Last night featured a thrilling 10-game NBA lineup, and Fadeaway World’s predictions were spot-on, securing an impressive 9 out of 10 correct calls. This accomplishment boosts our season total to an outstanding 90-41. Now, with another exciting 5-game NBA night on the horizon, we’re geared up to analyze, predict, and continue our strong record.
In a special NBA showcase, the Brooklyn Nets clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers in Paris. Following this international showdown, the top two seeds in the East, the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks, go head-to-head in a highly anticipated matchup. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers face the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the New York Knicks take on the Dallas Mavericks.
To conclude the day’s action, the Phoenix Suns square off against the Los Angeles Lakers in what promises to be an exciting finale.
Brooklyn Nets At Cleveland Cavaliers – 2 PM ET
Nets Last 10 Games: 3-7
Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 7-3
Nets Injuries: Ben Simmons – Out (Back), Day’Ron Sharpe – Out (Knee)
Cavaliers Injuries: Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle), Darius Garland – Out (Jaw), Evan Mobley – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Cavaliers Lead 3-2
In a special afternoon NBA game held in Paris, the Cleveland Cavaliers (21-15) and the Brooklyn Nets (16-21), two Eastern Conference teams with playoff aspirations, are set to clash. Surprisingly, it’s the Cavaliers who find themselves in a stronger position, comfortably above the Play-In Tournament threshold despite facing injuries to key players like Evan Mobley and Darius Garland.
Donovan Mitchell, a prolific 27 points-per-game scorer for the Cavaliers, poses a significant threat, while the Nets aim to bounce back from a recent loss to the Trail Blazers. This should be an easy victory for the Cavaliers, despite them missing two key players. The Nets have a tough task on their hands, especially given their poor form of late.
Prediction: Cavaliers def. Nets 121-111
Boston Celtics At Milwaukee Bucks – 7:30 PM EST
Celtics Last 10 Games: 8-2
Bucks Last 10 Games: 5-5
Celtics Injuries: Kristaps Porzingis – Day To Day (Knee)
Bucks Injuries: Cameron Payne – Day To Day (Concussion)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2
In a highly anticipated clash of Eastern Conference contenders, the Boston Celtics (29-8) are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks (25-12) at Fiserv Forum. Having secured a 119-116 victory in their previous matchup on Nov. 22, the Celtics enter the game with confidence. Meanwhile, the Bucks, currently struggling with a two-game losing streak, face a daunting task against a nearly full-strength Celtics squad, featuring the return of key players like Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday.
The potential addition of Kristaps Porzingis further complicates the challenge for the Bucks. Despite possessing formidable offensive firepower, Milwaukee must address defensive issues to contend with the Celtics. As a potential Eastern Conference finals matchup, the game promises excitement, but given the Celtics’ recent form, they hold the edge to secure the victory.
Prediction: Celtics def. Bucks 124-119
Portland Trail Blazers At Oklahoma City Thunder – 8 PM EST
Blazers Last 10 Games: 3-7
Thunder Last 10 Games: 7-3
Blazers Injuries: Moser Brown – Out (Shoulder), Jabari Walker – Out (Knee), Deandre Ayton – Out (Knee), Robert Williams III – Out (Knee)
Thunder Injuries: Oliver Sarr – Out (Illness), Davis Bertans – Out (Illness)
Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 5-0
The Portland Trail Blazers (10-26) face a formidable challenge as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder (25-11), who currently hold a dominating nine-game winning streak over them. The Thunder, positioned second in the Western Conference, showcase a well-executed rebuild, while the Trail Blazers, struggling to define their identity post-Damian Lillard, reside in the 14th seed.
Portland, dealing with injuries to key players like Jabari Walker and Deandre Ayton, faces adversity with four big men on the injury list. In contrast, the Thunder, led by the dynamic duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, boast statistical superiority. With the Thunder excelling in nearly every category, this should be an easy game for them as the Blazers have not been great of late.
Prediction: Thunder def. Blazers 121-107
New York Knicks At Dallas Mavericks – 8:30 PM EST
Knicks Last 10 Games: 6-4
Mavericks Last 10 Games: 6-4
Knicks Injuries: Mitchell Robinson – Out (Ankle)
Mavericks Injuries: Grant Williams – Day To Day (Ankle), Dereck Lively III – Out (Ankle), Maxi Kleber – Out (Toe), Dante Exum – Out (Heel), Luka Doncic – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 3-2
In a cross-conference showdown, the New York Knicks (22-15) face the Dallas Mavericks (22-16), both teams aiming to secure a crucial win in Texas. The Knicks have undergone a transformation since acquiring OG Anunoby and have showcased their resilience on the road, contesting 22 away games. The Mavericks, however, are grappling with injuries, with key players such as Luka Doncic and Dante Exum ruled out, while Grant Williams is questionable and Dereck Lively II is doubtful.
Despite the Knicks’ recent success, the Mavericks’ injury concerns create a challenging scenario, making it difficult to support them. With the Knicks on a five-game winning streak, they enter the matchup as the more reliable choice, and backing them seems justified against a shorthanded Mavericks squad.
Prediction: Knicks def. Mavericks 121-112
Phoenix Suns At Los Angeles Lakers – 10 PM EST
Suns Last 10 Games: 5-5
Lakers Last 10 Games: 4-6
Suns Injuries: Damion Lee – Out (Knee)
Lakers Injuries: Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Ankle), LeBron James – Day To Day (Ankle), Cam Reddish – Day To Day (Facial), Rui Hachimura – Out (Calf), Gabe Vincent – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 5-0
The Phoenix Suns (19-18) will conclude their Southern California road trip with a challenging matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers (19-19) at Crypto.com Arena. The Suns faced a 138-111 defeat against the Clippers, struggling defensively in the second half. The Lakers, who are on a two-game winning streak, narrowly defeated the Raptors 132-131 with Anthony Davis contributing 41 points and 11 rebounds.
Both teams have been struggling off late but the Lakers have a good record at home and have won all three encounters this season. This could be a close game as the Suns are near full strength and Anthony Davis is in great touch. The Lakers have an edge over the Suns but this game could be too close to call as both teams are evenly matched.
Prediction: Lakers def. Suns 126-120
