James Harden went nuts, the Pelicans won without Anthony Davis and the Spurs lost to the Jazz in a wacky Monday night to get the new week going. We made it out alive with a 5-4 record (472-244 on the year), but we had hoped for a better run. There are even fewer NBA games to mess with our heads come Tuesday, so we should have a shot at going a perfect 4-0 on the night. Let’s dive right into our NBA picks for Tuesday, 2/24/2015:
Warriors @ Wizards
Stephen Curry could sit out for the second straight game due to an ankle injury, which could put the top-ranked Warriors in a bad spot. It’s bad enough they have a stiff test in the Wizards on the road, but no Curry dramatically stifles their potent offense. Golden State just lost to the Pacers without Curry, so you can imagine how difficult it will be for them to win in D.C. tonight if he can’t go.
Pick: Wiz 103, Warriors 101
Cavaliers @ Pistons
Detroit has come on strong lately (winners of six of their last 10), but they’re still getting acclimated with new starting point guard Reggie Jackson and the Cavaliers seem to be bull-dozing everyone these days. Cleveland is 8-2 over their last 10 and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
Pick: Cavs 109, Pistons 104
Pacers @ Thunder
Indy did just upset the Warriors, but they didn’t have Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook is a man possessed right now. OKC could potentially be in trouble considering Kevin Durant (foot) remains out, but new acquisition Enes Kanter has worked out swimmingly and Westbrook isn’t one to bet against – especially on his home floor.
Pick: Thunder 104, Pacers 97
Raptors @ Mavericks
Toronto visits Dallas to end a quiet four-game night, but this game should be anything but low on noise or points. Both of these teams can fill it up offensively and Dallas tends to play lights out at home. The Mavs will miss Chandler Parsons in this one, but Toronto is fresh off of a thriller from last night, so they could be a little run down.
Pick: Mavs 106, Raptors 103