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The NBA doesn’t always go the way you want or expect it to. We saw that firsthand on Sunday night, as the Los Angeles Clippers lost at home to the Sacramento Kings. L.A. just hasn’t looked quite right so far in the 2014-15 NBA season, but they’ll get a shot at putting forth a better effort on Monday when they take on the Utah Jazz.
We went just 2-2 with our NBA Picks yesterday and like the Clips, we aim for a better result on Monday night. Let’s break down that matchup and the others for Monday as we unleash our NBA Picks (18-6 on the year):
Rockets @ 76ers
Houston could be without Dwight Howard and Patrick Beverley, but even so, they remain much deeper and more talented than the hosting Sixers. Philly could seriously have a realistic chance at being the first ever 0-82 franchise, so betting on them is never a good idea.
Pick: Rockets 111, 76ers 88
Thunder @ Nets
OKC has been hurting, but despite not having Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook healthy, they’ve stayed competitive and even unleashed a potential star in the making in Perry Jones. Jones won’t be enough on the road against the Nets, though, as Brook Lopez (foot) gears up for his season debut.
Pick: Nets 101, Thunder 96
Pelicans @ Grizzlies
Anthony Davis has been on a tear to get the season going, but Memphis is going to try to slow him and everything the Pellies do down considerably. At home, they’ll probably make it happen in a low-scoring, defensive battle.
Pick: Grizzlies 91, Pelicans 87
Celtics @ Mavericks
Dallas operates the most explosive offensive attack in the league, while neither of these two teams play much defense. That leaves the door open for Rajon Rondo and co. to pull off the upset, but that’s not going to be easily done on the road in Dallas, where the Mavs typically take care of business.
Pick: Mavs 109, Celtics 100
Kings @ Nuggets
The Nuggets and Kings have both strangely been elite on defense so far, although it’s early and tough to tell if the numbers will stick. Ty Lawson isn’t himself yet, either, thanks to a bum ankle. If the defense holds up here, the Kings might hold the edge with DeMarcus Cousins offering another dominant effort.
Pick: Kings 96, Nuggets 94
Jazz @ Clippers
Utah boasts one of the worst defenses in the league, which could easily have the final game of the night ending in blowout fashion. Los Angeles hasn’t been elite on defense, though, so if they continue to slack off outside, the Jazz could sneakily stay in this one. That’s doubtful with this one being at the Staples Center, however.
Pick: Clippers 103, Jazz 93
