NBA Daily Picks: Los Angeles Lakers’ Tough Challenge Against OKC Thunder

Last time out, on a 5-game NBA night, we had a stellar 4-1 record, elevating Fadeaway World’s impressive overall season tally to 102-46. Now, with a massive 11-game night on the horizon, we’re geared up to thoroughly analyze, predict, and continue our strong record.

The NBA action kicks off as the Houston Rockets face the Philadelphia 76ers. Following that, the New Orleans Pelicans go head-to-head with the Dallas Mavericks, and the Orlando Magic take on the New York Knicks. The Detroit Pistons then clash with the Washington Wizards, and the San Antonio Spurs challenge the Atlanta Hawks. The Golden State Warriors are set to match up against the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Chicago Bulls square off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Later, the Miami Heat go up against the Brooklyn Nets, and the Boston Celtics take on the Toronto Raptors. The Indiana Pacers will test their mettle against the Utah Jazz, and we wrap up the day with the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the Los Angeles Lakers. Get ready for an exciting 11-game slate filled with thrilling basketball matchups!

Houston Rockets At Philadelphia 76ers – 1 PM EST

Rockets Last 10 Games: 4-6

Sixers Last 10 Games: 5-5

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

Sixers Injuries: Mo Bamba – Day To Day (Knee), Kennth Lofton Jr. – Out (Shoulder), Robert Covington – Out (Knee), Joel Embiid – Out (Knee), De’Anthony Melton – Out (Spine)

Last 5 Meetings: Sixers Lead 4-1

The Houston Rockets (19-19) face an uphill battle as they continue their road trip against the Philadelphia 76ers (28-12) at the Wells Fargo Center. Coming off a lopsided loss to the Boston Celtics, the Rockets are looking to regroup. Despite a solid performance from Alperen Sengun and a noteworthy contribution off the bench by Cam Whitmore, the Rockets couldn’t keep pace with the Celtics. Jalen Green, in particular, struggled with only 10 points. 

On the other side, the 76ers, without Joel Embiid, secured a convincing victory against the Sacramento Kings. Tobias Harris led the charge with an impressive 37 points, supported by a strong showing from Tyrese Maxey and Nicolas Batum. With the Rockets currently in a challenging phase, facing the formidable 76ers adds another layer of difficulty to their road trip.

Prediction: Sixers def. Rockets 121-112

New Orleans Pelicans At Dallas Mavericks – 2:30 PM EST

Pelicans Last 10 Games: 7-3

Mavericks Last 10 Games: 5-5

Pelicans Injuries: Trey Murphy III – Day To Day (Knee), Brandon Ingram – Day To Day (Achilles), CJ McCollum – Day To Day (Ankle), Zion Williamson – Day To Day (Quad), Matt Ryan – Out (Elbow)

Mavericks Injuries: Maxi Kleber – Day To Day (Toe), Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Ankle), Derrick Jones Jr. – Day To Day (Calf), Dante Exum – Out (Heel), Dereck Lively II – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Pelicans Lead 3-2

The New Orleans Pelicans (24-16) and the Dallas Mavericks (23-17) gear up for a rematch at the American Airlines Center, concluding their quick two-game series on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Pelicans clinched a 118-108 victory in the first game, displaying resilience despite missing key players like Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram. Jordan Hawkins stepped up with an impressive 34-point performance, supported by contributions from Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, and Larry Nance Jr. 

The Mavericks, playing without Luka Doncic, relied heavily on Kyrie Irving and Derrick Jones Jr. As both teams eye the season series win, the outcome might hinge on the availability of key players, making it crucial to monitor the injury report leading up to the game.

Prediction: Mavericks def. Pelicans 122-116

Orlando Magic At New York Knicks – 3 PM EST

Magic Last 10 Games: 3-7

Knicks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Magic Injuries: Gary Harris – Out (Calf), Wendell Carter Jr. – Out (Knee), Franz Wagner – Out (Ankle)

Knicks Injuries: Jalen Brunson – Day To Day (Calf), Mitchell Robinson – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 3-2

The Orlando Magic (21-18)  are set to face the New York Knicks (23-16) at Madison Square Garden following a 112-100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite a solid performance from Paolo Banchero, the Magic couldn’t overcome the Thunder’s surge, shooting 46.4% from the field but struggling from beyond the arc and the free-throw line. 

On the other hand, the Knicks secured a 106-94 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, with Julius Randle leading the charge with a double-double. With a head-to-head series lead, the Magic aim to build on their recent matchup win over the Knicks.

However, the Knicks, buoyed by strong rebounding and contributions from multiple players, will seek redemption on their home court. The game promises to be closely contested, with Jalen Brunson’s injury status could prove to be a potential game-changer.

Prediction: Knicks def. Magic 118-110

Detroit Pistons At Washington Wizards – 3 PM EST

Pistons Last 10 Games: 1-9

Wizards Last 10 Games: 2-8

Pistons Injuries: Bojan Bogdanovic – Day To Day (Calf), Mike Muscala – Out (Recently Traded), Danilo Gallinari – Out (Recently Traded), Monte Morris – Out (Quad), Cade Cunningham – Out (Knee)

Wizards Injuries: Johnny Davis – Day To Day (Illness), Marvin Bagley III – Out(Recently Traded), Isaiah Livers – Out(Recently Traded)

Last 5 Meetings: Wizards Lead 5-0

The struggling Detroit Pistons (3-36), currently on a seven-game losing streak, face the Washington Wizards (7-31) in a rematch where they previously suffered a 19-point loss. With Cunningham sidelined due to a knee injury and uncertainty surrounding Bojan Bogdanovich’s calf injury, the Pistons face challenges. 

On the other hand, the Washington Wizards, sharing the second-worst record, recently secured a victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Considering the Pistons’ ongoing struggles and injury concerns, the Wizards are favored to clinch the win.

Prediction: Wizards def. Pistons 121-109

San Antonio Spurs At Atlanta Hawks – 3:30 PM EST

Spurs Last 10 Games: 3-7

Hawks Last 10 Games: 3-7

Spurs Injuries: Doug McDermott – Day To Day (Ankle), Zach Collins – Out (Ankle), Sidy Cissoko – Out (Ankle), Charles Bassey – Out (ACL)

Hawks Injuries: Wesley Mathews – Out (Calf), Vit Krejci – Out (Shoulder), De’Andre Hunter – Out (Knee), Mouhamed Gueye – Out (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 3-2

In a rematch from earlier in the season, the San Antonio Spurs (7-31), currently at the bottom of the Western Conference, seek revenge against the Atlanta Hawks (15-23). The Spurs, showcasing the challenges of a young roster, have won two of their last eight games, with victories over fellow struggling teams like Charlotte and Detroit. 

The Atlanta Hawks, currently third in the Southeast Division, have endured a rough stretch in their last 10 games. While owning a prior victory over the Spurs, the Hawks aim for a series sweep, with the outcome likely influenced by the availability of key player Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs are poised to keep the game competitive, with Wembanyama’s return adding strength to their lineup.

Prediction: Spurs def. Hawks 118-109

Golden State Warriors At Memphis Grizzlies – 6 PM EST

Warriors Last 10 Games: 3-7

Grizzlies Last 10 Games: 4-6

Warriors Injuries: Moses Moody – Out (Calf), Chris Paul – Out (Hand), Gary Payton II – Out (Hamstring)

Grizzlies Injuries: Jaren Jackson Jr. – Day To Day (Knee), Jake LaRavia – Out (Ankle), Desmond Bane – Out (Ankle), Santi Aldama – Out (Knee), Marcus Smart – Out (Finger), Ja Morant – Out (Shoulder), Derrick Rose – Out (Thigh), Brandon Clarke – Out (Achilles), Steven Adams – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Grizzlies Lead 3-2

In a Western Conference showdown, the Golden State Warriors (18-21) face the Memphis Grizzlies (14-25) in a game marked by roster limitations for both teams. The Grizzlies face uncertainty with several key players missing and are rightfully the underdogs in this matchup.

The absence of Desmond Bane poses a significant challenge for the Grizzlies’ offensive flow, potentially tilting the balance in favor of the Warriors. Anticipating impactful performances from Draymond Green and Stephen Curry in their return, coupled with Klay Thompson’s offensive contribution, the Golden State Warriors are poised to secure a road win.

Prediction: Warriors def. Grizzlies 124-110

Chicago Bulls At Cleveland Cavaliers – 7 PM EST

Bulls Last 10 Games: 6-4

Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Bulls Injuries: Ayo Dosunmu – Day To Day (Shoulder), Dalen Terry – Day To Day (Knee), Patrick Williams – Day To Day (Ankle), Torrey Craig – Out (Heel), Julian Phillips – Out (Fibula), Lonzo Ball – Out (Knee)

Cavaliers Injuries: Max Strus – Day To Day (Knee), Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle), Darius Garland – Out (Jaw), Evan Mobley – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Cavaliers Lead 5-0

In a highly anticipated matchup, the Chicago Bulls (19-22) take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (22-15) on Monday night, continuing their strong performances on the road. The Bulls, having faced a challenging week with two overtime games against formidable opponents. 

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are on a four-game winning streak, including a victory in Paris against the Brooklyn Nets. Despite missing key players in their earlier win against the Bulls, Max Strus and Jarrett Allen stepped up, showcasing the Cavaliers’ defensive prowess. With both teams in excellent form, this game promises to be a closely contested battle, but the Cavaliers hold the edge as favorites to secure the win.

Prediction: Cavaliers def. Bulls 119-113

Miami Heat At Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 PM EST

Heat Last 10 Games: 6-4

Nets Last 10 Games: 3-7

Heat Injuries: Kevin Love – Day To Day (Knee), Jimmy Butler – Out (Toe), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Groin), Dru Smith – Out (Knee)

Nets Injuries: Ben Simmons – Out (Back), Day’Ron Sharpe – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 4-1

In an enticing matchup, the Miami Heat (23-16) hit the road to face the Brooklyn Nets (16-22) on Monday night, marking their fourth encounter this season. The Heat, fresh off a game against the Charlotte Hornets, hold a 1-2 record against the Nets in their previous meetings. T

The struggling Brooklyn Nets aim to bounce back after a recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The game is poised to be closely contested, but considering the Heat’s potential fatigue on the second night of a back-to-back and travel, the Nets are favored to win but this will be no easy task.

Prediction: Nets def. Heat 110-103

Boston Celtics At Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM EST

Celtics Last 10 Games: 7-3

Raptors Last 10 Games: 4-6

Celtics Injuries: Jaylen Brown – Day To Day (Knee)

Raptors Injuries: Christian Koloko – Out (Illness), Otto Porter Jr. – Out (Knee), Jakob Poetlt – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 5-0

The Boston Celtics (30-9) hit the road to face the Toronto Raptors (15-24) in a matchup that could complete a season sweep for the Celtics. Boston, currently the best team in the NBA with a flawless 19-0 home record, has showcased a dominant performance against the Raptors in their previous encounters.

With a healthy lineup, the Celtics aim to continue their success against the Raptors, who have struggled recently with three consecutive losses. The Raptors will look to regroup and overcome their recent setbacks. The Celtics appear poised to extend their dominance in this matchup and secure another win on the road.

Prediction: Celtics def. Raptors 123-110

Indiana Pacers At Utah Jazz – 9 PM EST

Pacers Last 10 Games: 8-2

Jazz Last 10 Games: 8-2

Pacers Injuries: Aaron Nesmith – Day To Day (Shins), Tyrese Haliburton – Out (Hamstring)

Jazz Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Pacers 3-2

In this cross-conference showdown, the Indiana Pacers (23-16) will face the Utah Jazz (21-20) as both teams aim to extend their winning streaks. The Pacers, currently positioned second in the Central Division and sixth in the Eastern Conference, have displayed resilience, securing three consecutive victories even in the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, but faced a tough loss at the hands of the Denver Nuggets.

On the other hand, the Utah Jazz, sitting fourth in the Northwest Division, have been on an impressive run, entering this matchup with a five-game winning streak. Enjoying an added day of rest as they host the Pacers, the Jazz are favored to continue their successful stretch. Expect the Pacers to face challenges in maintaining their intensity through back-to-back games, especially against the Jazz’s determined lineup, making Utah the predicted winner to extend their winning streak to six games.

Prediction: Jazz def. Pacers 132-124

Oklahoma City Thunder At Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30 PM EST

Thunder Last 10 Games: 8-2

Lakers Last 10 Games: 3-7

Thunder Injuries: Shai Gilgeous Alexander – Day To Day (Knee), Dindy Waters III – Day To Day (Illness)

Lakers Injuries: LeBron James – Day To Day (Ankle), Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Ankle), Cam Reddish – Out (Knee), Gabe Vincent – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 3-2

In a Western Conference matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder (27-11), enjoying a stellar season will hit the road to face the struggling Los Angeles Lakers (19-21) who have dropped their last two games. The Thunder, currently holding the second spot in the Western Conference, have demonstrated their prowess with a four-game winning streak. 

The Lakers are dealing with recent struggles and uncertainty surrounding LeBron James‘ ankle injury. Considering the Thunder’s impressive form and the Lakers’ uncertainties, the Thunder are favored to secure a road victory in this contest. But the Lakers may just have a trick or two up their sleeve as they look to snap this losing streak.’

Prediction: Lakers def. Thunder 122-119