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Friday was as loaded of a NBA night as we get, yet we found a way to sift through the madness and come out at the other end alive with a respectable 8-5 mark. On a 13-game night we’ll take that record, but it’s worth noting that the Pelicans dropped the ball against the lowly Sixers, the Wizards lost as home to the Nets and the Clippers couldn’t handle the Cavs at home. If those three games went the way they were supposed to, we were looking at an awesome 11-2 night.
The cards fell like they did, however, and we all have to deal with the lumps. We’re still a solid 328-172 on the year and walk into the fire of Saturday night unphased:
Hawks @ Bulls
In one of the better games of the night, the red hot Hawks (11 straight wins), visit the Bulls, who are expected to be without center Joakim Noah for the second game in a row. Advantage: Hawks.
Pick: Hawks 107, Bulls 104
Pacers @ Hornets
Kemba Walker is out and Al Jefferson has yet to return, so the Hornets are going to be fighting an uphill battle tonight. Lance Stephenson faces his former team, though, adding to the intrigue.
Pick: Pacers 96, Hornets 90
76ers @ Pistons
The Sixers have been a pain when it comes to NBA picks, as they randomly beat opponents they shouldn’t. I don’t expect that to happen in Detroit tonight, however, as the Pistons have been quite good over the past two weeks.
Pick: Pistons 104, 76ers 95
Warriors @ Rockets
Another stout game brings the Warriors to Houston, where the Rockets will try to avenge two earlier losses this year. The Rockets are 100% healthy, but Golden State lost last night and isn’t one to drop two games in a row.
Pick: Warriors 109, Rockets 107
Wizards @ Nets
Brooklyn surprised us with a win last night, but they’re severely under-manned and the Wiz are one of the more balanced teams in the league. We like the Wiz, even on the road.
Pick: Wiz 104, Nets 102
Timberwolves @ Nuggets
Minnesota is back to their losing ways and comes into Denver without many key players. This game shall surely pack an offensive punch, but the Nuggets have won four of their last five and should be able to take care of business at home.
Pick: Nuggets 106, T’Wolves 102
Trail Blazers @ Grizzlies
Portland is in a weird spot with a random two straight losses, so they’ll try to keep it from leaking into three in Memphis tonight. The Grizzlies play some mean defense and are a formidable 15-4 on their home floor, but Portland is too good to drop three in a row. Right?
Pick: Blazers 104, Grizzlies 101
Clippers @ Kings
The Clippers just lost a home game to the Cavs last night, so they’ll either be tired or out for blood. Sacramento has been sliding backwards lately, despite elite play by big man DeMarcus Cousins. L.A. should get the win.
Pick: Clips 109, Kings 104
