NBA Daily Picks: Lakers Against Mavericks Is Game Of The Day

In our latest outing, navigating a 3-game NBA night, we secured a solid 2-1 record, bringing Fadeaway World’s overall season tally to an impressive 110-52. Now, with an exciting 10-game NBA night on the horizon, we’re geared up to analyze, predict, and further enhance our strong record.

The action-packed day kicks off with the Minnesota Timberwolves facing off against the Detroit Pistons. Following that, the Orlando Magic will take on the Atlanta Hawks, while the San Antonio Spurs go head-to-head with the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are set to clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Houston Rockets will go toe-to-toe with the New York Knicks. 

The Miami Heat will take on the Toronto Raptors, and the Charlotte Hornets are ready for a showdown against the New Orleans Pelicans. Then, the Dallas Mavericks will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Golden State Warriors meet the Utah Jazz. Finally, the Brooklyn Nets will battle it out with the Portland Trail Blazers in what promises to be an exciting and diverse lineup of NBA matchups.

Earlier today, we received concerning news that Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic had been hospitalized, prompting the NBA to postpone the game. Tragically, later updates delivered the devastating news of his passing due to a heart attack. 

With heavy hearts, Fadeaway World mourns the passing of Coach Dejan Milojevic. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and the entire basketball community as we reflect on his legacy. May he rest in peace.

Minnesota Timberwolves At Detroit Pistons – 7 PM EST

Wolves Last 10 Games: 6-4

Pistons Last 10 Games: 2-8

Wolves Injuries: Anthony Edwards – Day To Day (Knee), Jaylen Clark – Out (Achilles)

Pistons Injuries: Mike Muscala – Day To Day (Trade Pending), Danilo Gallinari – Day To Day (Trade Pending), Bojan Bogdanovic – Day To Day (Calf), Malcolm Cazalon – Day To Day (Ankle), Monte Morris – Out (Quad), Cade Cunningham – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 3-2

In this Western Conference vs. Eastern Conference matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves (28-11), sitting atop the West hit the road to face the struggling Detroit Pistons (4-36). The Timberwolves, led by the dynamic duo of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, have displayed a potent offensive attack. With a healthy lineup, they aim to extend their two-game winning streak. 

On the other side, the Pistons, despite holding the worst record in the NBA, recently notched a win against the Washington Wizards. Jalen Duren and Alec Burks stepped up in the absence of key players. However, facing the conference leaders is a formidable challenge. While the Pistons may show flashes, the Timberwolves are poised to secure an easy victory on the road.

Prediction: Wolves def. Pistons 121-107

Orlando Magic At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST

Magic Last 10 Games: 4-6

Hawks Last 10 Games: 4-6

Magic Injuries: Gary Harris – Out (Calf), Franz Wagner – Out (Ankle)

Hawks Injuries: De’Andre Hunter – Out (Knee), Vit Krejci – Out (Shoulder), Wesley Matthews – Out (Calf), Mouhamed Gueye – Out (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 3-2

In this Eastern Conference clash, the Orlando Magic (22-18) hit the road to face the Atlanta Hawks (16-23). The Magic, coming off a recent victory against the New York Knicks, have showcased their offensive prowess led by Paolo Banchero and Caleb Houstan. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Franz Wagner’s availability, the Magic aims to secure another win against the Hawks. 

On the other side, the Hawks are looking to bounce back from a series of losses. Trae Young and Jalen Johnson have been standout performers in their matchups against the Magic. Expect a closely contested battle, but with the Magic’s recent form, they are poised to edge out the Hawks for the win.

Prediction: Magic def. Hawks 114-107

San Antonio Spurs At Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM EST

Spurs Last 10 Games: 3-7

Celtics Last 10 Games: 7-3

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

Celtics Injuries: Derrick White – Day To Day (Ankle), Kristaps Porzingis – Day To Day (Knee), Jrue Holiday – Day To Day (Elbow)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2

In a matchup between contrasting teams, the struggling San Antonio Spurs (7-32) hit the road to face the dominant Boston Celtics (31-9). The Spurs, grappling with a challenging season including a previous encounter with the Celtics resulting in a 33-point defeat. With uncertainties surrounding the availability of key players like Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins, the Spurs face an uphill battle. 

Meanwhile, the Celtics, boasting the best record in the NBA are riding high on a two-game winning streak. Led by stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and bolstered by an undefeated 19-0 home record, the Celtics are heavily favored to secure another victory, potentially extending their impressive home-court dominance.

Prediction: Celtics def. Spurs 132-112

Milwaukee Bucks At Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:30 PM EST

Bucks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Bucks Injuries: N/A

Cavaliers Injuries: Caris LeVert – Day To Day (Wrist), Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle), Evan Mobley – Out (Knee), Darius Garland – Out (Jaw)

Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 3-2

In a compelling clash between the Milwaukee Bucks (28-12) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (23-15), the Bucks aim to build on a three-game winning streak, showcasing their offensive prowess with recent victories over Boston, Golden State, and a close call against Sacramento. On the other side, the Cavaliers are on a 5-game winning streak. 

Donovan Mitchell leads the Cavaliers with stellar contributions in points, assists, and rebounds. The matchup poses an intriguing challenge, with the Bucks boasting a potent offense and the Cavaliers showcasing a robust defense. However, uncertainties surrounding Cleveland’s injuries and the return of Jae Crowder for Milwaukee add layers of complexity to this evenly-matched contest. But the Bucks should be able to get this victory and put an end to the Cavaliers’ streak.

Prediction: Bucks def. Cavaliers 123-118

Houston Rockets At New York Knicks – 7:30 PM EST

Rockets Last 10 Games: 4-6

Knicks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Rockets Injuries: Reggie Bullock Jr. – Day To Day (Back), Victor Oladipo – Out (Knee), Tari Eason – Out (Leg)

Knicks Injuries: Josh Hart – Day To Day (Knee), Jalen Brunson – Day To Day (Calf), Mitchell Robinson – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 5-0

In a Wednesday clash at Madison Square Garden, the struggling Houston Rockets (19-20) face off against the New York Knicks (23-17). The Rockets, having lost four of their last five games, including a recent defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers, will look to bounce back. 

The Knicks, who managed only 94 points against Orlando, face uncertainty as Jalen Brunson remains questionable due to a calf contusion. New York heavily relies on its talented guards for perimeter scoring, and without Brunson, their offensive dynamics may shift. With the Rockets struggling, the Knicks should be able to wrap this one up easily as they are playing at home.

Prediction: Knicks def. Rockets 105-99

Miami Heat At Toronto Raptors – 8 PM EST

Heat Last 10 Games: 6-4

Raptors Last 10 Games: 3-7

Heat Injuries: Kevin Love – Out (Knee), Jaime Jaquez Jr. – Out (Groin), Dru Smith – Out (Knee)

Raptors Injuries: Gary Trent Jr. – Day To Day (Illness), Gradey Dick – Day To Day (Thumb), Otto Porter Jr. – Out (Knee), Christian Koloko – Out (Illness), Jakob Poeltl – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Raptors Lead 3-2

In a Wednesday night showdown, the Miami Heat (24-16) travel north to face the Toronto Raptors (15-25) in a matchup that favors the Heat’s recent form. With three consecutive wins, the Heat aim to replicate their success from December when they defeated the Raptors by nine points. 

In that game, a balanced Heat effort, led by Caleb Martin’s double-double and contributions from Duncan Robinson and Jimmy Butler, showcased their offensive efficiency. The Raptors, struggling with a four-game losing streak, face offensive challenges. Injuries further complicate the Raptors’ situation, making it an opportune moment for the Heat to secure another victory.

Prediction: Heat def. Raptors 109-100

Charlotte Hornets At New Orleans Pelicans – 8 PM EST

Hornets Last 10 Games: 1-9

Pelicans Last 10 Games: 7-3

Hornets Injuries: N/A

Pelicans Injuries: Matt Ryan – Out (Elbow)

Last 5 Meetings: Pelicans Lead 3-2

In a matchup between contrasting teams, the struggling Charlotte Hornets (8-29) hit the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans (24-17) in a game that could emphasize the Pelicans’ dominance. The Hornets, enduring a challenging season with just eight wins, face an uphill battle, especially given their recent struggles. 

On the other hand, the Pelicans boast a healthier lineup and demonstrated their strength in the previous encounter. The Pelicans enter the game with a clean injury report, making them the clear favorites for a decisive victory.

Prediction: Pelicans def. Hornets 119-107

Dallas Mavericks At Los Angeles Lakers – 8:30 PM EST

Mavericks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Lakers Last 10 Games: 4-6

Mavericks Injuries: Grant Williams – Day To Day (Ankle), Derrick Jones Jr. – Day To Day (Calf), Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Ankle), Dante Exum – Out (Heel)

Lakers Injuries: LeBron James – Day To Day (Ankle), Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Ankle), Cam Reddish – Out (Knee), Gabe Vincent – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 4-1

In a midweek clash, the Dallas Mavericks (24-17) hit the road to face the Los Angeles Lakers (20-21) in a matchup where the availability of Mavericks’ star Luka Doncic remains uncertain. Despite Doncic missing the last three games, the Mavericks managed to secure a win in their most recent outing against the Pelicans, with Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. taking charge. 

On the Lakers’ side, they enter the game following a victory against the Oklahoma Thunder, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis contributing significantly. The Lakers aim to capitalize on their size advantage, posing a challenge for the Mavericks’ smaller lineup. Considering the Lakers’ depth and the potential absence of Doncic, the home team is favored to secure a victory.

Prediction: Lakers def. Mavericks 122-114

Brooklyn Nets At Portland Trail Blazers – 10 PM EST

Nets Last 10 Games: 2-8

Blazers Last 10 Games: 2-8

Nets Injuries: Dariq Whitehead – Out (Foot), Ben Simmons – Out (Back), Day’Ron Sharpe – Out (Knee)

Blazers Injuries: Malcolm Brogdon – Day To Day (Groin), Ibou Badji – Day To Day (Hip), Deandre Ayton – Out (Knee), Shaedon Sharpe – Out (Thigh), Moses Brown – Out (Shoulder), Robert Williams III – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 3-2

In a rematch from just 10 days ago, the struggling Brooklyn Nets (16-23) are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers (10-29). In their previous encounter, the Trail Blazers secured a 134-127 victory, and since then, the Nets have faced two more losses, including a narrow 96-95 defeat against the Heat.

On the other side, the Trail Blazers have faced a rough stretch, losing four consecutive games, all by double digits. After a recent loss to the Suns, where Scoot Henderson had a standout performance with 33 points, the Trail Blazers aim to maintain their home advantage. The Nets are poised to end their losing streak as the Blazers have been very poor over the last few games.