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We took a break from our daily NBA picks on Saturday, but we’re back on Sunday to go over all the games, starting from 3:00 pm ET, all the way to 9:30. It’s a jam-packed day of NBA action to be sure, so we needn’t waste much time getting ready to dive in. Our last stop was on a busy Friday night, which was headlined by a triple overtime clash between the Bucks and Nets as well as Elfrid Payton’s second triple double in a row. Payton also helped the Magic get a nice upset over the visiting Trail Blazers in a chaotic Friday that saw us go 7-5.
That solid finish leaves us at a stout 601-309 on the year as we head into Sunday’s picks:
Spurs @ Hawks
Atlanta hosts a surging Spurs squad (8-2 in last 10 games) and should still be without sharp-shooter, Kyle Korver. They’re usually favored at home where they’re a formidable 30-4 on the year, but haven’t been themselves without Korver. Whether he’s a go or not, there’s a solid chance the Hawks lose their third game in a row.
Pick: Spurs 104, Hawks 102
Cavaliers @ Bucks
Milwaukee lost that heart-breaker in triple OT two nights ago and while they play host, taking down the Cavs is probably going to be too tall of an order. Milwaukee has slid remarkably over the past month and should be handed a sixth straight loss tonight.
Pick: Cavs 104, Bucks 97
Heat @ Thunder
It’s the Russell Westbrook show again thanks to a litany of injuries hitting the Thunder. Westbrook might have his hands full with a hot Heat team (3 wins in a row), but OKC chases it’s third win, too, and is at home. This one should go down to the final minute, but Westbrook is tough to bet against in a matchup that remains somewhat favorable.
Pick: Thunder 107, Heat 104
Pelicans @ Clippers
Tyreke Evans and Omer Asik are iffy for this showdown at the Staples Center, while Anthony Davis is only probable (ankle). The Clippers are the better team, are healthier and are at home, so there’s not much reason to risk the pick on the Pellies.
Pick: Clippers 109, Pelicans 102
Knicks @ Raptors
New York has been playing fairly well lately and Toronto hasn’t been great (4-6 in their last 10 games), but this is a great turnaround game for the Raps. Toronto plays much better at home and the Knicks have vastly inferior talent.
Pick: Raptors 106, Knicks 93
Pistons @ Celtics
Reggie Jackson looks to continue his tear, as the Pistons also vie for their third win in their last four games. Boston has dropped their past two but has otherwise been red hot (7-1 in their previous eight contests) and also plays host. I like the Celtics at home, just by a hair.
Pick: Celtics 105, Pistons 98
Nuggets @ Magic
Denver is reeling again with three straight losses and it looks like Elfrid Payton has found his way late in his first NBA season. Neither of these teams are very good and the Magic may be without Tobias Harris, but Denver’s weak interior defense could leave the door open to huge outings from Payton, Victor Oladipo and Nikola Vucevic.
Pick: Magic 107, Nuggets 104
Wizards @ Kings
DeMarcus Cousins could finally return after sitting out the past two games, and the Kings will badly need their big man if they’re to contend with a tough Wizards team. Washington just lost their last game but had been a stout 7-2 in their previous seven. Regardless if Boogie suits up, it’s hard not to like the Wiz against a Sacramento squad that has dropped eight of their last 10.
Pick: Wiz 102, Kings 96
Hornets @ Timberwolves
The Hornets have fallen down with three straight losses, but they have an excellent chance to turn things around tonight in Minnesota. Ricky Rubio could be out with a sore ankle, and even if he does play the Hornets have the defense to off-set the Timberwolves’ offense.
Pick: Hornets 91, T’Wolves 87
Mavericks @ Suns
Dallas heads to Phoenix in what could be the most explosive matchup of the night. Eric Bledsoe is fresh off of a career high 34-point night, while it’s worth wondering if the Suns will be worn down after playing on Saturday night. Dallas is only mediocre on the road, though, while Phoenix seems to be ready to fight for the 8th playoff spot after ripping off three straight wins. Make it four in a row after tonight.
Pick: Suns 106, Mavs 104
76ers @ Lakers
The 76ers have two straight wins and could find a third tonight in L.A. That’s borderline crazy talk, but the Lakers have lost four in a row and aren’t exactly a formidable presence. That being said, Philly doesn’t have the talent to support a third straight win, nor are they good on the road. We reluctantly confide in the Lake Show tonight.
Pick: Lakers 104, Sixers 101
