NBA Daily Picks For January 31, 2024: Massive Game Between Nuggets And Thunder, Damian Lillard Against Trail Blazers

Fadeaway World had a commendable night in its recent predictions, finishing with a 3-2 record and elevating our season tally to an impressive 162-89. As we gear up for an exciting 10-game slate of matchups, our team is excited to extend our predictions to avid basketball enthusiasts. With a remarkable hit record of 64.5%, we bring our insights and analyses to provide foresight into the outcomes of tonight’s matchups.

The NBA action kicks off as the Chicago Bulls face off against the Charlotte Hornets. Simultaneously, the Detroit Pistons go head-to-head with the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Los Angeles Clippers clash with the Washington Wizards. Following that, the Sacramento Kings challenge the Miami Heat, and the New Orleans Pelicans engage with the Houston Rockets.

The excitement continues with the Dallas Mavericks meeting the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Orlando Magic squaring off against the San Antonio Spurs. Later, the Denver Nuggets take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Phoenix Suns go up against the Brooklyn Nets. Finally, the day concludes with a thrilling matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers. Get ready for a day filled with intense basketball showdowns across the league.

Chicago Bulls At Charlotte Hornets – 7 PM EST

Bulls Last 10 Games: 5-5

Hornets Last 10 Games: 2-8

Bulls Injuries: Dalen Terry – Day To Day (Ankle), Patrick Williams – Out (Foot), Zach LaVine – Out (Ankle), Torrey Craig – Out (Heel), Lonzo Ball – Out (Knee)

Hornets Injuries: LaMelo Ball – Day To Day (Ankle), Miles Bridges – Day To Day (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 5-0 

In a rematch between the Chicago Bulls (22-26) and the Charlotte Hornets (10-35), the Bulls aim to maintain their dominance with a potential series sweep. Having secured victories in all three previous encounters this season, the Bulls enter this matchup with a clear advantage. 

Coby White, instrumental in the previous wins against the Hornets, is expected to play a pivotal role in the absence of key players. The Hornets, struggling with inconsistency and a recent four-game losing streak, face a formidable challenge as they attempt to break the pattern and secure a win against the Bulls.

Prediction: Bulls def. Hornets 121-112

Detroit Pistons At Cleveland Cavaliers – 7 PM EST

Pistons Last 10 Games: 3-7

Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 9-1

Pistons Injuries: Cade Cunningham – Day To Day, Isaiah Stewart – Out (Ankle), Malcolm Cazalon – Out (Ankle)

Cavaliers Injuries: Darius Garland – Out (Jaw), Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Cavaliers Lead 5-0

In a Wednesday night NBA matchup, the Detroit Pistons (6-40) are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers (28-16) at the Quicken Loans Arena. The Pistons, coming off an unexpected win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcased resilience and depth in the absence of key player Cade Cunningham. 

On the other side, the Cavaliers continue their strong run, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers with Donovan Mitchell leading the charge. With Mitchell’s consistent stellar performances and the return of Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers aim to extend their success. The game promises an intriguing clash between the Pistons’ potential and the Cavaliers’ established form but this should be another easy victory for the home team.

Prediction: Cavaliers def. Pistons 132-110

Los Angeles Clippers At Washington Wizards – 7 PM EST

Clippers Last 10 Games: 8-2

Wizards Last 10 Games: 3-7

Clippers Injuries: Moussa Diabate – Out, Ivica Zubac – Out (Calf)

Wizards Injuries: Landry Shamet – Out (Illness), Isaiah Livers – Our (Hip)

Last 5 Meetings: Clippers Lead 4-1

In a midweek clash, the Los Angeles Clippers (30-15) aim to bounce back from their recent loss as they face the Washington Wizards (9-37) on the road. The Clippers, who suffered defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, boast a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook. Despite their setback, the Clippers remain a formidable force in the Western Conference. 

On the other side, the Wizards, coming off consecutive victories, will rely on the collective effort of their squad, with Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma playing crucial roles. The matchup promises an intriguing battle between the Clippers’ championship-caliber roster and the Wizards’ determination to secure a statement win on their home court. But this seems highly unlikely as the Clippers are in red-hot form. 

Prediction: Clippers def. Wizards 129-110

Sacramento Kings At Miami Heat – 7:30 PM EST

Kings Last 10 Games: 6-4

Heat Last 10 Games: 3-7

Kings Injuries: Sasha Vezenkov – Out (Ankle)

Heat Injuries: Dru Smith – Out (Knee), Duncan Robinson – Out (Concussion)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 3-2

In a Wednesday night matchup, the Sacramento Kings (27-18), currently riding a four-game winning streak and sitting fifth in the Western Conference, visit the struggling Miami Heat (24-23), who have faced a seven-game losing streak. The Kings, led by the explosive De’Aaron Fox and dominant big man Domantas Sabonis, have showcased their potential as contenders, with Sabonis delivering exceptional performances. 

On the other side, the Heat, despite recent efforts to strengthen their roster with the acquisition of Terry Rozier, have struggled to find consistency and defensive solidity. The game promises an intriguing clash between the Kings’ momentum and the Heat’s determination to regain form on their home court, as they have a slight edge in this matchup.

Prediction: Heat def. Kings 115-110

New Orleans Pelicans At Houston Rockets – 8 PM EST

Pelicans Last 10 Games: 4-6

Rockets Last 10 Games: 4-6

Pelicans Injuries: Herbert Jones – Day To Day (Groin)

Rockets Injuries: Tari Eason – Out (Leg), Victor Oladipo – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Rockets Lead 3-2

In a Wednesday night clash, the New Orleans Pelicans (26-21) aim to bounce back from a three-game skid as they face the Houston Rockets (22-24) at the Toyota Center. Despite facing tough competition in their recent losses, the Pelicans, led by the dynamic duo of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, seek redemption on the road. 

The Rockets, coming off a convincing win against the Los Angeles Lakers, boast the scoring prowess of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. With both teams hungry for a victory, the Pelicans bring a well-rounded roster and offensive firepower, while the Rockets rely on home-court advantage and the explosive potential of their young stars. In a closely contested matchup, the Pelicans are poised to overcome the Rockets and secure a much-needed win.

Prediction: Pelicans def. Rockets 129-120

Dallas Mavericks At Minnesota Timberwolves – 8 PM EST

Mavericks Last 10 Games: 4-6

Wolves Last 10 Games: 7-3

Mavericks Injuries: Derrick Jones Jr. – Day To Day (Wrist), Dante Exum – Day To Day (Knee), Kyrie Irving – Out (Thumb), Dereck Lively II – Out (Nose), Luka Doncic – Out (Ankle)

Wolves Injuries: Mike Conley – Day To Day (Hamstring), Jaylen Clark – Out (Achilles)

Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 3-2

In a Wednesday night showdown, the Dallas Mavericks (26-21) look to rebound from recent setbacks as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves (33-14) at the Target Center. The Mavericks, coping with the absence of Kyrie Irving, rely heavily on Luka Doncic, who showcased his scoring prowess with a remarkable 73-point performance in their last victory. 

However, the Timberwolves, currently leading the Western Conference alongside the Oklahoma City Thunder, aim to assert their dominance at home. Despite facing recent losses to lower-seeded teams, the trio of Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert poses a formidable challenge for the Mavericks. In this closely contested battle, the Timberwolves, fueled by home-court advantage and their dynamic roster, are poised to secure the win.

Prediction: Wolves def. Mavericks 115-110

Orlando Magic At San Antonio Spurs – 8 PM EST

Magic Last 10 Games: 3-7

Spurs Last 10 Games: 3-7

Magic Injuries: Gary Harris – Out (Calf)

Spurs Injuries: Keldon Johnson – Day To Day (Elbow), Zach Collins – Day To Day (Ankle), Charles Bassey – Out (ACL)

Last 5 Meetings: Spurs Lead 4-1

In a Wednesday night matchup, the Orlando Magic (24-23) take on the San Antonio Spurs (10-37) at the AT&T Center. Despite their middle-of-the-pack standing, the Magic have proven to be a formidable force, securing wins against strong opponents like the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat.

On the other side, the struggling Spurs, anchored at the bottom of the Western Conference, seek inspiration from recent victories, including one against the formidable Minnesota Timberwolves. In this clash of contrasting fortunes, the Magic’s youthful energy and Paolo Banchero’s leadership might overcome the Spurs’ home-court advantage. Expect the Orlando Magic to secure the win on the road.

Prediction: Magic def. Spurs 121-110

Denver Nuggets At Oklahoma City Thunder – 8 PM EST

Nuggets Last 10 Games: 7-3

Thunder Last 10 Games: 6-4

Nuggets Injuries: Nikola Jokic – Day To Day (Back), Julian Strawther – Out (Knee), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)

Thunder Injuries: Chet Holmgren – Day To Day (Ankle), Luguentz Dort – Day To Day (Ankle), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Day To Day (Non-COVID Illness), Jalen Williams – Out (Ankle), Isaiah Joe – Out (Sternum)

Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 3-2

In a midweek clash, the Denver Nuggets (33-15), riding the momentum of back-to-back wins and a stellar performance from Jamal Murray, visit the Oklahoma City Thunder (32-15) at Chesapeake Arena. The Nuggets, led by the versatile Nikola Jokic, who recently notched another triple-double, are determined to extend their winning streak. 

The Thunder, however, are seeking redemption after consecutive losses, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcasing his scoring prowess. Despite OKC’s resilience and home-court advantage, the Nuggets boast a formidable defense and offensive firepower. The matchup promises an electrifying battle, but the Nuggets, hungry for their third straight win, may overcome the Thunder’s challenge. Predicting a narrow victory for the Denver Nuggets in this thrilling encounter.

Prediction: Nuggets def. Thunder 130-122

Phoenix Suns At Brooklyn Nets – 8:30 PM EST

Suns Last 10 Games: 8-2

Nets Last 10 Games: 3-7

Suns Injuries: Grayson Allen – Day To Day (Ankle), Bol Bol – Out (Foot), Damion Lee – Out (Knee)

Nets Injuries: Ben Simmons – Day To Day (Knee), Dorian Finney-Smith – Out (Ankle), Dariq Whitehead – Out (Shin), Day’Ron Sharpe – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 4-1

In a highly anticipated clash on Wednesday night, the Phoenix Suns (27-20), featuring the formidable trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, travel to Brooklyn to take on the resilient Nets (19-27). The Suns, coming off a tough loss despite Booker’s sensational 62-point performance, are eager to solidify their chemistry and consistency. 

Meanwhile, the Nets, bolstered by the return of Ben Simmons, are determined to make a playoff push and showcase their defensive prowess, led by Nic Claxton and Simmons. With both teams hungry for a statement win, this matchup promises an electrifying showdown. The Barclays Center will be buzzing as the Nets aim to defend their home court, but the Suns, armed with offensive firepower and defensive improvements, might just edge out a victory in a thrilling contest. 

Prediction: Suns def. Nets 132-118

Milwaukee Bucks At Portland Trail Blazers – 10 PM EST

Bucks Last 10 Games: 7-3

Blazers Last 10 Games: 4-6

Bucks Injuries: N/A

Blazers Injuries: Shaedon Sharpe – Out (Abdomen), Moses Brown – Out (Shoulder), Robert Williams III – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 4-1

In a Wednesday night showdown, the Milwaukee Bucks (32-15), led by the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, will face off against the Portland Trail Blazers (14-33) in Rip City. The Bucks, aiming to close the gap on the Eastern Conference leaders, bring the coaching expertise of Doc Rivers to guide their star-studded lineup. With players like Giannis and Lillard showcasing their offensive prowess, the Bucks present a formidable challenge. 

On the other side, the Trail Blazers, anchored by young talents Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons, seek to defend their home court. Despite being the underdogs, the Trail Blazers boast a tenacious defense, and the Moda Center’s electric atmosphere could play a pivotal role. In a tightly contested battle, the experience and depth of the Milwaukee Bucks might give them the edge to secure a victory on the road.

Prediction: Bucks def. Blazers 134-112