We all got a nice break with just four games on Thursday night, and we made the most of the light slate by rolling to a solid 3-1 record. That lifted us to 420-217 on the year and carries us into a very busy Friday night that boasts 12 NBA games. Let’s get to it:
Cavaliers @ Pacers
Cleveland enters Indiana with a 12-game run and they’ll probably keep it going. The Cavs are completely healthy and Indy’s only hope is to play sound defense and keep this one low scoring. That’s unlikely to happen.
Pick: Cavs 109, Pacers 97
Knicks @ Nets
The battle of New York goes down in Brooklyn tonight, as the Nets try to take out the Knicks. New York has been competitive lately and Carmelo Anthony is expected to play, but Deron Williams is back and the Nets have won two in a row.
Pick: Nets 104, Knicks 101
Lakers @ Magic
L.A. shocked Orlando in their first meeting earlier this year, but the Magic are starting over after firing head coach Jacque Vaughn. They also have lost 10 straight games and there won’t be a better time for them to start fresh and get an easy win at home. Tonight’s the night.
Pick: Magic 106, Lakers 102
Clippers @ Raptors
Los Angeles got housed by the Cavaliers last night so they’ll want to come into Toronto and respond with a big win. The Raptors are a pretty balanced team and can be tough at home, but they’ve looked awful in their last two.
Pick: Clips 105, Raptors 103
Warriors @ Hawks
The two best teams in the league face off in what is easily the game of the night. The Total is over 200 points on this one and it’d be a fun one to take with how these two can sling it from outside. Golden State might actually be the better squad, but we’re not going against the Hawks in Atlanta.
Pick: Hawks 108, Warriors 107
76ers @ Celtics
Philly and Boston play zero defense and Michael Carter-Williams could be out of this one, so we can probably safely prepare for a high-scoring game that ends in a Boston win.
Pick: Celtics 105, 76ers 103
Nuggets @ Pistons
Detroit has been up and down ever since losing Brandon Jennings, but they’re back at home and the Nuggets are struggling with just one win in their past 10 games. It’s not overly likely they get their second tonight.
Pick: Pistons 104, Nuggets 98
Bucks @ Rockets
Milwaukee has been playing sound defense and is riding a nice five-game winning streak, but a trip to Houston could put an end to that. Dwight Howard is still out but if James Harden is a full go, the Rockets should be able to win this one going away.
Pick: Rockets 106, Bucks 101
Grizzlies @ Timberwolves
Minnesota is at full strength and play host tonight, but Memphis has an elite defense and is far too disciplined to drop a gimme game on the road. We hope, at least.
Pick: Grizz 112, T’Wolves 104
Pelicans @ Thunder
New Orleans topped the Thunder just a few days ago and they’re heading into OKC to try to do so again. Kevin Durant should be ready to make his return to the court (toe), however, so OKC should be the pick.
Pick: Thunder 107, Pelicans 104
Jazz @ Suns
Utah has been playing solid defense lately but it’s not really translating into wins. Phoenix will try to hand the Jazz their third straight loss, but will do so a little tired on the second of a back to back. That could make Utah a fun upset pick, but we still like the Suns at home.
Pick: Suns 104, Jazz 103
Heat @ Spurs
The Spurs are heavy favorites tonight, and they should be, as Dwyane Wade is still out and Hassan Whitesid also may miss this one. San Antonio is at home against a team that struggles big time offensively, so don’t bank on a surprise upset here.
Pick: Spurs 101, Heat 88