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We only had two games to figure out last night, yet we went 1-1 (now 483-251 on the year) thanks to Eric Bledsoe leading the Suns past the Thunder. Both games were high-scoring, competitive affairs and we saw some awesome performances out of LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and the aforementioned Bledsoe. James and Westbrook go back to work again tonight, as their teams and 12 others hit the hardwood in an insane 14-game showcase.
We’ll make our picks quick and easy so you can continue on with your NBA betting for Friday night:
Cavaliers @ Pacers
Cleveland is white hot and just topped the Warriors last night. They will be without star point guard Kyrie Irving in Indy, but LeBron James and Kevin Love can handle the Pacers.
Pick: Cavs 104, Pacers 97
Wizards @ 76ers
Washington has looked awful en route to dropping five in a row, but there’s nothing like seeing the Sixers on the schedule. Look for the Wiz to roll.
Pick: Wiz 106, Sixers 94
Magic @ Hawks
Orlando seem to give the Hawks a good fight, but Atlanta is at home and has a new winning streak going. They won’t want to have it snapped by the lowly Magic.
Pick: Hawks 111, Magic 105
Hornets @ Celtics
Charlotte just ended an ugly skid and the Celtics host after winning two straight. Charlotte is the safer pick with Al Jefferson roaming the paint, while of the two teams the Hornets are the only ones who play any defense.
Pick: Hornets 102, Celtics 98
Knicks @ Pistons
The Knicks are dreadful and the Pistons have been solid as winners of six of their last 10. They should take care of the no-name gang at home.
Pick: Pistons 108, Knicks 102
Warriors @ Raptors
Golden State just lost last night to the Cavs so they’ll look to get the bad taste of losing a big game out of their mouths. Toronto can be tough at home, but they’ve lost three in a row and it’s unlikely that skid ends against the best team in the league.
Pick: Warriors 107, Raptors 103
Heat @ Pelicans
Miami has been a mixed bag since bringing Goran Dragic in, but they’re starting to come together and get the Pellies tonight without both Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson. Miami should be the slight favorites in a gritty showdown.
Pick: Heat 98, Pelicans 96
Timberwolves @ Bulls
Derrick Rose is already out for 4-6 weeks and now the Bulls will have to fend off the pesky T’Wolves without Pau Gasol (illness). Minnesota is healthy and can pour on the points, so we smell an upset brewing in Chi-town.
Nets @ Rockets
James Harden is a little banged up but he should suit up and will likely dominate an inconsistent Brooklyn defense. The Nets are healthy and have been playing better lately, but winning in Houston is a tall order.
Pick: Rockets 106, Nets 101
Clippers @ Grizzlies
L.A. and Memphis teamed up for a great game just a few days ago and they might do just that again. Lob City still will be without Blake Griffin, though, so the odds rest with the Grizz on their home floor.
Pick: Grizz 102, Clips 101
Jazz @ Nuggets
Denver is reeling after four straight losses, while Utah has been much more formidable defensively since inserting Rudy Gobert into the starting lineup. Denver can enforce their will offensively at times, but the Jazz have been more impressive lately.
Pick: Jazz 101, Nuggets 96
Spurs @ Kings
DeMarcus Cousins and Darren Collison are both out for the Kings, which should give a totally reeling Spurs squad (four straight losses) a great chance to get off the schneid.
Pick: Spurs 104, Kings 97
Bucks @ Lakers
Milwaukee is surging with seven wins out of their last 10 games, and while the Lakers are hosting with a nice two-game winning streak, the Bucks have to be the pick. They’re simply more complete and play sound defense, while the Lakers getting three wins in a row sounds like something that is borderline impossible.
Pick: Bucks 99, Lakers 97
Thunder @ Trail Blazers
Russell Westbrook takes OKC into Portland for what is easily the game of the night. No Kevin Durant gives Portland the obvious edge, who are pretty brutal on their home floor (24-6 on the year).
Pick: Blazers 107, Thunder 105
