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Friday night sent us into the weekend with a heavy night of NBA action, and we’ll aim to build on our 6-5 record (293-156 on the year) as we head into Saturday night’s games. Friday could have been far better if the Kings and Nets could have taken care of business at home (Brooklyn lost to Philly!), while we foolishly bet on the Pistons winning a ridiculous eighth straight game (they only lost by three at home).
On a night like that, we’ll have to be okay with above .500, but Saturday should be a little more prolific. Let’s run through the matchups for today and see who we should be betting on:
Hornets @ Knicks
Carmelo Anthony is out yet again, so betting on the depleted Knicks (losers of 14 straight) is something to be done at your own risk. They’re at home and it’s not like the Hornets are unstoppable, but Charlotte should get the win.
Pick: Hornets 98, Knicks 93
Mavericks @ Clippers
Fans are in for a high-flying affair when Dallas visits the Clippers, as two of the more potent offenses in the league square off at the Staples Center. Rajon Rondo versus Chris Paul is the matchup of the night, while Tyson Chandler could make life difficult for Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Ultimately, this is one that should go down to the wire, but it’s hard to go against the home team (L.A. is 16-5 at home).
Pick: Clips 109, Mavs 107
Nets @ Pistons
Detroit finally lost last night for the first time since they cut Josh Smith, but they’ll have a chance at getting another streak going tonight at home. The Nets are a tad under-manned and have lost four straight, so it could be hard for them to get back on track on the road.
Pick: Pistons 104, Nets 101
Pacers @ 76ers
Indy looked good last night and will get another favorable matchup in the second of a back to back. Roy Hibbert was awesome last night and should have little trouble dominating the Sixers down low. If that happens, the Pacers should win easily.
Pick: Pacers 101, 76ers 87
Celtics @ Raptors
Boston can bring the offense, so they can’t be completely dismissed when they visit Toronto tonight. The Raps have been terrible on the defensive end and have lost four straight, but they should still be able to take down the Celtics at home (who will be without Jeff Green).
Pick: Raptors 109, Celtics 106
Spurs @ Timberwolves
San Antonio got a big win last night and needs to start putting together a winning streak eventually, so who better to do that against than the struggling T’Wolves? Minnesota is at home and can pack a punch offensively, but they have no defense to speak of and have lost an alarming 14 consecutive games.
Pick: Spurs 112, Timberwolves 102
Bucks @ Bulls
Milwaukee and Chicago played things tight in their first meeting this year, and we could see another good battle in Chicago tonight. Both teams play solid defense and the Bulls are oddly not great at home. Chicago has dropped two straight and needs to snap out of their funk, though, so look for them to get the win.
Pick: Bulls 102, Bucks 99
Jazz @ Rockets
Utah has been solid in their last 10 (5-5) and has been improving defensively, but going into Houston and putting James Harden and Dwight Howard under wraps won’t be easy. Howard is probably for this game due to general knee soreness, but the Rockets are a solid 12-6 on their home floor, so they should have the edge, regardless.
Pick: Rockets 104, Jazz 100
Magic @ Trail Blazers
Orlando just got housed by the Lakers and now they have to go to Portland on the second of a back to back. They could be without Tobias Harris, too, who twisted his ankle on Friday. That’s all bad enough, but the Blazers are also a ridiculous 17-3 at home this year. Sorry, Magic fans.
Pick: Blazers 107, Magic 102
