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The 2015-16 NBA season carries on with seven new games on Monday night, as we get one step closer to NBA history. The Golden State Warriors tied an NBA record last night with a 15-0 start, and on Tuesday will face the Lakers as they try to go 16-0 and set a new record for an undefeated run by a defending champion.
That’s tomorrow, though. Tonight we still get seven exciting NBA contests, with some serious bad blood flowing with some matchups containing some “revenge” potential. Most of the hot air will go down when the Pistons and Bucks square off in Milwaukee, while Enes Kanter will head back to Utah to take on the Jazz in the final game of the night.
Let’s take a look at the full slate and see which way you may want to lean if you plan on conducting any NBA betting tonight:
Magic @ Cavs
Orlando has been messing with their lineups lately, which could be keeping them from seeing any real progress. Even if they figure out the perfect rotation tonight, however, winning in Cleveland should prove to be a tall order. The Cavaliers are a perfect 7-0 on their home floor this year and have also won 8 of their last 10 games. That’s without some key players, too. Orlando is extremely competitive and could make this an interesting game, but the odds are very much in Cleveland’s favor tonight.
Pick: Cavs 108, Magic 104
Kings @ Hornets
DeMarcus Cousins has the Kings mostly focused as they’ve stormed back from a 1-7 start and are not 4-6 in their last 10 games. That’s not where they want to be, but progress is still key. It may be difficult to maintain that momentum on the road against the Hornets, however. Charlotte is a staggering 5-1 on their home floor this year, while Sacramento is just 1-4 away from home. The Kings also play some of the worst defense in the NBA, so the Hornets will likely have their way in a win.
Pick: Hornets 109, Kings 106
Knicks @ Heat
This is a very interesting matchup, as two slow-paced Eastern Conference goes square off. Both teams are above .500 and have done a solid job leading balanced attacks, with both scoring just under 100 points per game, but also keeping their opponents under 100 points per game. The Knicks have been more impressive lately with a nice four-game winning streak, but winning on the road won’t come easy. Miami is 7-2 in South Beach this year and should look to get the win to stay atop the Southeast Division.
Pick: Heat 96, Knicks 93
Pistons @ Bucks
This is the big revenge game we were talking about, as Greg Monroe and Khris Middleton both take on their former Pistons squad, while Ersan Ilyasova also faces the Bucks, who he had previously played for during his entire NBA career. Detroit has slid after a hot start, but they’re still 7-6 and defend pretty well. The Bucks have regressed defensively, while their offense has been extremely lethargic on the year. The Pistons are probably the better team right now and it’s hard to see Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson not having their way.
Pick: Pistons 108, Bucks 102
76ers @ Timberwolves
Philly is a total mess at 0-14, as they can’t defend and are struggling mightily to put up even 90 points per game on the year. Minnesota is just 5-8 and also doesn’t play top shelf defense, but they can pour the offense on thick. I’d give the Sixers a mild chance if this were in Philly, but Minnesota hasn’t won at home yet and you have to think this is where they finally get a win for their home crowd.
Pick: T’Wolves 111, Sixers 97
Suns @ Spurs
Phoenix has surprisingly been pretty good this year, as they’re dropping in over 106 points per game and have been stout (5-3) at home. Unfortunately they don’t really defend and they’re not at home tonight. Instead, they’ll head to San Antonio to take on a Spurs team that hasn’t lost on their home court (6-0) so far.
Pick: Spurs 105, Suns 101
Thunder @ Jazz
Kevin Durant is questionable to face the Jazz tonight, so it’s very possible it will once again be the Russell Westbrook show. This time he’ll take his Thunder into Utah, where the Jazz have had an opportunity to play just three times (2-1) all season. OKC could give them a real problem, but Utah’s defense has been quite impressive (allowing 92 points per game). If Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward show up on offense, Utah could get above .500.
Pick: Jazz 91, Thunder 87
