After a solid 4-1 performance last time out, our season record now stands at 108-64, improving our accuracy rate to 63.4%. Tonight, we’re ready for a compact 4-game slate, aiming to keep the momentum going.
The action tips off with the New Orleans Pelicans taking on the Atlanta Hawks in a battle of rising stars and high-powered offenses. Later, the Miami Heat face the Boston Celtics in what promises to be an intense Eastern Conference clash between two playoff-tested teams.
In other games, the Brooklyn Nets meet the Chicago Bulls in a matchup featuring contrasting styles of play. Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Western Conference showdown, with both teams looking to solidify their standings.
Let’s break down these games and aim for another strong night in predictions.
New Orleans Pelicans At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST
Pelicans Current Record: 4-17
Hawks Current Record: 10-11
Pelicans Injuries: Jordan Hawkins – Out (Back), Herbert Jones – Out (Shoulder), Brandon Ingram – Out (Calf), Zion Williamson – Out (Hamstring), Jose Alvarado – Out (Hamstring)
Hawks Injuries: Bogdan Bogdanovic – Day To Day (Hamstring), Trae Young – Day To Day (Achilles), Cody Zeller – Out (Personal), Seth Lundy – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 3-2
The Atlanta Hawks host the New Orleans Pelicans in a Southeast Division matchup at State Farm Arena on Monday night. The Hawks are coming off a three-game winning streak and look to capitalize on their offensive momentum. They’ve averaged nearly 120 points per game in their last three contests while holding opponents to under 110 points. Atlanta’s fast-paced playstyle and efficient offense, led by Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter, have been key to their recent success.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, have struggled mightily, enduring an eight-game losing streak. Injuries to key players like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Jose Alvarado have left New Orleans shorthanded. CJ McCollum’s return is a bright spot, but his effectiveness has been inconsistent as he works back into rhythm. New Orleans needs improved shooting efficiency and defensive tenacity to contend with Atlanta’s up-tempo offense.
Prediction: Hawks def. Pelicans 116-107
Miami Heat At Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM EST
Heat Current Record: 9-9
Celtics Current Record: 16-4
Heat Injuries: Kel’el Ware – Day To Day (Foot), Josh Richardson – Out (Illness), Nikola Jovic – Out (Ankle)
Celtics Injuries: Derrick White – Day To Day (Foot), Jaylen Brown – Day To Day (Illness)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2
The Miami Heat visit the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Monday night in what promises to be a competitive matchup. Both teams are coming off losses and will aim to rebound in this Eastern Conference clash. Miami’s defense remains a strong point, allowing the fifth-fewest points per game in the league.
However, their offense has been inconsistent, averaging among the lowest points per game this season. Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Jimmy Butler will need to shoulder the offensive load and capitalize on Boston’s potential lineup adjustments.
Boston, despite losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, continues to be one of the most formidable teams in the league. They average the second-most points per game and lead the NBA in three-pointers made. Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porziņģis have been instrumental in the Celtics’ success, and their ability to stretch the floor makes them a dangerous opponent.
Injuries to Jaylen Brown and Derrick White could impact Boston’s defensive and offensive balance, giving Miami an opportunity to exploit gaps.
Prediction: Heat def. Celtics 115-110
Brooklyn Nets At Chicago Bulls – 8:00 PM EST
Nets Current Record: 9-12
Bulls Current Record: 9-13
Nets Injuries: Dorian Finney-Smith – Day To Day (Ankle), Ziarie Williams – Day To Day (Knee), Cameron Johnson – Day To Day (Ankle), Ben Simmons – Day To Day (Knee), Day’Ron Sharpe – Out (Hamstring), Jaylen Martin – Out (Knee), Noah Clowney – Out (Ankle), Cam Thomas – Out (Hamstring), Bojan Bogdanovic – Out (Foot)
Bulls Injuries: Coby White – Day To Day (Ankle), Patrick Williams – Out (Foot)
Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 4-1
The Brooklyn Nets travel to Chicago to face the Bulls at the United Center on Monday night. Both teams are eager to snap out of recent struggles and regain some footing in the competitive Eastern Conference.
The Nets are entering this matchup on a two-game losing streak, falling twice to the Orlando Magic. Their offense has sputtered, and injuries continue to plague the roster. Cam Thomas remains out, while Ben Simmons and Cameron Johnson are questionable. In their last outing, the Nets shot just 38% from the field and managed only 92 points, highlighting their offensive woes.
The Bulls have also faced difficulties, losing six of their last nine games, including a 138-129 defeat to the Boston Celtics in their previous game. While the offense has been effective—averaging 128.4 points over their last five games—their defense has struggled to keep opponents in check, allowing an average of 257 combined points in those contests. Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine continue to lead the way offensively, with Vucevic recording a 32-point double-double against the Celtics.
The battle between the Nets’ depleted backcourt and the Bulls’ high-scoring duo of Vucevic and LaVine will be pivotal. Chicago’s ability to exploit Brooklyn’s interior defense, combined with the Nets’ reliance on outside shooting, could define the game.
Prediction: Bulls def. Nets 120-112
Los Angeles Lakers At Minnesota Timberwolves – 8:00 PM EST
Lakers Current Record: 12-8
Wolves Current Record: 9-10
Lakers Injuries: Quincy Olivari – Day To Day (Ankle) Austin Reaves – Day To Day (Pelvis), D’Angelo Russell – Day To Day (Illness), Bronny James – Out (Heel), Jaxson Hayes – Out (Ankle), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Foot), Christian Wood – Out (Knee), Cam Reddish – Out (Illness)
Wolves Injuries: Joe Ingles – Out (Calf)
Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 3-2
The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Los Angeles Lakers at the Target Center in a rematch from opening night. The Timberwolves are struggling to maintain consistency, sitting at 9-10 after losing seven of their last ten games.
Anthony Edwards leads the way with a career-best 27.7 points per game, but the team’s defensive lapses and turnover issues have held them back. Minnesota will need a strong effort from Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert to dominate the frontcourt battle.
The Lakers, fresh off a narrow win over the Jazz, face the challenge of playing on the second night of a back-to-back. LeBron James and Anthony Davis continue to anchor the team, but injuries to key players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell remain a concern.
Controlling the tempo and minimizing turnovers will be critical for the Lakers as they look to overcome fatigue and secure a road win.
Prediction: Lakers def. Wolves 119-110
