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The last time we saw you from an NBA picks perspective we were walking into Friday night’s NBA action with a solid 10-5 record. The Jazz and Wizards both burned us on that three-game slate (Washington lost at home to the Knicks!), dropping us to 11-7. We’ve been away from the grind the past few days but we’re back at it for Wednesday to break down four new preseason games.
The action going going early today with the Clippers hosting the Hornets and getting absolutely crushed for the second time in as many games. The preseason is for practice and rest, though, and Charlotte dominating Los Angeles is a perfect example of it’s unpredictable nature. Still, you can bet on preseason basketball and there is still logic to point to in order to figure out who will win. Here’s our for tonight’s four-game slate:
Pistons @ Bulls
Detroit was probably already a little behind the eight ball in this one but having played last night, they could be a tad run down. Derrick Rose is still out but the Bulls should be good to go with paint dwellers Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson both likely to return to the court tonight. Chicago is also planning on testing out Nikola Mirotic at small forward, which given his elite versatility, could be fun to see. It’s all bad news for the Pistons, who should have their work cut out for them at the United Center tonight.
Pick: Bulls 109, Pistons 101
Raptors @ Timberwolves
The Timberwolves will be seeking their first win of the 2015-16 NBA preseason tonight, but despite playing on their home floor that’s not likely to happen. The Raptors have looked quite strong this month, as they’ve gotten off to a 3-1 start behind some electric play from star point guard Kyle Lowry. Just watch the video:
No big inactives are known for Toronto, who will want to keep the positive momentum going and get to 4-1.
Pick: Raptors 107, T’Wolves 103
Celtics @ Nets
Isaiah Thomas gets the start tonight with Marcus Smart sick and normally that might be a really good thing. IT2 is one of the best offensive point guards in the league, as he’s a firecracker in terms of pure scoring ability and also does a solid job of running Boston’s offense. That should help the Celtics early, but their defense is going to take a major hit with Smart and Avery Bradley also out tonight. Brooklyn isn’t a world-beater, but they’re at home and will have a deeper bench. I’m also not sure Boston’s bigs can handle Brook Lopez on the blocks.
Pick: Nets 102, Celtics 97
Spurs @ Hawks
Tonight is a tale of two NBA preseason opposites, as the Spurs will be going after their first October win and Atlanta has yet to lose. The Hawks are traditionally tough to beat on their home floor, but the Spurs are going to want to start getting into a groove with new pieces LaMarcus Aldridge and David West. Things haven’t clicked yet, but even in the preseason you can’t count San Antonio out for long.
Pick: Spurs 104, Hawks 102
