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Saturday night wasn’t light on the crazy when it came to our NBA picks. We did have an awesome call go our way (Timberwolves over the Blazers), but we got burned by the Wizards and Hawks pretty badly. Washington couldn’t take down Milwaukee, while Atlanta was the shock of the night with a loss in Philly to the 76ers. That snapped the Hawks’ six-game winning streak and helped keep us grounded at just 5-3 on the night (536-275 on the year).
Some early games already got Sunday going, so we’ll by pass those and jump right into the 6 pm and later contests. There’s still five to work out way through, so let’s get right to it:
Hornets @ Pistons
These two teams are going in completely opposite directions, with Charlotte coming in with four straight wins and the Pistons reeling with five straight losses. Charlotte has defense down to an art these days and Mo Williams is absolutely crushing it on offense, so the Hornets are the easy pick.
Pick: Hornets 104, Pistons 97
Jazz @ Nets
Deron Williams hosts his former team in what should be an interesting content. Utah has some nasty defense and could easily put the Nets under wraps, although the Jazz haven’t been good on the road (12-20) all year. We like the Jazz to keep it close due to their inside defense, but the Nets should pull away late.
Pick: Nets 99, Jazz 90
Celtics @ Magic
In what could be the best offensive game of the night, Boston rides five wins out of their last seven games into a nice showdown with the Magic. Orlando has been back and forth since firing their head coach but there is no denying they’ve been better. If Nikola Vucevic is able to go (he sat out the last game) Orlando may take this one, but if not they’re in trouble.
Pick: Magic 108, Celtics 104
Raptors @ Thunder
Russell Westbrook is somehow even more dangerous with a mask on and the Raptors have been dreadful (3-7 in last 10). OKC is a different monster on their home floor, too, so we love the Thunder tonight – and most nights.
Pick: Thunder 107, Raptors 102
Mavericks @ Lakers
Another offensive face-off could be on display when Dallas heads to the Staples Center to try to take down the Lake Show. The Lakers have been active and competitive thanks to stellar play from Jeremy Lin and Jordan Clarkson, but they’ll have their work cut out for them tonight. A potential Chandler Parsons return could give the Mavs (5-5 in last 10) the lift they need.
Pick: Mavs 105, Lakers 101
