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The Hawks used an odd substitution method that ended up failing in a road loss to the Pistons and the Clippers blew an early lead at home against the Warriors as we went 2-2 (653-332 on the season) on a four-game Tuesday night. That set us up for a fully loaded Wednesday evening, as we brace for 12 NBA games. Let’s quickly run through each matchup and see who the safest picks are for Wednesday, 4/1/2015:
Spurs @ Magic
San Antonio is extremely focused on locking up a good seed and they need all the wins they can get. Losing to a weak Magic team isn’t an option.
Pick: Spurs 108, Magic 97
76ers @ Wizards
Philly is oddly competitive most nights but all they really have is Ish Smith and Nerlens Noel. Noel could be in for a rough night against Washington’s bigs, while Smith is in trouble against John Wall. The Wiz are at their best at home, anyways.
Pick: Wiz 104, Sixers 99
Pistons @ Hornets
Charlotte has lacked consistency due to some key injuries, while the Pistons have been solid (6-4 over their last 10) thanks to Reggie Jackson’s surge. If he can keep it up he should be able to get the Pistons back a banged up Hornets squad.
Pick: Pistons 104, Hornets 101
Pacers @ Celtics
Indy has struggled mightily down the stretch and now they have to go into Boston and compete with a solid Celtics offense. The Pacers can still play sound defense but they lack a real punch on offense and have too many injuries to let you trust them.
Pick: Celtics 103, Pacers 96
Nets @ Knicks
Brooklyn is still fighting for a playoff spot and the Knicks are awful, so it’s easy to take the Nets tonight.
Pick: Nets 105, Knicks 99
Kings @ Rockets
Oddsmakers have this game putting up one of the best Totals of the night, but you’re only going to want to chase it if DeMarcus Cousins suits up. He should and that could keep it close early, but the Rockets figure to pull away at home late.
Pick: Rockets 109, Kings 104
Bulls @ Bucks
Milwaukee has been mostly horrible since the break and Chicago needs to keep winning to stay in the race for the Central division. Look for them to take care of business in Mil-town tonight.
Pick: Bulls 106, Bucks 102
Raptors @ Timberwolves
Minnesota remains extremely banged up, while the Raptors should be coming down from their high after beating the Rockets in their last game. Toronto can get lazy on the road but this matchup is completely in their favor.
Pick: Raps 106, T’Wolves 101
Mavericks @ Thunder
Dallas is nicked up and they’ll head into a huge roach clash with the Thunder trying not to lose anymore ground in playoff seeding. Russell Westbrook and co. are now just three games behind the Mavs and might be smelling blood, while this one being in OKC makes them extra dangerous.
Pick: Thunder 105, Mavs 103
Nuggets @ Jazz
Denver seems disinterested in playing hard at times, so they could be in trouble when they take on a much improved Jazz squad in Utah. Derrick Favors is due back and the Jazz have become a very stingy unit on defense. That’s bad news for the Nuggets.
Pick: Jazz 103, Nuggets 98
Clippers @ Trail Blazers
The Clippers let one get away at home last night and they’ll look to rebound in Rip City. That won’t be easy given how stout the Blazers have been at home this year, but this should still figure to round out as the game of the night. I like Portland to win, but fans should be in for a great clash.
Pick: Blazers 105, Clippers 102
Pelicans @ Lakers
Anthony Davis will have his way with the Lakers in L.A., while Tyreke Evans also has a great matchup. The Pelicans should win by a decent margin as they welcome back Ryan Anderson (knee).
Pick: Pellies 104, Lakers 96
