NBA Daily Picks For February 23, 2024: Lakers Need Easy Win Against Spurs

As the second half of the NBA season starts, anticipation builds for the final stretch of the regular season. Fadeaway World looks to capitalize on its strong track record (10-2 last night), boasting a commendable 66.0% (237-122) accuracy rate. With 10 games on the schedule, there’s ample opportunity for insightful analysis and accurate predictions.

The NBA action kicks off with the Atlanta Hawks taking on the Toronto Raptors followed by the exciting matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers. Next up, the Phoenix Suns clash with the Houston Rockers, while the Golden State Warriors want to correct their team record against the struggling Charlotte Hornets and the highlight has to be the matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Toronto Raptors At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST

Raptors Last 10 Games: 4-6

Hawks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Raptors Injuries: Markquis Nowell – Day To Day (Left Hamstring Strain)

Hawks Injuries: Onyeka Okongwu – Out (Toe), Mouhamed Gueye – Out (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 4-1

The Raptors and Hawks will clash in a close matchup with both teams having their best players available. After the All-Star break, the Atlanta Hawks (24-31) kick off their quest for a playoff spot with a home game against the Toronto Raptors (20-36) on Friday. However, they face uncertainties in the frontcourt as they embark on this journey.

Toronto arrives for the second leg of a back-to-back, having returned from the break on Thursday with an impressive 121-93 victory over Brooklyn. This win halted a three-game losing streak for the Raptors, and the 93 points allowed marked a season-low for their defense. Notably, Toronto had not held an opponent to fewer than 100 points since December 18th. The Hawks will likely sneak out a win at home, pulling away in the fourth quarter thanks to Trae Young being the difference-maker.

Prediction: Hawks def. Raptors 124-118

Cleveland Cavaliers At Philadelphia 76ers – 7:30 PM EST

Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 8-2

76ers Last 10 Games: 3-7

Cavaliers Injuries: Donovan Mitchell – Day To Day (Illness), Tristan Thompson – Out (Suspension), Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle)

76ers Injuries: Joel Embiid – Out (Knee), De’Anthony Melton – Day To Day (Back), Robert Covington – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: 76ers 3-2

The Cleveland Cavaliers (36-18), missing their All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell due to illness, suffered a 116-109 defeat against the visiting Orlando Magic on Thursday and they hope he will be back against the 76ers. The rest of the core will be healthy as the Cavs look to continue their hot streak, going 8-2 over the last 10 games.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Sixers (32-23), dealing with absences including reigning Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid due to knee surgery, as well as De’Anthony Melton (back) and Robert Covington (knee), found themselves trailing by 26 points and ultimately lost 110-96 to the visiting New York Knicks on Thursday. The Sixers hope Tyrese Maxey can carry the load in the matchup today.

Prediction: Cavaliers def. 76ers 115-113

Washington Wizards At Oklahoma City Thunder – 8 PM EST

Wizards Last 10 Games: 1-9

Thunder Last 10 Games: 6-4

Wizards Injuries: Isaiah Livers – Day To Day (Hip)

Thunder Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 3-2

Both Washington and Oklahoma City will be competing in the second half of back-to-back games, with the advantage favoring Oklahoma City, as they are playing both games at home. Currently ranked 4th in the NBA in scoring, Oklahoma City boasts an average of 120.8 points per game and has a superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

On the defensive end, Washington ranks second to last in points allowed, conceding an average of 123.9 points per game. Considering these factors, the final score prediction leans heavily towards an Oklahoma City Thunder victory, most likely by double-digits.

Prediction: Thunder def. Wizards 124-113

Phoenix Suns At Houston Rockets – 8 PM EST

Suns Last 10 Games: 7-3

Rockets Last 10 Games: 3-7

Suns Injuries: Bradley Beal – Day To Day (Hamstring/Nose), Damion Lee – Out (Knee)

Rockets Injuries: Tari Eason – Out (Lower Leg), Steven Adams – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2

The Toyota Center is set to host an NBA matchup on Friday night between the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets. For Phoenix, this game marks the second of a back-to-back on the road, following a 123-113 loss against Dallas where they were outscored by 13 points in the second half. Despite connecting on 15-for-36 from beyond the arc and shooting 48 percent overall, the Suns couldn’t secure the win.

On the other hand, the Houston Rockets have struggled, losing seven of their last ten games and falling four games behind in the race for tenth place in the Western Conference. Their latest defeat came in a 127-105 road loss against New Orleans, where they trailed by 13 points at halftime and failed to mount a comeback. Considering their recent form, Houston is likely to face another loss on Friday night.

Prediction: Suns def. Rockets 119-115

Los Angeles Clippers At Memphis Grizzlies – 8 PM EST

Clippers Last 10 Games: 6-4

Grizzlies Last 10 Games: 2-8

Clippers Injuries: N/A

Grizzlies Injuries: Ja Morant – Out (Shoulder), Jaren Jackson Jr – Day To Day (Quad), Desmond Bane – Out (Ankle), Marcus Smart – Out (Finger), Brandon Clarke – Out (Achilles), Scotty Pippen Jr – Out (Lower Back), Jake LaRavia – Day To Day (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Clippers Lead 3-2

The Clippers face a tough challenge as they play the second game of a back-to-back on the road, following a disappointing 129-107 loss against Oklahoma City where they were outscored by 12 points in the third quarter. The Clippers, now standing at 36-18, allowed the Thunder to shoot an impressive 56 percent from the field, contributing to their road record of 16-12.

On the other side, the Memphis Grizzlies have been struggling with injuries and have lost 20 of their first 27 home games. With a record of 20-36, they currently rank last in the league in offensive efficiency, averaging 107.1 points per game. While Memphis secured a close 113-110 home victory against Milwaukee in their last outing, they are likely to face a tough challenge against the surging Clippers.

Prediction: Clippers def. Grizzlies 118-108

Miami Heat At New Orleans Pelicans – 8 PM EST

Heat Last 10 Games: 6-4

Pelicans Last 10 Games: 8-2

Heat Injuries: Tyler Herro – Day To Day (Foot), Terry Rozier – Out (Knee), Josh Richardson – Out (Shoulder), Dru Smith – Out (Knee)

Pelicans Injuries: Brandon Ingram – Day To Day (Illness), Dyson Daniels – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 5-0

The Miami Heat, coming off a two-game winning streak, aim to extend their success as they face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday following the NBA All-Star Game break. Miami secured a 109-104 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers before the break and has won six of their last eight games. However, the Heat face a tough challenge as they complete a back-to-back against the Pelicans.

New Orleans is led in scoring by Zion Williamson, averaging 22.4 points per game, while Brandon Ingram, who is listed as day-to-day, follows as the second-leading scorer and assists leader with averages of 21.4 points and 5.8 assists per game. Expect the Pelicans to continue their hot run and start climbing the Western Conference standings.

Prediction: Pelicans def. Heat 113-109

Milwaukee Bucks At Minnesota Timberwolves – 10 PM EST

Bucks Last 10 Games: 3-7

Timberwolves Last 10 Games: 7-3

Bucks Injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Knee), Khris Middleton – Out (Ankle), Danilo Gallinari – Day To Day (Contract), Pat Connaughton – Day To Day (Knee)

Timberwolves Injuries: Jaylen Clark – Out (Achilles)

Last 5 Meetings: Timberwolves Lead 3-2

On Friday night, the Milwaukee Bucks hit the road for a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minnesota. Both teams had a strong start to the season and will aim to continue their momentum. The Bucks have struggled since the hiring of Doc Rivers, going 3-7 in that span, but look to get back on track.

The Timberwolves have the best record in the West (39-16) and sport an excellent record at home, going 19-5. Expect them to protect their home court and win their fourth game in six meetings with Giannis Anteokounmpo’s Bucks, placing them on the map as legitimate title contenders.

Prediction: Timberwolves def. Bucks 115-112

Denver Nuggets At Portland Trail Blazers – 10 PM EST

Nuggets Last 10 Games: 6-4

Trail Blazers Last 10 Games: 2-8

Nuggets Injuries: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Day To Day (Finger), Vlatko Cancar – Out (Knee), Hunter Tyson – Day To Day (Finger)

Trail Blazers Injuries: Robert Williams – Out (Knee), Malcolm Brogdon – Out (Elbow), Shaedon Sharpe – Out (Abdomen), Scoot Henderson – Out (Foot), Moses Brown – Day To Day (Shoulder), Jabari Walker – Day To Day (Ankle), Ryan Ruper – Day To Day (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 5-0

With a record of 36-19, the Denver Nuggets currently hold the 4th position in the Western Conference, trailing the first-place Minnesota Timberwolves by three games. However, Denver’s recent performance has been less than ideal, suffering a 102-98 defeat against the Sacramento Kings before the All-Star Game break and losing their last three games in total.

Despite this slump, they aim to bounce back by securing a victory against the struggling Trail Blazers, who are eager to break their six-game losing streak. Missing key contributors Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Malcolm Brogdon, Portland will likely not have enough to take the Nuggets at home.

Prediction: Nuggets def. Trail Blazers 113-106

Charlotte Hornets At Golden State Warriors – 10 PM EST

Hornets Last 10 Games: 4-6

Warriors Last 10 Games: 8-2

Hornets Injuries: LaMelo Ball – Day To Day (Ankle), Mark Williams – Out (Back), Davis Bertans – Day To Day (Knee)

Warriors Injuries: Chris Paul – Out (Hand), Gary Payton II – Day To Day (Illness)

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2

Both Charlotte and Golden State face the challenge of completing a back-to-back, with Golden State having the advantage of playing both games at home, while Charlotte contends with two consecutive road games. The Warriors boast the sixth-best scoring average in the league, putting up 119.7 points per game, whereas Charlotte’s defense ranks 24th, allowing an average of 119.4 points per game.

Given these statistics and the home-court advantage, the odds favor Golden State in this matchup. Stephen Curry has been on fire with an average of 28.0 points per game and the team has four players averaging double figures in scoring which shows they are the better offensive team with LaMelo Ball listed as day-to-day.

Prediction: Warriors def. Hornets 121-109

San Antonio Spurs At Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30 PM EST

Spurs Last 10 Games: 1-9

Lakers Last 10 Games: 6-4

Spurs Injuries: Marcus Morris (Personal)

Lakers Injuries: LeBron James – Day To Day (Ankle), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Foot), Christian Wood – Out (Knee), Cam Reddish – Day To Day (Ankle), Gabe Vincent – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 4-1

The San Antonio Spurs (11-44) head into this matchup as the visiting team, their season largely decided before the All-Star break. While the Spurs are in a rebuilding phase, they hold confidence in their emerging talent, particularly Victor Wembanyama, viewed as their potential future star. Wembanyama’s impact is evident on both ends of the court, averaging an impressive 25 points, 10 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 3.0 blocks per game.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers also face the challenge of the second half of a back-to-back, having to travel to Oakland the night before. Despite potential fatigue, given the superior quality of the Lakers’ roster, led by LeBron James, they are expected to handle the San Antonio Spurs convincingly.

Prediction: Lakers def. Spurs 124-116