NBA Daily Picks For February 12, 2024: Wolves And Clippers For The Best Of The West, Bucks Need A Win Against Nuggets

With a record of 1-1 following the Super Bowl frenzy which brings the season total 207-109, Fadeaway World is poised for an exciting 10-game night in the NBA world. As we gear up for predictions and analysis, our aim remains to provide insightful commentary and accurate forecasts, leveraging our 65.7% accuracy rate.

Tonight’s lineup features an exciting array of NBA matchups. The Indiana Pacers will clash with the Charlotte Hornets, followed by a showdown between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Next up, the Chicago Bulls will face off against the Atlanta Hawks, while the San Antonio Spurs take on the Toronto Raptors. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks will go head-to-head with the Houston Rockets, and the New Orleans Pelicans will battle the Memphis Grizzlies. 

Additionally, the Denver Nuggets will square off against the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Washington Wizards meet the Dallas Mavericks. Rounding out the night, the Golden State Warriors will clash with the Utah Jazz, and the Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the Los Angeles Clippers. Stay tuned for an evening packed with thrilling basketball action.

Indiana Pacers At Charlotte Hornets – 7 PM EST

Pacers Last 10 Games: 6-4

Hornets Last 10 Games: 1-9

Pacers Injuries: Tyrese Haliburton – Day To Day (Hamstring), Jalen Smith – Out (Back)

Hornets Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Pacers Lead 3-2

In Monday’s NBA matchup, the Indiana Pacers (30-24) are set to take on the Charlotte Hornets (11-41) at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Pacers, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference, have been displaying a strong offensive game, ranking first in scoring this season. Despite trading Buddy Hield, they continue to showcase their offensive prowess, led by Tyrese Haliburton. 

On the other hand, the Hornets have struggled offensively, especially in the absence of star player LaMelo Ball. With Ball sidelined due to injury, Charlotte’s scoring has been limited, making it challenging for them to secure victories. As the Pacers bring their potent offense into this contest, they appear poised to come out on top against the struggling Hornets.

Prediction: Pacers def. Hornets 131-119

Philadelphia 76ers At Cleveland Cavaliers – 7 PM EST

Sixers Last 10 Games: 2-8

Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 9-1

Sixers Injuries: Mo Bamba – Day To Day (Knee), Nicolas Batum – Out (Hamstring), De’Anthony Melton – Out (Back), Joel Embiid – Out (Knee), Robert Covington – Out (Knee)

Cavaliers Injuries: Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Sixers Lead 3-2

In Monday’s NBA showdown, the Philadelphia 76ers (31-21) will face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers (35-16) at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland. The Sixers, led by Tyrese Maxey and Buddy Hield, secured a hard-fought victory against the Washington Wizards in their last outing. Despite missing Joel Embiid, they displayed resilience and determination, emphasizing the depth of their roster. 

However, the Cavaliers are riding high on a nine-game winning streak, showcasing their dominance with impressive performances from Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Donovan Mitchell. With Cleveland’s formidable defense and momentum on their side, they enter this matchup as favorites. Expect a competitive battle between these Eastern Conference contenders, but the Cavaliers are poised to extend their winning streak with a victory over the Sixers.

Prediction: Cavaliers def. Sixers 129-117

Chicago Bulls At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST

Bulls Last 10 Games: 5-5

Hawks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Bulls Injuries: Torrey Craig – Day To Day (Toe), Coby White – Day To Day (Ankle), Alex Caruso – Day To Day (Toe), Zach LaVine – Out (Foot), Lonzo Ball – Out (Knee), Patrick Williams – Out (Foot)

Hawks Injuries: Seth Lundy – Day To Day, Patty Mills – Day To Day (Illness), Bruno Fernando – Day To Day (Illness), Wesley Matthews – Out (Illness), Mouhamed Gueye – Out (Back), Clint Capela – Out (Adductor)

Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 3-2

In a crucial Eastern Conference matchup, the Chicago Bulls (25-28) take on the Atlanta Hawks (24-29)  at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Both teams are jockeying for playoff contention, with the Bulls currently holding the 9th seed and the Hawks close behind at 10th. Chicago aims to rebound after a tough loss to the Orlando Magic, while Atlanta seeks to extend their two-game winning streak. 

With DeMar DeRozan leading the charge for the Bulls and Trae Young spearheading the Hawks’ offense, expect a high-intensity battle between two competitive teams. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for postseason positioning in the Eastern Conference, and expect the Hawks to come away with the victory.

Prediction: Hawks def. Bulls 127-120

San Antonio Spurs At Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM EST

Spurs Last 10 Games: 2-8

Raptors Last 10 Games: 3-7

Spurs Injuries: Marcus Morris Sr. – Out (Traded), Charles Bassey – Out (ACL)

Raptors Injuries: Markquis Nowell – Out (Hamstring)

Last 5 Meetings: Raptors Lead 5-0

In a matchup between struggling teams, the San Antonio Spurs (10-43) visit the Toronto Raptors (19-34) at Scotiabank Arena. The Spurs, led by promising rookie Victor Wembanyama, have endured a challenging season, losing seven consecutive games and currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference. 

Meanwhile, the Raptors, despite recent additions and efforts from players like Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick, find themselves in a similar slump, unable to secure victories consistently. With both teams eager to reverse their fortunes, this game presents an opportunity for redemption, particularly for Toronto on their home court. Expect a competitive battle as both squads look to snap their respective losing streaks, with the Spurs coming out on top.

Prediction: Spurs def. Raptors 124-116

New York Knicks At Houston Rockets – 8 PM EST

Knicks Last 10 Games: 7-3

Rockets Last 10 Games: 3-7

Knicks Injuries: Isaiah Hartenstein – Day To Day (Achilles), Jericho Sims – Out (Illness), OG Anunoby – Out (Elbow), Mitchell Robinson – Out (Ankle), Julius Randle – Out (Shoulder), Duane Washington Jr. – Out (Thumb)

Rockets Injuries: Alperen Sengun – Day To Day (Back), Tari Eason – Out (Lef), Cam Whitmore – Out (Ankle), Fred VanVleet – Out (Thigh), Steven Adams – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 5-0

In an Eastern-Western conference clash, the New York Knicks (33-20) visit the Houston Rockets (23-29) at the Toyota Center. The Knicks, currently fourth in the East, have stumbled recently, dropping three of their last four games despite their strong defensive prowess. Missing key players like Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, they aim to regain momentum against a struggling Rockets team. 

Houston, in 12th place in the West, has also faltered, losing four consecutive games and facing injury uncertainties with key contributors like Alperen Sengun. With both teams eager to reverse their recent slides, expect a competitive matchup as the Knicks seek to exploit their defensive strengths and capitalize on the Rockets’ offensive struggles.

Prediction: Knicks def. Rockets 125-117

New Orleans Pelicans At Memphis Grizzlies – 8 PM EST

Pelicans Last 10 Games: 6-4

Grizzlies Last 10 Games: 2-8

Pelicans Injuries: Cody Zeller – Day To Day (Knee), Zion Williamson – Day To Day (Foot), Dyson Daniels – Out (Knee)

Grizzlies Injuries: Derrick Rose – Day To Day (Ankle), Ziarie Williams – Out (Hand), Jake LaRavia – Out (Ankle), Desmond Bane – Out (Ankle), Marcus Smart – Out (Finger), Ja Morant – Out (Shoulder), Brandon Clarke – Out (Achilles)

Last 5 Meetings: Grizzlies Lead 3-2

In a Western Conference showdown, the New Orleans Pelicans (31-22) visit the Memphis Grizzlies (18-35) at the FedEx Forum. The Pelicans, currently holding the seventh seed, aim to solidify their playoff position against the 13th-placed Grizzlies. With a solid record, the Pelicans boast a potent offensive arsenal led by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, supported by a robust defense anchored by Jonas Valanciunas. 

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies face challenges in consistency and injuries, yet they exhibit resilience highlighted by standout performances from players like Jaren Jackson Jr. As both teams vie for a crucial victory, expect a competitive matchup with the Pelicans showcasing their playoff readiness and emerging victorious.

Prediction: Pelicans def. Grizzlies 128-117

Denver Nuggets At Milwaukee Bucks – 8 PM EST

Nuggets Last 10 Games: 7-3

Bucks Last 10 Games: 4-6

Nuggets Injuries: Michael Porter Jr. – Day To Day (Knee), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Day To Day (Hamstring), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)

Bucks Injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Knee), Damian Lillard – Day To Day (Ankle), Khris Middleton – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 3-2

In a clash between two formidable teams, the Denver Nuggets (36-17) face off against the Milwaukee Bucks (34-19) at the Fiserv Forum. Denver, currently positioned third in the Western Conference, seeks redemption after a recent loss to the Sacramento Kings. Led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets boast a potent offensive attack and a solid defensive presence. On the other hand, the Milwaukee Bucks, occupying the third spot in the Eastern Conference, aim to build on their recent dominant win over the Charlotte Hornets. 

Spearheaded by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks exhibit offensive prowess but have faced defensive challenges. With both teams eyeing a crucial victory to bolster their playoff aspirations, expect a fiercely contested matchup with the Nuggets showcasing their depth and resilience to emerge victorious.

Prediction: Nuggets def. Bucks 128-120

Washington Wizards At Dallas Mavericks – 8:30 PM EST

Wizards Last 10 Games: 2-8

Mavericks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Wizards Injuries: Isiaih Livers – Out (Hip)

Mavericks Injuries: Maxi Kleber – Day To Day (Toe), Kyrie Irving – Day To Day (Thumb), Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Nose), Dante Exum – Out (Knee), Dereck Lively II – Out (Nose)

Last 5 Meetings: Wizards Lead 4-1

In a Monday night matchup, the Washington Wizards (9-43) visit the American Airlines Center to take on the Dallas Mavericks (30-23). Washington enters the game on a six-game losing streak, struggling to find consistency on both ends of the floor. Despite Tyus Jones’ solid performances, the Wizards have faced defensive challenges, allowing opponents to score prolifically. 

Meanwhile, Dallas rides a four-game winning streak, buoyed by Kyrie Irving’s impressive contributions alongside Luka Doncic’s offensive prowess. With Washington’s defensive vulnerabilities and Dallas’ recent offensive surge, expect a competitive clash. However, the Mavericks’ home advantage and superior form give them the edge in this contest.

Prediction: Mavericks def. Wizards 129-118

Golden State Warriors At Utah Jazz – 9 PM EST

Warriors Last 10 Games: 7-3

Jazz Last 10 Games: 4-6

Warriors Injuries: Gui Santos – Day To Day (Knee), Chris Paul – Out (Hand)

Jazz Injuries: Bruce Sensabaugh – Day To Day (Hip), Otto Porter Jr. – Out (Foot)

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2

In a crucial Western Conference showdown, the Golden State Warriors (25-25) clash with the Utah Jazz (26-27) at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Warriors, winners of their last four games, are starting to find their rhythm, led by the scoring prowess of Stephen Curry. On the other side, the Jazz, despite recent struggles, boast offensive firepower with Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson leading the charge. 

Both teams are hungry for a victory to bolster their playoff hopes, setting the stage for an intense battle. With the Warriors riding a wave of momentum and displaying stronger form, they hold the edge coming into this matchup and are poised to secure a hard-fought win on the road.

Prediction: Warriors def. Jazz 129-117

Minnesota Timberwolves At Los Angeles Clippers – 10:30 PM EST

Wolves Last 10 Games: 6-4

Clippers Last 10 Games: 8-2

Wolves Injuries: Jaden McDaniels – Day To Day (Finger), Jaylen Clark – Out (Achilles)

Clippers Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 4-1

In a highly anticipated clash between Western Conference powerhouses, the Minnesota Timberwolves (36-16) travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers (35-16) at the Crypto.com Arena. With both teams boasting impressive records and vying for the top spot in the conference, this matchup promises to be a showcase of elite basketball talent. 

The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards and backed by a formidable defensive unit, look to maintain their dominance atop the standings. Meanwhile, the Clippers, anchored by stars like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, aim to leverage their offensive prowess and strategic depth to secure a statement win at home. Expect a fierce battle between these two contenders as they compete for supremacy in the West.

Prediction: Clippers def. Wolves 128-119