In our most recent foray into a 9-game NBA night, we showcased our prowess with a solid 5-4 record, maintaining Fadeaway World’s strong season standing at 115-56. Now, with a compact 5-game NBA night on the horizon, we’re geared up to analyze, predict, and further enhance our strong record.
Kicking off the action, the Washington Wizards head to the iconic Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks. Following that, the Chicago Bulls venture northward to take on the Toronto Raptors, while the Oklahoma City Thunder continue their road journey with a challenging matchup against the Utah Jazz.
The day continues with an exciting clash between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Lastly, the Indiana Pacers cap off the basketball extravaganza as they square off against the Sacramento Kings. Get ready for a thrilling day of NBA showdowns!
Washington Wizards At New York Knicks – 7:30 PM EST
Wizards Last 10 Games: 2-8
Knicks Last 10 Games: 7-3
Wizards Injuries: Daniel Gafford – Out (Concussion)
Knicks Injuries: Mithcell Robinson – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 4-1
In this Eastern Conference showdown, the struggling Washington Wizards (7-32) are set to face the New York Knicks (24-17) on Thursday night. The Wizards have been enduring a challenging season, ranking second to last in the NBA standings. Despite a recent loss to the Detroit Pistons, they are looking to bounce back and make a statement against the Knicks.
New York will be on the second leg of a back-to-back after beating the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The Knicks, bolstered by the acquisition of OG Anunoby, have shown improvement, and with Jalen Brunson back in the lineup, they aim to capitalize on the Wizards’ struggles and secure a convincing victory in this matchup.
Prediction: Knicks def. Wizards 119-103
Chicago Bulls At Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM EST
Bulls Last 10 Games: 5-5
Raptors Last 10 Games: 4-6
Bulls Injuries: Dalen Terry – Day To Day (Knee), Andre Drummond – Day To Day (Back), Ayo Dosunmu – Day To Day (Shoulder), Patrick Williams – Day To Day (Ankle), Torrey Craig – Out (Heel), Lonzo Ball – Out (Knee)
Raptors Injuries: Jordan Nwora – Day To Day, Kira Lewis Jr. – Day To Day, Bruce Brown – Day To Day, Otto Porter Jr. (Knee), Jakob Poetlt – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Raptors Lead 3-2
In a clash between the Chicago Bulls (19-23) and the Toronto Raptors (16-25) at the Scotiabank Arena, the Bulls are looking to rebound from a recent 109-91 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite a valiant effort in the second and third quarters, the Bulls faltered in the fourth, with key players like Coby White facing shooting struggles.
On the other hand, the Raptors enter the matchup on a high note after a convincing 121-97 victory against the Miami Heat. The Raptors, adjusting to life after trading Pascal Siakam, showcased an explosive offense led by Gary Trent Jr., RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes. With the Raptors excelling at home and a split in their two previous encounters this season, the upcoming game promises an intriguing battle, and the Raptors aim to capitalize on their home-court advantage.
Prediction: Raptors def. Bulls 121-113
Oklahoma City Thunder At Utah Jazz – 9 PM EST
Thunder Last 10 Games: 6-4
Jazz Last 10 Games: 9-1
Thunder Injuries: N/A
Jazz Injuries: N/A
Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 4-1
In this anticipated clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder (27-13) and the Utah Jazz (22-20), the Thunder, holding second place in the Eastern Conference, aim to bounce back from recent losses in Los Angeles. Despite a setback, the Thunder have showcased their competitiveness and are keen on securing a favorable playoff position.
On the other hand, the Utah Jazz, on a remarkable run, have surged into playoff contention in the Western Conference. Led by the impressive performances of Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton, the Jazz have transformed from early-season struggles to a team eyeing a direct playoff berth. The Jazz’s recent victories against top teams emphasize their newfound strength, making them formidable opponents for the Thunder, who previously defeated them at home.
Prediction: Jazz def. Thunder 123-121
Memphis Grizzlies At Minnesota Timberwolves – 10 PM EST
Grizzlies Last 10 Games: 5-5
Wolves Last 10 Games: 6-4
Grizzlies Injuries: Jake LaRavia – Out (Ankle), Desmond Bane – Out (Ankle), Marcus Smart – Out (Finger), Ja Morant – Out (Shoulder), Derrick Rose – Out (Thigh), Brandon Clarke – Out (Achilles), Steven Adams – Out (Knee)
Wolves Injuries: Jaylen Clark – Out (Achilles)
Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 4-1
In this matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves (29-11), currently holding the top seed in the Western Conference, face the Memphis Grizzlies (15-25) at Target Center. Despite numerous injuries to key players, the Grizzlies have displayed resilience, securing a recent victory against the Warriors and maintaining a three-game winning streak on the road.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves, coming off a win against the Detroit Pistons, boast the best defense in the NBA. With a stellar home record of 16-2, the Timberwolves enter the matchup with a clear defensive advantage against the Grizzlies.
Prediction: Wolves def. Grizzlies 115-107
Indiana Pacers At Sacramento Kings – 10 PM EST
Pacers Last 10 Games: 7-3
Kings Last 10 Games: 5-5
Pacers Injuries: Aaron Nesmith – Day To Day (Shins), Obi Toppin – Day To Day (Calf), Bennedict Mathurin – Day To Day (Ankle), Pascal Siakam – Day To Day, Tyrese Haliburton – Out (Hamstring)
Kings Injuries: N/A
Last 5 Meetings: Kings Lead 3-2
The Indiana Pacers (23-17), fresh from a blockbuster trade acquiring Pascal Siakam, face the Sacramento Kings (23-17) at the Golden 1 Center. In their recent loss to the Utah Jazz, the Pacers were without Tyrese Haliburton for the fourth consecutive game, hindering their performance.
On the Kings’ side, despite a recent loss to the Phoenix Suns, De’Aaron Fox showcased an impressive performance. The Pacers hold a historical advantage in the head-to-head series, but the absence of key players could impact their chances against the Kings.
Prediction: Kings def. Pacers 127-121
