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We made it through a light Saturday night with an unblemished 5-0 record (bringing us to 463-235 on the year), but things will get a little tougher to close the week with a nine-game Sunday ahead of us. The Cavaliers and Knicks get it all started early at 1:00 pm Eastern, so let’s not waste anymore time and jump right into our NBA picks for 2/22/2015:
Cavaliers @ Knicks
Cleveland finally looks like an elite team, while the Knicks are sans Carmelo Anthony and are loudly known as one of the worst teams in the league. Sorry, Knicks fans.
Pick: Cavs 109, Knicks 88
Wizards @ Pistons
Detroit is going to try to get acclimated with new point guard Reggie Jackson, so they may not be totally in sync tonight. Washington, on the other hand, will badly want to rebound after getting smoke by the Cavs a couple of days ago.
Pick: Wiz 101, Pistons 97
Hawks @ Bucks
Atlanta has been struggling ever since they had their insane winning streak snapped, so taking down the Bucks tonight may be key for their confidence. That won’t necessarily be a lock in Mi-town, but at least the Bucks are down to their spare point guards due to trades. That should give Atlanta the edge they need on the road.
Pick: Hawks 104, Bucks 99
Warriors @ Pacers
Golden State has won four in a row and easily dispatched the Spurs in their last outing, so a date with the Pacers doesn’t look too daunting. Indy is at full strength (save for Paul George), but they probably don’t stand much of a chance in this one.
Pick: Warriors 105, Pacers 96
76ers @ Magic
Philly has stripped down to an even less talented roster following some big trade waves, so they won’t be a feared opponent by the Magic tonight. Orlando has actually been solid lately and they’re at home, so we’ll give them the nod.
Pick: Magic 103, Sixers 95
Nuggets @ Thunder
Kevin Durant could be out yet again, but so could Ty Lawson (team) and Russell Westbrook has been unstoppable. We’re siding with Westbrook’s hot run and the fact that the Thunder have improved by adding Enes Kanter down low.
Pick: Thunder 106, Nuggets 103
Hornets @ Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki may not suit up and Chandler Parsons has already been ruled out, putting the Mavs at a bit of a disadvantage as they host a pesky Hornets team. Mo Williams gives them a solid upgrade at the point spot until Kemba Walker returns and if Al Jefferson can deliver tonight, Charlotte just might land the upset.
Pick: Hornets 99, Mavs 96
Grizzlies @ Trail Blazers
In what should be the game of the night, the Grizzlies and Blazers duke it out in Portland. Memphis took both of the previous battles, but Portland needs to step up and take on eventually if they want to get serious about making their way through the brutal West. It won’t be easy, but the fact that Portland is 23-5 on their home floor can’t hurt.
Pick: Blazers 105, Grizz 103
Celtics @ Lakers
Fans can expect almost no defense when the Lakers host the Celtics tonight, making this a popular “over” pick on the Total. There will be a good amount of points, but if anyone is playing defense it should be the Celtics, who have more talent and better defensive-minded players such as Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart and Tyler Zeller. If they play up to their ability, the Celtics should be able to win for the sixth time in 11 tries.
Pick: Celtics 107, Lakers 104
