NBA Daily Picks: Celtics Are Undefeated At Home, Thunder Face Heat

Last night, we witnessed five exciting NBA matchups, and Fadeaway World predictions proved on point as we nailed four out of five games, elevating our season total to an impressive 81-40. With a massive 10-game night ahead in the NBA, we are ready to analyze, predict, and add to our record in this action-packed evening.

The NBA action begins with an enticing clash between the top seeds as the Minnesota Timberwolves visit Massachusetts to take on the Boston Celtics. Following that, the Sacramento Kings face the Charlotte Hornets, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup. Meanwhile, two teams with the worst records in the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs and the Detroit Pistons, go head-to-head in what promises to be a challenging encounter. The Washington Wizards then take on the Indiana Pacers, and the Philadelphia 76ers go up against the Atlanta Hawks in compelling matchups.

The young and dynamic Oklahoma City Thunder visit South Beach to take on the Miami Heat, while the Houston Rockets face the Chicago Bulls in what is expected to be an exciting showdown. The New Orleans Pelicans then step onto the court against the Golden State Warriors, and the Denver Nuggets go up against the Utah Jazz in a clash of Western Conference contenders. Finally, the Toronto Raptors cap off the night with a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, providing basketball fans with a full slate of thrilling games to enjoy.

Minnesota Timberwolves At Boston Celtics – 7 PM EST

Wolves Last 10 Games: 6-4

Celtics Last 10 Games: 8-2 

Wolves Injuries: Jaylen Clark: Out (Achilles)

Celtics Injuries: Al Horford – Day To Day (Illness), Jrue Holiday – Day To Day (Elbow), Kristaps Porzingis – Day To Day (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2

The Minnesota Timberwolves (26-10) secured a comfortable victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, showcasing their depth with multiple players contributing to a well-balanced performance. Despite a slight dip in their recent form, with a 6-5 stretch, the Timberwolves aim to bounce back as they face the Boston Celtics (28-8) on Wednesday. 

The Celtics, boasting an undefeated 17-0 home record, return to their home court, and they look forward to defending their perfect home record. The Celtics are potentially facing the Wolves without Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford, face an uphill task to defend their unbeaten streak. But Jayson Tatum is back and the Celtics have a great chance of extending their perfect record at home.

Prediction: Celtics def. Wolves 118-112

Sacramento Kings At Charlotte Hornets – 7 PM EST

Kings Last 10 Games: 6-4

Hornets Last 10 Games: 1-9

Kings Injuries: N/A

Hornets Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Hornets Lead 3-2

The Sacramento Kings (22-14), currently occupying the fifth spot in the competitive Western Conference, face the Charlotte Hornets (8-26) at the Spectrum Center on Wednesday. In their second and final meeting of the season, the Kings aim to redeem themselves after the Hornets secured a 111-104 road victory in their previous matchup last Tuesday.

The Charlotte Hornets, positioned 13th in the Eastern Conference are striving to break a two-game losing streak. The Hornets will have a tough time containing De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, both of whom are in great form and if they are not careful, this game could quickly turn into a blowout.

Prediction: Kings def. Hornets 129-118

San Antonio Spurs At Detroit Pistons – 7 PM EST

Spurs Last 10 Games: 1-9

Pistons Last 10 Games: 1-9

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

Pistons Injuries: Monte Morris – Out (Quad), Cade Cunningham – Out (Knee), Isiah Stewart – Out (Toe)

Last 5 Meetings: Spurs Lead 3-2

The San Antonio Spurs (5-30) aim to break a challenging five-game losing streak as they face the struggling Detroit Pistons (3-34) at Little Caesars Arena. Despite a promising start to the season, the Spurs’ recent performance has been disappointing, winning only two out of their last 31 games. 

With the second-worst record in the NBA, the Spurs look to capitalize on facing the Pistons, the team with the worst record. The Pistons will have a tough time getting a victory over the Spurs especially in the absence of Cade Cunningham. Expect a massive game for Victor Wembanyama, who is in great touch and eager to secure his first victory of 2024.

Prediction: Spurs def. Pistons 124-112

Washington Wizards At Indiana Pacers – 7 PM EST

Wizards Last 10 Games: 2-8

Pacers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Wizards Injuries: N/A

Pacers Injuries: Tyrese Haliburton – Out (Hamstring)

Wizards Last 5 Games: Pacers Lead 3-2

The Indiana Pacers (21-15) are set to host the Washington Wizards (8-26) in a matchup overshadowed by the absence of star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is sidelined indefinitely with a hamstring injury. The Wizards on on a five-game road losing streak, seek redemption after beating the Pacers earlier in the season. 

In contrast, the Pacers aim to build on their recent win over Boston and maintain momentum. Even without Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers have a strong squad, which can defeat the Wizards. Their offence is ranked number 1 in the league while the Wizards defence is the worst. The Wizards only hope is for Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma to have big games, otherwise this could turn into a blowout.

Prediction: Pacers def. Wizards 118-103

Philadelphia 76ers At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST

Sixers Last 10 Games: 5-5

Hawks Last 10 Games: 4-6

Sixers Injuries: De’Anthony Melton – Out (Back), Robert Covington – Out (Knee), Joel Embiid – Out (Knee)

Hawks Injuries: Wesley Matthews – Day To Day (Calf), Clint Capela – Day To Day (Achilles), Trae Young – Day To Day (Shoulder), Vit Krejci – Out (Shoulder), De’Andre Hunter – Out (Knee), Mouhamed Gueye – Out (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Sixers Lead 5-0

The Philadelphia 76ers (23-12) are set to take on the Atlanta Hawks (14-21) at State Farm Arena on Wednesday, aiming to rebound after a 120-109 loss to the Utah Jazz. In their two previous meetings this season, Philadelphia emerged victorious against the Hawks, winning 126-116 in the first matchup and 125-114 in the second. 

The Sixers face a massive blow as they won’t be without Joel Embiid, who is having another outstanding MVP-level campaign. Without Embiid, the Sixers’ record stands at 2-6. Trae Young and the Hawks will look to capitalize on this as look snap their 2-game losing streak

Prediction: Hawks def. Sixers 119-111

Oklahoma City Thunder At Miami Heat – 7:30 PM EST

Thunder Last 10 Games: 7-3

Heat Last 10 Games: 6-4

Thunder Injuries: Davis Bertans – Day To Day (Illness)

Heat Injuries: Kyle Lowry – Day To Day (Illness), Caleb Martin – Out (Ankle), Jimmy Butler – Out (Toe), Dry Smith – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 5-0 

The Oklahoma City Thunder (24-11) visit the Miami Heat (21-15) at Kaseya Center. The Thunder, led by the impressive Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 31.5 points per game, have displayed consistency with seven wins in their last 10 games. Rookie Chet Holmgren has contributed significantly, averaging 17.8 points and showcasing shot-blocking prowess.

Facing the Thunder, the Miami Heat 21-15, have encountered challenges in their last five games, losing three. Jimmy Butler’s absence due to injury, along with injuries to Caleb Martin and Kyle Lowry, has impacted the team. However, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have been standout performers, averaging 22.7 and 22.0 points per game, respectively. The Thunder should be able to secure victory as they have a full healthy roster as the Heat are missing key players, but their path won’t be easy as the Heat have the home-court advantage.

Prediction: Thunder def. Heat 122-114

Houston Rockets At Chicago Bulls – 8 PM EST

Rockets Last 10 Games: 5-5

Bulls Last 10 Games: 6-4

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

Bulls Injuries: Alex Caruso – Day To Day (Neck), Zach LaVine – Day To Day (Shoulder), Lonzo Ball – Out (Knee), Torrey Craig – Out (Heel)

Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 3-2

The Houston Rockets (18-17) and the Chicago Bulls (17-21), both vying for a playoff spot, face off in a crucial matchup. The Rockets, with a notable home advantage and a 15-6 record at the Toyota Center, have struggled on the road, holding a 3-11 record away. 

On the other hand are on a 2-game winning streak, overcoming the Charlotte Hornets. Zach LaVine is back in the lineup and is expected to be back in the lineup. He is due for a big game since his return from injury and the Rockets maybe his next target. But the Rockets still had a formidable squad and they will be a tough opponent for the Bulls.

Prediction: Bulls def. Rockets 117-104

New Orleans Pelicans At Golden State Warriors – 8:30 EST

Pelicans Last 10 Games: 6-4

Warriors Last 10 Games: 5-5

Pelicans Injuries: Jose Alvarado – Day To Day (Illness), Zion Williamson – Day To Day (Quad), Matt Ryan – Out (Elbow)

Warriors Injuries: Gui Santos – Day To Day (Ankle), Draymond Green – Out (Coach’s decision), Chris Paul – Out (Hand), Gary Payton II – Out (Hamstring)

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2

In a highly anticipated Western Conference showdown, the New Orleans Pelicans (22-15) clash with the Golden State Warriors (17-19) at the Chase Center. The Pelicans enter the contest with momentum, having dominated the Sacramento Kings with a convincing 133-100 victory on the road.

On the flip side, the Warriors aim to bounce back from a disappointing 133-118 home loss to the Toronto Raptors. The Pelicans are coming off a great victory in Sacremento and they are favorites to win against the Warriors, who are still awaiting the return of Draymond Green. But it won’t we that easy as Stephen Curry and crew will be looking to get back in the win column.

Prediction: Pelicans def. Warriors 122-113

Denver Nuggets At Utah Jazz – 10 PM EST

Nuggets Last 10 Games: 8-2

Jazz Last 10 Games: 8-2

Nuggets Injuries: Julian Strawther – Out (Knee), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)

Jazz Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2

In a Northwest Division clash, the Denver Nuggets are geared up to face the Utah Jazz at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The Nuggets aim to build on their previous success against the Jazz, having secured a 110-102 victory in their prior encounter this season. However, Utah presents a formidable challenge, riding an impressive eight wins in their last ten games and seeking a sixth consecutive home win. 

The Jazz’s dominance at home has historically troubled Denver, winning their last five matchups at Delta Center. This time out it’s gonna really hard as the Nuggets are in great form and Nikola Jokic has been playing out of this world. It will be a tough matchup for the Nuggets as Jazz have been great as well and this could turn out be a very close game.

Prediction: Nuggets def. Jazz 121-118

Toronto Raptors At Los Angeles Clippers – 10:30 PM EST

Raptors Last 10 Games: 4-6

Clippers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Raptors Injuries: Otto Porter – Out (knee), Jakob Poeltl – Out (Ankle), Christian Koloko – Out (Illness)

Clippers Injuries: Moussa Diabate – Out (Hand)

Last 5 Meetings: Clippers Lead 3-2

In an interconference clash at Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Clippers are set to face the Toronto Raptors in an enticing matchup. Toronto underwent significant roster changes, parting ways with OG Anunoby and acquiring RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley from New York. 

The Raptors have displayed positive signs, securing three victories in their last five games against formidable opponents. But they are on a second night of a back to back while the Clippers are well rested. This could end up being a blowout for the Clippers if their 3-point shooting is on target and their stars get hot. The only hope for the Raptors is for Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes to have big games. 

Prediction: Clippers def. Raptors 126-105