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The Detroit Pistons keep winning, the Spurs can’t stop losing and LeBron James missed a game. It was a crazy Tuesday night of NBA action, but we somehow survived with a solid 5-3 record. That brings us to a nice 257-136 mark on the year as we race into another loaded schedule on Wednesday.
It all gets started with an early 1:00 pm ET game, so let’s run through the games and see what the safest picks might be:
Kings @ Celtics
Even with DeMarcus Cousins back the Kings have still struggled to get wins (2-8 in last 10), but a trip to Boston against a reeling Celtics squad could be beneficial. Boston has lost four straight games and could be in for a fifth thanks to some injuries and inconsistency at the point.
Pick: Kings 106, Celtics 104
Heat @ Pacers
A year ago this is an intense rivalry decided by defense and execution. Now, not so much. It could still be an intense matchup of two teams that have visibly declined, while both scratch and claw their way back up. Miami is the better team, but this one could go down to the wire.
Pick: Heat 99, Pacers 97
Knicks @ Clippers
New York will try to keep up with the Clippers in L.A., which is mostly fruitless since they don’t have the size down low or outside shooting to truly hope to do so. Carmelo Anthony will have to be huge to keep this one close.
Pick: Clips 109, Knicks 88
Hornets @ Rockets
Al Jefferson is down for about a month (groin), so we can probably expect Dwight Howard to destroy Charlotte down low. With Kemba Walker hounded by Patrick Beverley, this one might be over early.
Pick: Rockets 104, Hornets 89
Pelicans @ Spurs
San Antonio has been dreadful in December (7-10), but they need to get it going eventually. They’re at home and have already gone down 2-0 in the season series with the Pellies. They need to find a way to get this win tonight.
Pick: Spurs 103, Pelicans 101
Bucks @ Cavaliers
Milwaukee is competing with just about everyone these days and the Cavs are in shambles with losses and injuries. Brandon Knight destroyed the Cavs in their last meeting and he just might do it again.
Pick: Bucks 101, Cavs 99
Suns @ Thunder
Phoenix charges into Oklahoma City with six wins in their last seven contests, while the Thunder might get Kevin Durant back tonight. If KD is back, the odds are in OKC’s favor at home.
Pick: Thunder 106, Suns 104
