NBA Daily Picks For April 9, 2024: Lakers Face Warriors In Ultimate Standings Showdown

Fadeaway World went 2-3 on our last set of predictions on April 4, bringing our season totals to 406-227, a 64.1% accuracy rate. After refining our process of predictions, we return to making picks with the NBA’s incredible 14-game slate on Tuesday night.  

The marquee matchup of the night pits the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers against each other, as the rival franchises meet for the final time this regular season in a crucial standings matchup. Other games with massive implications on the standings pit the Los Angeles Clippers against the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Another major matchup is going to see the Milwaukee Bucks face the Boston Celtics, while teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and many more also take the court. With 28 of the 30 teams in the NBA playing, let’s take a look at our expert picks and predictions.

Dallas Mavericks At Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM EST

Mavericks Last 10 Games: 9-1

Hornets Last 10 Games: 2-8

Mavericks Injuries: Maxi Kleber – Day To Day (Back), Josh Green – Out (Ankle), Dereck Lively II – Out (Knee), Greg Brown III – Out (Personal)

Hornets Injuries: Amari Bailey – Day To Day (Illness), Seth Curry – Out (Ankle), LaMelo Ball – Out (Ankle), Cody Martin – Out (Ankle) Mark Williams – Out (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Hornets Lead 3-2

The Dallas Mavericks (48-30) are the hottest team in the NBA right now, going 16-2 in their last 18 games with one of the two losses coming without Luka Doncic. They have a chance to earn the No. 4 seed but the team will be motivated to at least crack the 50-win barrier and ensure they remain in the 4-5 matchup. 

The Charlotte Hornets (19-59) are not playing for anything, looking disconnected all year, and recently having their coach announce he’s quitting to move up to the front office. Unless Grant Williams has an insane revenge game against Dallas, this is going to edge toward the Mavs.

Prediction: Mavericks def. Hornets 125-94

Detroit Pistons At Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM EST

Pistons Last 10 Games: 1-9

76ers Last 10 Games: 6-4

Pistons Injuries: Evan Fournier – Day To Day (Knee), Cade Cunningham – Out (Knee), Simone Fontecchio – Out (Toe), Quentin Grimes – Out (Knee), Stanley Umude – Out (Ankle), Isaiah Stewart – Out (Hamstring), Ausar Thompson – Out (Blood Clot)

76ers Injuries: Tyrese Maxey – Day To Day (Hip), Joel Embiid – Day To Day (Knee), Kyle Lowry – Day To Day (Knee), Tobias Harris – Out (Knee), De’Anthony Melton – Out (Back), Robert Covington – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: 76ers Lead 5-0

The Detroit Pistons (13-65) will be set to have the worst record of the season with another loss, a shocking development for a team that aimed to be competitive at the start of the season. They won’t have their best players available against a playoff team, which will spell their doom as well.

The Philadelphia 76ers (44-35) are rolling since Joel Embiid‘s return to the team. Given Embiid’s ridiculous games against the Pistons in recent years, this might be the perfect stage for a statement performance by the former MVP to prove his knee has fully healed.

Prediction: 76ers def. Pistons 121-103

Indiana Pacers At Toronto Raptors – 7:00 PM EST

Pacers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Raptors Last 10 Games: 2-8

Pacers Injuries: Bennedict Mathurin – Out (Shoulder)

Raptors Injuries: Gradey Dick – Day To Day (Groin), Immanuel Quickley – Out (Rest), Chris Boucher – Out (Knee), D.J. Carton – Out (Ankle), Jakob Poeltl – Out (Finger), Scottie Barnes – Out (Hand), Jontay Porter – Out (Away from team)

Last 5 Meetings: Pacers Lead 3-2

The Indiana Pacers (45-34) are trying to outpace the chasing pack in the East to earn the No. 6 seed while also being just 2,5 games behind the No. 2 seed in the conference. Tyrese Haliburton and Co. can’t afford to let wins against lottery teams slip.

The Toronto Raptors (25-53) have shown some signs of life recently after going through one of the longest losing streaks of 2024. They’re too depleted to be a considerable challenge for the Pacers, though they did upset the Bucks recently. 

Prediction: Pacers def. Raptors 133-109

Miami Heat At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST

Heat Last 10 Games: 6-4

Hawks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Heat Injuries: Orlando Robinson – Day To Day (Back), Terry Rozier – Day To Day (Neck), Kevin Love – Day To Day (Ankle), Nikola Jovic – Day To Day (Ankle). Bam Adebayo – Day To Day (Hand), Josh Richardson – Out (Shoulder)

Hawks Injuries: Seth Lundy – Out (Ankle), Saddiq Bey – Out (Knee), Trae Young – Out (Finger), AJ Griffin – Out (Ankle) Oneyka Okongwu – Out (Toe)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 3-2

The Miami Heat (43-35) are 1.5 games behind the No. 6 seed in the East, looking to maximize all their results before being condemned to the play-in for the second year in a row. Jimmy Butler has been unimpressive this season, but this is the perfect time for him to hit overdrive and ensure the Heat can outpace their rivals for a guaranteed playoff berth.

The Atlanta Hawks (36-42) have already sealed a play-in spot despite their poor record. All they’re playing for is home court in the 9-10 seeding game, so the Heat should be able to use their superior roster and motivation to clinch this one.

Prediction: Heat def. Hawks 111-108

Boston Celtics At Milwaukee Bucks – 7:30 PM EST

Celtics Last 10 Games: 8-2

Bucks Last 10 Games: 3-7

Celtics Injuries: Al Horford – Day To Day (Back), Kristaps Porzingis – Day To Day (Hamstring)

Bucks Injuries: Khris Middleton – Day To Day (Quadriceps), Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Hamstring), MarJon Beauchamp – Out (Ankle), Patrick Beverley – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2

The Boston Celtics (62-16) are wrapping up a historic regular season and will eye one final signature win of the season before entering the playoffs. They’ve sealed the best record in the NBA this season but are playing competitive basketball to the end of the schedule to possibly crack the 65-win mark.

The Milwaukee Bucks (47-31) have lost four straight games to lottery teams in shocking displays. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard don’t have any time left to figure their partnership out, barely holding onto the No. 2 seed still. The Celtics are a machine and are meeting the Bucks as they’re in disarray, which is a worrying sign for the East playoffs.

Prediction: Celtics def. Bucks 119-111

New York Knicks At Chicago Bulls – 8:00 PM EST

Knicks Last 10 Games: 5-5

Bulls Last 10 Games: 4-6

Knicks Injuries: Bojan Bogdanovic – Day To Day (Wrist), Duane Washington Jr. – Out (Thumb), Charlie Brown Jr. – Out (Illness), Julius Randle – Out (Shoulder)

Bulls Injuries: Alex Caruso – Day To Day (Ankle), Ayo Dosunmu – Day To Day (Quad), Coby White – Day To Day (Ankle), Julian Phillips – Out (Foot), Lonzo Ball – Out (Knee), Patrick Williams – Out (Foot), Zach LaVine – Out (Foot)

Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 3-2

The New York Knicks (46-32) haven’t let injuries slow them down in an uncompetitive East, still just one game behind the No. 2 seed in the Conference. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby as a duo are extremely effective, as most of the Knicks’ core rotation remains available outside Julius Randle.

The Chicago Bulls (37-41) have sealed a play-in spot but have some incentive to be competitive and keep the Hawks away from taking home court for the 9-10 seeding matchup. They don’t have the offense to score on this polished Knicks defense and likely will fall short.

Prediction: Knicks def. Bulls 109-98

Orlando Magic At Houston Rockets – 8:00 PM EST

Magic Last 10 Games: 6-4

Rockets Last 10 Games: 5-5

Magic Injuries: Jonathan Isaac – Day To Day (Back), Franz Wagner – Day To Day (Ankle)

Rockets Injuries: Jae’Sean Tate – Out (Ankle), Steven Adams – Out (Knee), Tari Eason – Out (Leg), Alperen Sengun – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Magic Lead 3-2

The Orlando Magic (46-32) are shockingly battling for the No. 2 seed in the East, just one game behind the shaky Bucks who have a monstrous opponent tonight. Their top-tier defense is smothering their opponents, and if Paolo Banchero can carry the team offensively, they could easily win tonight.

The Houston Rockets (38-40) push for the playoffs has ended embarrassingly, as the team got off an 11-game win streak to lose their last five in a row. While Ime Udoka will ensure they continue battling hard just to be above .500, the Magic are the perfect opponents to match them.

Prediction: Magic def. Rockets 113-102

San Antonio Spurs At Memphis Grizzlies – 8:00 PM EST

Spurs Last 10 Games: 4-6

Grizzlies Last 10 Games: 4-6

Spurs Injuries: Keldon Johnson – Out (Foot). Devin Vassell – Out (Foot). Jeremy Sochan. – Out (Ankle), Cedi Osman – Out (Ankle), Charles Bassey – Out (Knee), Dominick Barlow – Out (Knee)

Grizzlies Injuries: Luke Kennard – Out (Knee). Santi Aldama – Out (Foot). Jaren Jackson Jr. – Out (Quad), 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)

Last 5 Meetings: Grizzlies Lead 5-0

The San Antonio Spurs (19-59) are must-see TV right now because it’s the last glimpse at the worst Victor Wembanyama will be. The rookie is destroying opposing offenses single-handedly, even though his team is losing. He’s a transcendent rookie and can be a difference-maker in any close game. 

The Memphis Grizzlies (27-51) are essentially missing a roster worth of players and will rely on their multitude of emergency signings on two-way and 10-day contracts. They’re well-coached and challenge almost every team but they likely won’t have an answer for Wemby and lack the competitive pieces to pull this one off.

Prediction: Spurs def. Grizzlies 119-104

Washington Wizards At Minnesota Timberwolves – 8:00 PM EST

Wizards Last 10 Games: 4-6

Wolves Last 10 Games: 7-3

Wizards Injuries: Anthony Gill – Day To Day (Knee), Johnny Davis – Day To Day (Hip), Tristan Vukcevic – Day To Day (Knee), Kyle Kuzma – Day To Day (Ankle), Richaun Holmes – Out (Toe), Marvin Bagley III – Out (Knee), Landry Shamet – Out (Calf), Tyus Jones – Out (Back), Bilal Coulibaly – Out (Wrist)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Wizards Lead 4-1

The Washington Wizards (15-64) have shown some late-season competitiveness amidst one of their worst seasons ever. Despite the recent improvements from players like Jordan Poole, the Wizards have no incentive to play competitively against an opposition that will test them.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (54-24) have performed admirably in Karl-Anthony Towns’ absence. They’ll be massive favorites to seal this win and keep their foothold on the No. 1 seed in the West.

Prediction: Wolves def. Wizards 116-92

Sacramento Kings At Oklahoma City Thunder – 8:00 PM EST

Kings Last 10 Games: 5-5

Thunder Last 10 Games: 5-5

Kings Injuries: Keegan Murray – Day To Day (Calf), Jordan Ford – Day To Day (G League), Malik Monk – Out (Knee), Kevin Huerter – Out (Shoulder)

Thunder Injuries: Jalen Williams – Out (Ankle), Gordon Hayward – Out (Leg)

Last 5 Meetings: Kings Lead 4-1

The Sacramento Kings (45-33) have dealt with bad losses and injuries but are looking to ensure they don’t fall out of the top six race in the West. They’re currently 1.5 games behind the No. 6 seed, so a loss tonight would realistically end their chances of escaping the play-in tournament, likely dropping them to the 9-10 matchup.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (53-25) are fighting for the No. 1 seed, attaining which could also give Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s MVP campaign a necessary boost. They’ve shown some fallibilities recently as they prepare for their postseason push, so the Kings can come in and steal a win to keep their playoff push alive.

Prediction: Kings def. Thunder 121-120

Denver Nuggets At Utah Jazz – 9:00 PM EST

Nuggets Last 10 Games: 7-3

Jazz Last 10 Games: 0-10

Nuggets Injuries: Nikola Jokic – Day To Day (Hip), Aaron Gordon. – Day To Day (Foot), Julian Strawther – Day To Day (Ankle), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. – Day To Day (Shoulder), Michael Porter Jr. – Day To Day (Knee), Jamal Murray. – Day To Day (Knee), Vlatko Cancar – Out (Knee)

Jazz Injuries: Walker Kessler – Out (Nose), Kris Dunn – Out (Foot), Jordan Clarkson – Out (Back), Lauri Markkanen – Out (Shoulder), John Collins – Out (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 3-2

The Denver Nuggets (54-24) are in a heated battle to secure the No. 1 seed in the West with this matchup being a must-win given it’s against a lottery team. Nikola Jokic‘s MVP campaign may be wrapped up, but ensuring the Nuggets earn the No. 1 seed would make it ironclad.

The Utah Jazz (29-49) have been one of the worst teams in basketball over the last two months. They have had no reason to be competitive and are long shots to beat a competitive Denver side tonight. 

Prediction: Nuggets def. Jazz 128-97

Golden State Warriors At Los Angeles Lakers – 10:00 PM EST

Warriors Last 10 Games: 7-3

Lakers Last 10 Games: 8-2

Warriors Injuries: Andrew Wiggins – Day To Day (Ankle), Gary Payton II – Day To Day (Ankle), Dario Saric – Out (Knee)

Lakers Injuries: Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Eye), LeBron James – Day To Day (Illness), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Foot), Jalen Hood-Schifino – Out, Christian Wood – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2

The Golden State Warriors (43-35) are still in the race for a top-eight seed, with this matchup being their biggest remaining fixture. Stephen Curry and Co. can move within half a game of the No. 9 seed and at least move a step towards clinching home-court for the first play-in game.

The Los Angeles Lakers (45-34) have been one of the hottest teams in basketball over the last two months and need this win to ensure the Warriors stay behind them in the standings but to also keep their push for the top eight alive. They’re just half a game behind the Kings and 1.5 games behind the No. 6 seed. If LeBron James and Anthony Davis are playing, they’ll treat this like a must-win. 

Prediction: Lakers def. Warriors 117-114

Los Angeles Clippers At Phoenix Suns – 10:00 PM EST

Clippers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Suns Last 10 Games: 7-3

Clippers Injuries: Daniel Theis – Day To Day (Thumb), Kawhi Leonard – Out (Knee), Josh Primo – Out (Leg), Jordan Miller – Out (Achilles), Moussa Diabate – Out (G League)

Suns Injuries: Jusuf Nurkic – Day To Day (Ankle), Damion Lee – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2

The Los Angeles Clippers (50-28) can seal their spot in the top six of the West with a win tonight. After the team hit a skid of form and lost Kawhi Leonard to injury, improved play from Paul George and James Harden has helped the team go a three-game win streak, now looking to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs. 

The Phoenix Suns (46-32) are surviving through their nightmare stretch of the regular season admirably and need a win here to continue adding distance between them and the chasing pack for the No. 6 seed. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker have to play playoff basketball to compete, something they’re capable of doing in this rivalry matchup.

Prediction: Suns def. Clippers 119-111

New Orleans Pelicans At Portland Trail Blazers – 10:00 PM EST

Pelicans Last 10 Games: 4-6

Blazers Last 10 Games: 2-8

Pelicans Injuries: Naji Marshall – Day To Day (Shoulder), Brandon Ingram – Out (Knee)

Blazers Injuries: Ibou Badji – 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)

Last 5 Meetings: Pelicans Lead 5-0

The New Orleans Pelicans (46-32) have been stumbling recently in Brandon Ingram’s absence, but Zion Williamson will hope his star-level play is enough to carry the Pelicans to a win against a lottery side, with the Pels currently tied with the Suns for the No. 6 seed.

The Portland Trail Blazers (21-57) are already eliminated and resting their premium young talent. Amidst a throwaway season, this will likely be another throwaway loss for the tanking franchise.

Prediction: Pelicans def. Blazers 116-101

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