggets have been pretty competitive (2-3) in the early going, but being the first team to take down the Warriors is asking too much. Stephen Curry is on fire right now and Golden State almost never loses at home. If you’re making a huge bet tonight, it’s on the Warriors.
Pick: Warriors 117, Nuggets 104
Rockets @ Kings
Dwight Howard could sit this one out, but it may not matter with DeMarcus Cousins also possibly out for the third game in a row. The Kings are the inferior team across the board no matter which way you slice it, but with Boogie they’d have a chance at home. James Harden should rule this one as the Rockets get back to .500.
Pick: Rockets 107, Kings 101
