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The Warriors dared to lose at home, Derrick Rose delivered a game-winner and no home teams won as we staggered to a 3-3 mark on Tuesday night (379-194 on the year). Zero home wins on a six-game night is almost a feat, as was Rose’s 11 turnovers and 20 misses. It was a pretty great night, one that also included a banged up John Wall nearly triple-doubling en route to guiding the Wizards to a 19-point comeback win in L.A.
And that was Tuesday. The big NBA Wednesday arrives with a whopping 11 games hitting the schedule, and we have the fun of trying to pick them correctly. We have some revenge factoring into two games, Atlanta’s awesome 16-game winning streak is put on the line and three huge clashes are also on the docket. Let’s get started:
Blazers @ Cavaliers
We learned the hard way last night that home teams don’t always win games they’re supposed to, so taking Cleveland over the Blazers it tough. The Cavs have ripped off seven straight wins, though, while Nicolas Batum (wrist) and LaMarcus Aldridge (thumb) aren’t 100%. A dog fight like this is a great way to get Wednesday started, but we’ll pick the Cavs to keep the winning streak alive.
Pick: Cavs 109, Blazers 106
Pistons @ 76ers
Detroit has stumbled to three straight losses and is going to sorely miss Brandon Jennings, but D.J. Augustin has been more than competent in his place so Detroit could still march toward a playoff spot. Even if they don’t, they can top the talent-starved Sixers on Wednesday.
Pick: Pistons 104, 76ers 97
Kings @ Raptors
Toronto has quietly pieced together three straight wins and it has a lot to do with DeMar DeRozan being more like himself. DeMarcus Cousins is going to be a problem for them tonight, but Toronto seems to be putting things back together and they’re 17-7 at home.
Pick: Raptors 105, Kings 103
Nets @ Hawks
Brooklyn has lost eight of their last 10 and just isn’t playing good basketball right now, so it’s foolish to think they’re going to be the team to disrupt Atlanta’s killer 16-game winning streak. In Atlanta, no less.
Pick: Hawks 107, Nets 101
Nuggets @ Pelicans
The Pellies have a quiet four-game run going and are now three games above .500, which suddenly has them in the conversation for the last spot in the West playoff race. They’re an improving and balanced squad and tonight they host a reeling Nuggets team (losers of seven straight), so they’re the easy pick.
Pick: Pellies 109, Nuggets 107
Celtics @ Timberwolves
Minnesota is getting healthier by the day but they’ve still dropped five straight. The good news is Boston has lost talent via trades and will be on the road tonight. The T’Wolves have a solid shot at getting their eighth win of the year tonight.
Pick: T’Wolves 105, Celtics 104
Mavericks @ Rockets
In easily one of the best games of the night, the 30-16 Mavs head to Houston to take on the 31-14 Rockets. Dwight Howard could be out, while Chandler Parsons may be out for some revenge in this one. James Harden shredded Dallas last time out, but the Mavs have lost three straight and that bad spell has to dry up eventually.
Pick: Mavs 112, Rockets 110
Thunder @ Knicks
OKC has slowly been turning things around and they get a gimme game tonight in New York. Even if Carmelo Anthony takes the court (knee), you have to like the Thunder.
Pick: Thunder 106, Knicks 99
Hornets @ Spurs
Al Jefferson is back in the starting lineup, but Kemba Walker is out for a while and this one is in San Antonio. It’s hard to imagine a Brian Roberts-led Charlotte squad storming into San Antonio and topping the Spurs.
Pick: Spurs 104, Hornets 97
Clippers @ Jazz
L.A. has topped Utah in all three matchups this year, winning all three games fairly convincingly. Utah doesn’t even normally play all that great at home, so the Clippers should look for the clean 4-0 sweep tonight.
Pick: Clips 108, Jazz 102
Wizards @ Suns
John Wall and co. are fresh off of a comeback win over the Lakers last night, so it’s possible they’re too tired to effectively run with the Suns. Phoenix, meanwhile, has won six of their last 10 thanks to exceptional guard play.
Pick: Suns 106, Wizards 104
