Fadeaway World went 6-3 on our predictions for the nine games on display last night, bringing our season total to 404-224, a 64.3% accuracy rate. As we ramp up to the end of the NBA regular season, five high-octane games will be available for fans tonight.
The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors face off in a highly anticipated clash that could seal the race for the No. 10 seed or blow it wide open again. The Los Angeles Clippers hope to prove they’re still contenders when they face the ultimate test, the reigning champions of the Denver Nuggets.
In addition, sensational teams like the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and the Philadelphia 76ers will be a part of the action tonight. Let’s take a look at our expert picks and predictions.
Philadelphia 76ers At Miami Heat – 7:30 PM EST
76ers Last 10 Games: 5-5
Heat Last 10 Games: 7-3
76ers Injuries: Tyrese Maxey – Day To Day (Hip), Mo Bamba – Day To Day (Illness), Tobias Harris – Day To Day (Knee), Joel Embiid – Day To Day (Knee), De’Anthony Melton – Out (Back), Robert Covington – Out (Knee)
Heat Injuries: Tyler Herro – Out (Foot), Josh Richardson – Out (Shoulder)
Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 3-2
The Philadelphia 76ers (41-35) are aiming to climb into the top six of the East, especially after Joel Embiid returned from injury in their last game. Embiid’s availability entirely changes the team’s outlook for this season. Tyrese Maxey missed Embiid’s return game but could be healthy enough to appear in this contest.
The Miami Heat (42-33) are gearing up to enter their postseason form, as the team separates itself from the rest of the league by an apparent disregard for the standings. After a rough run of games, Miami is slowly emerging as a very challenging out not just because of their players and coach, but also their history. The 76ers won’t be able to put their old lineup together and just hoping they can overcome a well-oiled unit like the Heat.
Prediction: Heat def. 76ers 108-94
Sacramento Kings At New York Knicks – 7:30 PM EST
Kings Last 10 Games: 6-4
Knicks Last 10 Games: 6-4
Kings Injuries: Malik Monk – Out (MCL), Jordan Ford – Out (G League), Kevin Huerter – Out (Shoulder)
Knicks Injuries: Josh Hart – Day To Day (WRist), Mitchell Robinson – Day To Day (Ankle), OG Anunoby – Out (Elbow), Duane Washington Jr. – Out (Thumb), Charlie Brown Jr. – Out (Illness), Julius Randle – Out (Shoulder)
Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 4-1
The Sacramento Kings (44-31) saw teams ahead of them in the standings like the Pelicans and Mavericks all eat losses recently, buoying the franchise with confidence after recent big injuries have threatened their postseason qualification entirely. Thankfully, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis are both expected to participate and bring the team back into the top six.
The New York Knicks (44-31) have struggled as an inconsistent team over the last two months of action due to various injuries across the roster. Jalen Brunson is a solidified All-NBA guard, but this team’s success relies upon the health of OG Anunoby and Julius Randle. Without them, a matchup like the Kings might not be winnable for the Knicks.
Prediction: Kings def. Knicks 114-103
Atlanta Hawks At Dallas Mavericks – 7:30 PM EST
Hawks Last 10 Games: 7-3
Mavericks Last 10 Games: 8-2
Hawks Injuries: Mouhamed Gueye – Out (Elbow), Saddiq Bey – Out (Knee), Trae Young – Out (Finger), AJ Griffin – Out (Ankle), Oneyka Okongwu – Out (Toe)
Mavericks Injuries: Dereck Lively II – Out (Knee), Greg Brown III – Out (Personal), Josh Green – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 3-2
The Atlanta Hawks (36-40) have been slowly turning their season around in recent weeks, coming closer to becoming the No. 9 seed in the East after a recent run of strong results. The team has found a great groove without Trae Young in recent weeks and will look to ride it all the way to homecourt in the 9-10 Play-in tournament game.
The Dallas Mavericks (45-30) had their high-flying ways stopped by the Golden State Warriors in their latest game, which will motivate Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to come out with a bang. Doncic scored 73 points on the Hawks the last time they faced each other, with this game also kicking off Dallas’ final stretch of home games this season.
Prediction: Mavericks def. Hawks 111-105
Golden State Warriors At Houston Rockets – 8:00 PM EST
Warriors Last 10 Games: 7-3
Rockets Last 10 Games: 8-2
Warriors Injuries: Gary Payton II – Day To Day (Ankle), Jonathan Kuminga – Out (Knee)
Rockets Injuries: Steven Adams – Out (Knee), Tari Eason – Out (Leg), Alperen Sengun – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 5-0
The Golden State Warriors (41-34) are looking to string more positive results together to try and climb out of the No. 10 seed, a position they have occupied for a majority of the season. This win would seal their spot in the Play-In, as the Rockets had cut the gap between the franchises in the standings to one game before losing their last two contests. Stephen Curry will be motivated to send another message to this fanbase.
The Houston Rockets (38-37) have lost the momentum that propelled them on an 11-game win streak, and now they’re clinging onto eligibility for the 10 seed. They’re three games behind the Warriors and have already lost the season head-to-head. A loss here puts the nail in their season, but Ime Udoka will be motivated to keep this fight alive and possibly pull off an upset.
Prediction: Rockets def. Warriors 111-103
Denver Nuggets At Los Angeles Clippers – 10:00 PM EST
Nuggets Last 10 Games: 8-2
Clippers Last 10 Games: 5-5
Nuggets Injuries: Nikola Jokic – Day To Day (Hip/Wrist), Aaron Gordon. – Day To Day (Foot), Jamal Murray. – Out (Knee), Zeke Nnaji – Out (Thigh), Vlatko Cancar – Out (Knee)
Clippers Injuries: Kawhi Leonard – Out (Knee), Josh Primo – Out (Leg), Jordan Miller – Out (Achilles), Moussa Diabate – Out (G League)
Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 4-1
The Denver Nuggets (53-23) are locked into a race for the No. 1 seed in the West, and wins are extremely crucial for the franchise looking to defend their NBA Championship. Nikola Jokic is currently operating on a different level as a player, wrapping up a convincing campaign for a third MVP by leading the Nuggets to another sensational season. Beating high-level teams is what Denver does best, and they’ll relish this opportunity just a short while before the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Clippers (47-28) have been skidding, going from competing alongside the Nuggets for the No. 1 seed in February and now hoping the Mavericks, Suns, and Pelicans don’t jump them and send them into the play-in. Not having some of their lead players could affect them significantly, as the Nuggets are a terrible matchup for the small and currently out-of-sync Clippers.
Prediction: Nuggets def. Clippers 113-109
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