NBA Daily Picks For March 17, 2024: Battle Of Big 3s As Bucks Take On Suns, European Superstars Faceoff In Nuggets-Mavericks Clash

After a successful 6-3 performance in last night’s round of predictions, Fadeaway World’s season record stands at an impressive 314-179. Tonight, with a slate of seven games on the schedule, our aim remains unchanged: to provide accurate insights and maintain our outstanding 63.6% accuracy rate.

The NBA action kicks off with an exciting clash between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks, followed by the Miami Heat squaring off against the Detroit Pistons. Next, the Denver Nuggets go head-to-head with the Dallas Mavericks, while the Toronto Raptors battle the Orlando Magic. 

Later in the evening, the Boston Celtics take on the Washington Wizards, and the Brooklyn Nets meet the San Antonio Spurs. Finally, the Atlanta Hawks wrap up the night against the Los Angeles Clippers. 

Phoenix Suns At Milwaukee Bucks – 1 PM EST

Suns Last 10 Games: 6-4

Bucks Last 10 Games: 7-3

Suns Injuries: Josh Okogie – Out (Abdomen), Damion Lee – Out (Knee)

Bucks Injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Hamstring), Malik Beasley – Day To Day (Back), MarJon Beauchamp – Day To Day (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 3-2

In a highly anticipated matchup, the Phoenix Suns (39-28) visit the Milwaukee Bucks (43-24) at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Having secured a victory in their previous encounter earlier this season, the Suns aim to continue their momentum after a recent win against the Charlotte Hornets. With star players like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant leading the charge, the Suns boast a formidable offensive lineup. 

However, they face a tough challenge against the Bucks, who are bolstered by the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Antetokounmpo’s dominant performance in their recent win over the Philadelphia 76ers showcased the Bucks’ offensive prowess. With both teams eager to secure a crucial victory, expect a fiercely contested battle on the court, with the Bucks coming out on top. 

Prediction: Bucks def. Suns 125-117

Miami Heat At Detroit Pistons – 3 PM EST

Heat Last 10 Games: 5-5

Pistons Last 10 Games: 4-6

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

Pistons Injuries: Cade Cunningham (Knee) – Day To Day, (Quentin Grimes – Out (Knee), Ausar Thompson – Out (Illness)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 5-0

In a rematch between the Miami Heat (36-30) and the Detroit Pistons (12-54), the Heat aim to capitalize on their recent victory and maintain their push for a higher playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. With Jimmy Butler leading the charge and their formidable defensive prowess, the Heat have demonstrated resilience despite facing injuries to key players like Kevin Love and Tyler Herro. 

On the other hand, the Pistons, despite showcasing glimpses of competitiveness led by Cade Cunningham, have struggled to close out games and find consistency amid a challenging season. While Detroit boasts promising young talent, the Heat’s experience and defensive discipline are likely to prove decisive in securing another victory in this matchup.

Prediction: Heat def. Pistons 119-109

Denver Nuggets At Dallas Mavericks – 3:30 PM EST

Nuggets Last 10 Games: 9-1

Mavericks Last 10 Games: 5-5

Nuggets Injuries: Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)

Mavericks Injuries: Dante Exum – Day To Day (Sprain), Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Hamstring), Josh Green – Out (Ankle), Brandon Williams – Out (Wrist)

Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 4-1

In a highly anticipated matchup between the Denver Nuggets (47-20) and the Dallas Mavericks (38-29), both teams bring formidable strengths to the court. The Nuggets, boasting a league-leading record in the Western Conference, showcase a balanced offensive attack led by the incomparable Nikola Jokic. With a five-game winning streak under their belt, the Nuggets demonstrate consistency and dominance on both ends of the floor. 

Conversely, the Mavericks, anchored by the dynamic Luka Doncic, aim to utilize their explosive offense to counter Denver’s defensive prowess. However, uncertainties surrounding Doncic’s availability due to injury add an element of unpredictability to Dallas’ game plan. With the Nuggets’ cohesive unit and recent momentum, they are poised to emerge victorious in this compelling clash.

Prediction: Nuggets def. Mavericks 127-120

Toronto Raptors At Orlando Magic – 6 PM EST

Raptors Last 10 Games: 2-8

Magic Last 10 Games: 7-3

Raptors Injuries: D.J Carton – Out (Ankle), RJ Barrett – Out (Personal), Chris Boucher – Out (MCL), Jakob Poetlt – Out (Hand), Scottie Barnes – Out (Hand)

Magic Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Magic Lead 4-1

In a rematch between the Orlando Magic (39-28) and the Toronto Raptors (23-44), both teams come into the game with different trajectories. The Magic, buoyed by a recent two-game winning streak, aims to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Led by Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, Orlando’s offense has shown spurts of efficiency, particularly in the second half of games. 

Meanwhile, the Raptors find themselves in a slump, dropping their last six contests despite a solid offensive effort led by Gary Trent Jr. and Immanuel Quickley. However, Toronto’s defensive struggles and turnover issues have hindered their ability to secure victories. With Orlando’s recent form and the home crowd behind them, they are favored to emerge victorious in this matchup.

Prediction: Magic def. Raptors 121-112

Boston Celtics At Washington Wizards – 6 PM EST

Celtics Last 10 Games: 8-2

Wizards Last 10 Games: 2-8

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

Wizards Injuries: Tyus Jones – Day To Day (Back), Deni Avdija – Day To Day (Knee), Marvin Bagley III – Out (Back), Landry Shamet – Out (Calf), Isaiah Livers – Out (Hip)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 4-1

The Boston Celtics (52-14), riding high atop the league standings, take on the struggling Washington Wizards (11-56) in what appears to be a lopsided matchup. With key players like Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis potentially sidelined, the Celtics may face challenges despite their impressive form. However, the Wizards, languishing at the bottom of the standings, have struggled to find consistency throughout the season. Despite their recent offensive spurts, Washington’s porous defense and injury concerns loom large. 

Expectations favor Boston’s depth and firepower, but if the Wizards can capitalize on the Celtics’ potential absences and maintain offensive momentum, they might pose a challenge. Ultimately, the Celtics’ overall talent and recent form likely give them the edge in this contest.

Prediction: Celtics def. Wizards 123-108

Brooklyn Nets At San Antonio Spurs – 7 PM EST

Nets Last 10 Games: 2-8

Spurs Last 10 Games: 3-7

Nets Injuries: Ben Simmons – Out (Back), Dariq Whitehead – Out (Shin)

Spurs Injuries: Cedi Osman – Out (Ankle), Charles Bassey – Out (ACL)

Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 4-1

The Brooklyn Nets (26-41), coming off a road trip, face the San Antonio Spurs (14-53) in Texas. Despite their struggles this season, the Nets aim to rebound after a tough stretch away from home. With offensive inconsistencies plaguing them, Brooklyn seeks to find a rhythm against the struggling Spurs. 

San Antonio, anchored at the bottom of the Western Conference, looks to halt their three-game home losing streak and capitalize on Brooklyn’s road fatigue. With defensive lapses and offensive challenges of their own, the Spurs hope to exploit the Nets’ vulnerabilities and secure a much-needed win in front of their home crowd.

Prediction: Spurs def. Nets 120-112

Atlanta Hawks At Los Angeles Clippers – 9:30 PM EST

Hawks Last 10 Games: 5-5

Clippers Last 10 Games: 5-5

Hawks Injuries: Bogdan Bogdanovic – Day To Day (Illness), Mouhamed Gueye – Out (UCL), Saddiq Bey – Out (ACL), Seth Lundy – Out (Back), Onyeka Okongwu – Out (Toe), Kobe Buftin – Out (Toe), Trae Young – Out (Finger)

Clippers Injuries: James Harden – Day To Day (Shoulder), Norman Powell – Day To Day (Leg), Russell Westbrook – Out (Hand)

Last 5 Meetings: Clippers Lead 3-2

In a non-conference showdown, the Atlanta Hawks (29-37), coming off three consecutive losses, face the Los Angeles Clippers (42-24), who are aiming to bounce back from a recent defeat. Despite their struggles, the Hawks boast a formidable lineup led by Trae Young, Clint Capela, and Dejounte Murray. However, their inconsistency on both ends of the court has hindered their performance. 

On the other hand, the Clippers, anchored by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, exhibit strength on both offense and defense, making them a formidable opponent. With the Clippers’ home-court advantage and the Hawks’ recent woes, this matchup could turn one-sided very quickly.

Prediction: Clippers def. Hawks 121-114