NBA Daily Picks For April 3, 2024: Lakers Are Better Than Wizards, Celtics Against Thunder Is Game Of The Day

Tonight’s slate of nine games offers another opportunity for Fadeaway World to improve on our predictions after a slightly challenging 5-4 performance in the last round. With a commendable overall record of 398-221, translating to an impressive 64.2% accuracy rate, Fadeaway World continues to deliver insightful analyses and predictions for NBA matchups.  

The NBA action kicks off with the Portland Trail Blazers meeting the Charlotte Hornets, while the Los Angeles Lakers clash with the Washington Wizards. Simultaneously, the Detroit Pistons challenge the Atlanta Hawks, while the Oklahoma City Thunder tackle the Boston Celtics in what promises to be an intense matchup. 

Later, the Indiana Pacers square off against the Brooklyn Nets, followed by the Memphis Grizzlies taking on the Milwaukee Bucks. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors lock horns with the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Orlando Magic clash with the New Orleans Pelicans. Finally, the Cleveland Cavaliers wrap up the day’s proceedings against the Phoenix Suns in what is sure to be an exciting finale.

Portland Trail Blazers At Charlotte Hornets – 7 PM EST

Blazers Last 10 Games: 0-10

Hornets Last 10 Games: 2-8

Blazers Injuries: Justin Minaya – Day To Day (Back), Matisse Thybulle – Out (Ankle), Anfernee Simons – Out (Knee), Malcolm Brogdon – Out (Elbow), Jerami Grant – Out (Hamstring), Toumani Camara – Out (Rib), Shaedon Sharpe – Out (Abdomen), Robert Williams III – Out (Knee)

Hornets Injuries: Brandon Miller – Day To Day (Ankle), LaMelo Ball – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Hornets Lead 3-2

The Portland Trail Blazers (19-56) are enduring a challenging season, marked by a recent string of losses, including a heartbreaker against Orlando. Despite Deandre Ayton’s consistent performances, the team has struggled to secure victories. Facing the Charlotte Hornets (18-57), who themselves are looking to bounce back from a loss to the Boston Celtics, the Blazers will need to regroup swiftly to stand a chance. 

However, the Hornets, led by standout performances from Miles Bridges and Grant Williams, are keen to capitalize on their home-court advantage and continue their push for success. With both teams eager to turn their fortunes around, expect a competitive matchup where the Hornets may hold the edge with their stronger recent form.

Prediction: Hornets def. Blazers 123-114

Los Angeles Lakers At Washington Wizards – 7 PM EST

Lakers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Wizards Last 10 Games: 4-6

Lakers Injuries: Gabe Vincent – Day To Day (Knee), Cam Reddish – Out (Personal), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Foot), Jalen Hood-Schifino – Out, Christian Wood – Out (Knee)

Wizards Injuries: Marvin Bagley III – Day To Day (Knee), Kyle Kuzma – Day To Day (Heel), Richaun Holmes – Out (Toe), Landry Shamet – Out (Calf), Tyus Jones – Out (Back), Bilal Coulibaly – Out (Wrist), Isaiah Livers – Out (Hip)

Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 4-1

The Los Angeles Lakers (43-33), fresh off a convincing victory against the Toronto Raptors, bring their potent offense to face the struggling Washington Wizards (15-61). With seven wins in their last eight games, the Lakers have found success through efficient shooting and offensive prowess. Despite their defensive shortcomings, they remain a formidable force on the scoring end, posing a significant challenge for the Wizards. 

On the other hand, the Wizards continue to struggle defensively, ranking last in points allowed per game this season. While they managed to secure a recent win, their inconsistent performance doesn’t bode well against the Lakers’ offensive firepower.

Prediction: Lakers def. Wizards 128-115

Detroit Pistons At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST

Pistons Last 10 Games: 1-9

Hawks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Pistons Injuries: Cade Cunningham – Day To Day (Knee), Marcus Sasser – Day To Day (Illness), Taj Gibson – Out (Hamstring), Simone Fontecchio – Out (Toe), Quentin Grimes – Out (Knee), Stanley Umude – Out (Ankle), Isaiah Stewart – Out (Hamstring), Ausar Thompson – Out (Blood clot)

Hawks Injuries: Mouhamed Gueye – Out (Elbow), Saddiq Bey – Out (ACL), Trae Young – Out (Finger), AJ Griffin – Out (Ankle) Oneyka Okongwu – Out (Toe)

Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 5-0

The Detroit Pistons (13-62) face the Atlanta Hawks (35-40) in a matchup where the Pistons are seeking to end a string of losses. Despite Cade Cunningham’s impressive performance, the Pistons have struggled to secure victories recently. Their defensive vulnerabilities were evident in their recent loss against the Memphis Grizzlies, further complicating their chances against the Hawks. 

Meanwhile, the Hawks are riding high on momentum after a significant win against the Chicago Bulls. With players like Vit Krejci stepping up and making notable contributions, Atlanta appears poised for success, especially against a Pistons team grappling with injuries and defensive issues.

Prediction: Hawks def. Pistons 122-115

Oklahoma City Thunder At Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM EST

Thunder Last 10 Games: 7-3

Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 4-6

Thunder Injuries: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Day To Day (Quad), Jalen Williams – Day To Day (Ankle)

Cavaliers Injuries: Donovan Mitchell – Out (Knee), Craig Porter – Out (Illness), Issac Okoro – Out (Toe), Dean Wade – Out (Knee), Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2

The Oklahoma City Thunder (52-23) and the Boston Celtics (59-16) are set to clash in a highly anticipated matchup between two conference leaders. With the Thunder aiming to extend their winning streak and solidify their position atop the Western Conference, and the Celtics looking to maintain their dominant form as the top seed in the East, both teams will bring their A-game to TD Garden. 

Oklahoma City, led by standout performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, will seek to overcome any fatigue from playing on consecutive nights. Meanwhile, the Celtics, buoyed by the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and continue their winning ways.

Prediction: Celtics def. Thunder 127-123

Indiana Pacers At Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 PM EST

Pacers Last 10 Games: 6-4

Nets Last 10 Games: 3-7

Pacers Injuries: Myles Turner – Day To Day (Finger), Bennedict Mathurin – Out (Shoulder)

Nets Injuries: Dennis Smith Jr. – Day To Day (Hip), Cameron Johnson – Day To Day (Toe), Keita Bates-Diop – Out (Shin), Ben Simmons – Out (Back), Dariq Whitehead – Out (Shin stress)

Last 5 Meetings: Pacers Lead 3-2

In a rematch between the Indiana Pacers (43-33) and the Brooklyn Nets (29-47), anticipation brews as both teams aim to assert dominance. The Pacers showcased their offensive prowess in their recent victory, led by Tyrese Haliburton’s stellar performance. With an up-tempo style of play and a knack for scoring in the paint, the Pacers pose a formidable challenge to the Nets’ defense. 

However, Brooklyn is determined to bounce back after a disappointing loss, with Cam Thomas leading the charge on offense. As the Nets look to capitalize on their shooting opportunities and tighten up their defense, the stage is set for an intense showdown at the Barclays Center. In what promises to be a closely contested battle, the Indiana Pacers are favored to secure another victory in this series.

Prediction: Pacers def. Nets 128-119

Memphis Grizzlies At Milwaukee Bucks – 8 PM EST

Grizzlies Last 10 Games: 3-7

Bucks Last 10 Games: 5-5

Grizzlies Injuries: Yuta Watanabe – Out (Personal), John Konchar – Out (Heel), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (Knee), Desmond Bane – Out (Back), Marcus Smart – Out (Figner), Derrick Rose – Out (Back), Ziarie Williams – Out (Hip), Ja Morant – Out (Shoulder)

Bucks Injuries: Damiona Lillard – Day To Day (Groin), Patrick Beverley – Day To Day (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Grizzlies Lead 4-1

In a rematch between the Memphis Grizzlies (25-50) and the Milwaukee Bucks (47-28), both teams are eager to secure a victory. The Grizzlies, despite being eliminated from playoff contention, have shown resilience with their young players stepping up, notably Jaren Jackson Jr.’s impressive performance. 

On the other side, the Bucks, currently standing in second place in the Eastern Conference, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Wizards. With Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge, the Bucks aim to capitalize on their offensive firepower.

Prediction: Bucks def. Grizzlies 123-110

Toronto Raptors At Minnesota Timberwolves – 8 PM EST

Raptors Last 10 Games: 0-10

Wolves Last 10 Games: 8-2

Raptors Injuries: Gray Trent Jr – Day To Day (Rest), Bruce Brown – Day To Day (Knee), Ochai Agbaji – Day To Day (Hip), Chris Boucher – Out (Knee), D.J. Carton – Out (Ankle), Jakob Poeltl – Out (Hand), Scottie Barnes – Out (Hand), Jontay Porter – Out (Away from team)

Wolves Injuries: Karl-Anthony Towns – Out (Knee), Jaylen Clark – Out (Achilles)

Last 5 Meetings: Raptors Lead 4-1

In a matchup between contrasting fortunes, the Minnesota Timberwolves (52-23), riding high on a commendable season record and recent victories, face off against the struggling Toronto Raptors (23-52), burdened by a disheartening losing streak and shattered playoff aspirations. The Timberwolves, anchored by a dynamic roster led by Naz Reid’s consistent performances, aim to extend their dominance and solidify their position in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. 

Conversely, the Raptors, despite flashes of individual brilliance from players like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, find themselves trapped in a slump, desperately seeking redemption amidst a string of defeats. As both teams take to the court, the Timberwolves appear poised to capitalize on their momentum and secure another convincing victory.

Prediction: Wolves def. Raptors 121-112

Orlando Magic At New Orleans Pelicans – 8 PM EST

Magic Last 10 Games: 7-3

Pelicans Last 10 Games: 6-4

Magic Injuries: Caleb Houstan – Day To Day (Ankle)

Pelicans Injuries: Jose Alvarado – Out (Oblique), Brandon Ingram – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Magic Lead 4-1

In a crucial matchup between playoff-bound teams, the Orlando Magic (44-31) and the New Orleans Pelicans (45-30) collide at the Smoothie King Center. With both squads vying to secure favorable postseason seeding and avoid the play-in games, the intensity promises to be palpable. The Magic, currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference, aims to capitalize on their recent momentum, boasting a healthy roster led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. 

Meanwhile, the Pelicans, holding onto sixth place in the competitive Western Conference, look to bounce back from recent setbacks, banking on the offensive prowess of Zion Williamson despite missing key players like Brandon Ingram and Jose Alvarado due to injury. In what is anticipated to be a closely contested battle, the Magic’s depth and consistency could tip the scales in their favor.

Prediction: Magic def. Pelicans 118-113

Cleveland Cavaliers At Phoenix Suns – 10 PM EST

Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 4-6

Suns Last 10 Games: 6-3

Cavaliers Injuries: Donovan Mitchell – Out (Jazz), Craig Porter – Out (Illness), Issac Okoro – Out (Toe), Dean Wade – Out (Knee), Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle)

Suns Injuries: Grayson Allen – Day To Day (Hip), Damion Lee – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2

In a clash between playoff-contending teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers (46-30) face the Phoenix Suns (44-31) at the Talking Stick Resort Arena. With Cleveland coming off a back-to-back, fatigue may play a factor, especially against a potent Suns offense. Despite a solid defensive showing this season, the Cavaliers will need to dig deep to contain the likes of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. 

Conversely, the Suns aim to capitalize on their recent momentum, buoyed by a commanding win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Expect a competitive matchup as both teams vie for a crucial victory in their postseason pursuits, with the Suns coming out on top.

Prediction: Suns def. Cavaliers 121-114