NBA Daily Picks For March 18, 2024: Lakers Are Favorites Against Hawks

With a record of 319-181 and a strong accuracy rate of 63.8%, Fadeaway World continues its impressive run after a successful 5-2 night. Tonight’s slate of eight games offers another opportunity to provide accurate insights and predictions. 

The NBA action begins with the Cleveland Cavaliers facing the Indiana Pacers, followed by the Detroit Pistons against the Boston Celtics. Later, the Miami Heat challenge the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Portland Trail Blazers take on the Chicago Bulls.

After that, catch the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Utah Jazz and the Memphis Grizzlies battling the Sacramento Kings. Wrapping up, the Golden State Warriors clash with the New York Knicks, while the Atlanta Hawks close the day against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Cleveland Cavaliers At Indiana Pacers – 7 PM EST

Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 4-6

Pacers Last 10 Games: 5-5

Cavaliers Injuries: Donovan Mitchell – Out (Knee), Max Strus – Out (Knee), Dean Wade – Out (Knee), Evan Mobley – Out (Ankle), Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle)

Pacers Injuries: Doug McDermott – Out (Calf), Bennedict Mathurin – Out (Shoulder)

Last 5 Meetings: Pacers Lead 3-2

The Cleveland Cavaliers (42-25) head to Bankers Life Fieldhouse to take on the Indiana Pacers (38-30) in an Eastern Conference showdown. Cleveland, led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, relies on its formidable defense, allowing just 109.6 points per game. Meanwhile, the Pacers, paced by Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton, boast the league’s top-scoring offense, averaging 123.1 points per game. 

In this clash of styles, expect a battle between Cleveland’s defensive prowess and Indiana’s offensive firepower. The outcome could hinge on which team can impose its preferred pace and style of play. Given Cleveland’s defensive consistency and Indiana’s defensive vulnerabilities, the Cavaliers hold the edge in this matchup but will come up short as they are missing a bunch of star players.

Prediction: Pacers def. Cavaliers 123-118

Detroit Pistons At Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM EST

Pistons Last 10 Games: 4-6

Celtics Last 10 Games: 8-2

Pistons Injuries: Quentin Grimes – Out (Knee), Ausar Thompson – Out (Illness)

Celtics Injuries: Derrick White – Day To Day (Hand), Jaylen Brown – Day To Day (Ankle), Sam Hauser – Day To Day (Ankle), Kristaps Porzingis – Out (Hamstring)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 5-0

The Detroit Pistons (12-54) face a daunting challenge as they take on the Eastern Conference leaders, the Boston Celtics (52-14), at TD Garden. Despite their ongoing rebuilding phase, the Pistons have shown glimpses of potential but remain at the bottom of the conference standings. Led by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, Detroit seeks progress amid their struggles, particularly in offensive efficiency and defensive solidity. 

However, facing the Celtics’ formidable offensive firepower and defensive prowess presents a formidable test for the Pistons. With their depth, talent, and consistency, the Celtics are primed to secure a convincing victory against the Pistons on their home court.

Prediction: Celtics def. Pistons 127-114

Miami Heat At Philadelphia 76ers – 7:30 PM EST

Heat Last 10 Games: 5-5

Sixers Last 10 Games: 4-6

Heat Injuries: Nikola Jokic – Day To Day (Hamstring), Jimmy Butler – Day To Day (Foot), Kevin Love – Out (Inactive), Tyler Herro – Out (Foot), Josh Richardson – Out (Shoulder)

Sixers Injuries: Tobias Harris – Day To Day (Ankle), Kai Jones – Out (Hamstring), Joel Embiid – Out (Knee), Robert Covington – Out (Knee), De’Anthony Melton – Out (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 4-1

In a highly anticipated Eastern Conference showdown, the Miami Heat (37-30) visit the Philadelphia 76ers (37-30) at Wells Fargo Center. The Heat are coming off a solid road victory against the Detroit Pistons, showcasing a well-rounded performance led by Duncan Robinson and Bam Adebayo. Meanwhile, the 76ers displayed dominance in their recent win over the Charlotte Hornets, with Tyrese Maxey leading the charge with a stellar 30-point performance. 

Both teams possess potent offensive weapons and defensive capabilities, setting the stage for an intense battle. With their strong recent form, the Miami Heat are poised to secure a hard-fought victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Prediction: Heat def. Sixers 121-110

Portland Trail Blazers At Chicago Bulls – 8 PM EST

Blazers Last 10 Games: 4-6

Bulls Last 10 Games: 6-4

Blazers Injuries: Matisse Thybulle – Day To Day (Ankle), Malcolm Brogdon – Out (Elbow), Jerami Grant – Out (Hamstring), Shaedon Sharpe – Out (Abdomen), Robert Williams III – Out (Knee)

Bulls Injuries: Coby White – Day To Day (Hip), Alex Caruso – Day To Day (Toe), Julian Phillips – Out (Foot), Lonzo Ball – Out (Knee), Patrick Williams – Out (Foot), Zach LaVine – Out (Foot)

Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 3-2

In a matchup where playoff aspirations have faded for one side, the Portland Trail Blazers (19-48) visit the Chicago Bulls (33-35) at the United Center. Portland, already eliminated from postseason contention, seeks to salvage pride in the closing stages of a challenging season. Despite their recent struggles, highlighted by six losses in their last eight games, the Trail Blazers aim to showcase resilience. 

Facing them are the Chicago Bulls, still vying for a postseason berth and eager to capitalize on home-court advantage. With key players sidelined for both teams, the Bulls, led by DeMar DeRozan, hold the advantage in firepower and momentum. Expect Chicago to secure a convincing victory as they continue their push for playoff positioning.

Prediction: Bulls def. Blazers 121-114

Minnesota Timberwolves At Utah Jazz – 9 PM EST

Wolves Last 10 Games: 6-4

Jazz Last 10 Games: 3-7

Wolves Injuries: Kyle Anderson – Day To Day (Shoulder), Rudy Gobert – Day To Day (Ribs), Monte Morris – Day To Day (Hamstring), Karl-Anthony Towns – Out (Knee), Jaylen Clark – Out (Achilles)

Jazz Injuries: Lauri Markkanen – Out (Quad), Jordan Clarkson – Out (Groin)

Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 4-1

In a rematch at the Vivint Smart Home Arena, the Minnesota Timberwolves (46-21) face off against the Utah Jazz (29-38). Minnesota, currently standing third in the Western Conference, seeks to maintain its dominance over Utah, having won all three of their previous encounters this season. 

Coming off a convincing victory against the Jazz, the Timberwolves aim to conclude their road trip with another strong performance. With a staunch defense that leads the league in points allowed, Minnesota looks to stifle Utah’s offensive efforts once again.

Prediction: Wolves def. Jazz 118-107

New York Knicks At Golden State Warriors – 10 PM EST

Knicks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Warriors Last 10 Games: 5-5

Knicks Injuries: OG Anunoby – Day To Day (Elbow), Julius Randle – Out (Shoulder), Mitchell Robinson – Out (Ankle)

Warriors Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2

In a clash between the New York Knicks (40-27) and the Golden State Warriors (35-31), both teams bring contrasting styles and objectives to the court. The Knicks, currently riding a wave of defensive prowess, have showcased resilience in limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. 

Led by Jalen Brunson’s offensive surge and bolstered by their stout defense, the Knicks aim to extend their winning streak. Conversely, the Warriors, buoyed by the return of Stephen Curry, seek to capitalize on their offensive firepower and secure a crucial victory to bolster their playoff aspirations. Expect an intense battle with the Knicks coming out on top.

Prediction: Knicks def. Warriors 114-110

Memphis Grizzlies At Sacramento Kings – 10 PM EST

Grizzlies Last 10 Games: 3-7

Kings Last 10 Games: 5-5

Grizzlies Injuries: Luke Kennard – Out (Personal), Scotty Pippen Jr. – Out (Leg), Brandon Clarke – Out (Achilles), Lamar Stevens – Out (Thigh), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (Knee), Yuta Watanabe – Out (Personal), Derrick Rose – Out (Pubis), Ziarie Williams – Out (Hip), Marcus Smart – Out (Finger), Ja Morant – Out (Shoulder)

Kings Injuries: Trey Lyles – Out (Knee), Sasha Vezenkov – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Kings Lead 4-1

In a matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies (23-45) and the Sacramento Kings (38-28), both teams enter the contest with differing trajectories. The Grizzlies, hampered by injuries, have struggled to find consistency, dropping four of their last five games. Despite the return of key players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis faces offensive challenges, especially against a resolute Kings defense. 

Conversely, the Sacramento Kings have found their rhythm, winning four of their last six games, showcasing their offensive prowess led by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. With a balanced offensive attack and a solid defensive effort, the Kings aim to extend their recent success with a victory on the home court.

Prediction: Kings def. Grizzlies 121-110

Atlanta Hawks At Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30 PM EST

Hawks Last 10 Games: 5-5

Lakers Last 10 Games: 5-5

Hawks Injuries: AJ Griffin – Out (Leg), Mouhamed Gueye – Out (Elbow), Saddiq Bey – Out (ACL), Seth Lundy – Out (Back), Onyeka Okongwu – Out (Toe), Kobe Bufkin – Out (Toe), Trae Young – Out (Finger)

Lakers Injuries: LeBron James – Day To Day (Ankle), Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Eye), Cam Reddish – Out (Ankle), Gabe Vincent – Out (Knee), Christian Wood – Out (Knee), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Foot), Colin Castleton – Out (Wrist)

Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 3-2

In an inter-conference matchup, the Atlanta Hawks (30-37) visit the Los Angeles Lakers (36-32) at Crypto.com Arena. The Hawks, currently in tenth place in the Eastern Conference, aim to rebound from their previous loss against the Clippers. Despite struggles on the road this season, the Hawks boast a healthy lineup and are eager to solidify their playoff position. 

The Los Angeles Lakers, amidst a battle with injuries, aim to halt their two-game losing streak. Despite inconsistency in the starting lineup, D’Angelo Russell has been a standout performer for the Lakers. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis questionable for the game, the Lakers face adversity. However, their home record and offensive efficiency present a formidable challenge for the Hawks.

Prediction: Lakers def. Hawks 124-117