NBA Daily Picks For February 14, 2024: Lakers Without LeBron Against Jazz, Clippers Big 4 Face Warriors Big 4

Fadeaway World continues its impressive streak with a record of 216-116, showcasing a remarkable accuracy rate of 65.0%. Tonight presents another opportunity to extend this success on a packed 13-game slate across the NBA. With our keen insights and astute analysis, Fadeaway World aims to enhance its record further by providing expert predictions for each matchup. 

The action kicks off with the Atlanta Hawks facing off against the Charlotte Hornets, while simultaneously, the New York Knicks take on the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat clash with the Philadelphia 76ers. Following closely, the Brooklyn Nets challenge the Boston Celtics, and the Chicago Bulls go head-to-head against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Later in the day, fans can catch the Indiana Pacers battling the Toronto Raptors, and the Houston Rockets squaring off against the Memphis Grizzlies. 

The Washington Wizards meet the New Orleans Pelicans and the San Antonio Spurs duel with the Dallas Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings test their skills against the Denver Nuggets, and the Detroit Pistons collide with the Phoenix Suns. Wrapping up the day’s action, the Los Angeles Lakers clash with the Utah Jazz, and the Los Angeles Clippers take on the Golden State Warriors. It’s sure to be a thrilling day of basketball for fans everywhere.

Atlanta Hawks At Charlotte Hornets – 7 PM EST

Hawks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Hornets Last 10 Games: 2-8

Hawks Injuries: Mouhamed Gueye – Out (Back), AJ Griffin – Out (Illness), Wesley Matthews – Out (Illness), Clint Capela – Out (Groin), Onyeka Okongwu – Out (Toe)

Hornets Injuries: LaMelo Ball – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Hornets Lead 4-1

The Atlanta Hawks (24-30) for the season, face off against the struggling Charlotte Hornets (12-41) in an Eastern Conference matchup. Despite the Hawks’ recent inconsistency, Trae Young’s stellar performances, coupled with Bogdan Bogdanovic’s offensive contributions, provide hope for a resurgence. However, the Hornets, despite their rebuilding status, have shown flashes of potential with young talents like Brandon Miller. 

With Lamelo Ball’s injury and uncertainties surrounding their lineup, the Hornets’ offensive struggles may persist. Both teams seek momentum heading into the All-Star break, making this encounter crucial. Nonetheless, the Hawks’ offensive firepower and experience tilt the scales in their favor for this matchup.

Prediction: Hawks def. Hornets 128-120

New York Knicks At Orlando Magic – 7 PM EST

Knicks Last 10 Games: 6-4

Magic Last 10 Games: 6-4

Knicks Injuries: Donte DiVincenzo – Day To Day (Hamstring), Isaiah Hartenstien – Day To Day (Achilles), OG Anunoby – Out (Elbow), Mithcell Robinson – Out (Ankle), Julius Randle – Out (Shoulder), Duane Washington Jr. – Out (Thumb)

Magic Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Magic Lead 3-2

The New York Knicks (33-21), visit the Orlando Magic (29-24) at the Amway Center. The Knicks, despite their defensive prowess, are reeling from a recent three-game losing streak after a close loss to the Houston Rockets. Ranking third in points allowed per game, their defensive strength lies in rebounding, which dictates their controlled, deliberate pace of play. 

Conversely, the Orlando Magic, buoyed by recent victories and a strong defensive strategy, have struggled offensively this season. However, their defensive resilience, allowing the fourth-fewest points per game, compensates for their offensive shortcomings. With Orlando’s recent success against the Knicks and their home advantage, they hold the edge in this matchup.

Prediction: Magic def. Knicks 117-111

Miami Heat At Philadelphia 76ers – 7 PM EST

Heat Last 10 Games: 5-5

Sixers Last 10 Games: 3-7

Heat Injuries: Terry Rozier – Out (Knee), Jimmy Butler – Out (Personal), Josh Richardson – Out (Shoulder), Dru Smith – Out (Knee)

Sixers Injuries: Kyle Lowry – Out, De’Anthony Melton – Out (Back), Nicolas Batum – Out, Tobias Harris – Out (Hip), Joel Embiid – Out (Knee), Robert Covington – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 3-2

The Miami Heat (28-25) face the Philadelphia 76ers (32-21) at the Wells Fargo Center. Despite Miami’s recent loss to the Boston Celtics, they’ve showcased resilience, led by Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. However, the Heat will be challenged by injuries to key players like Terry Rozier and Jimmy Butler. 

On the other side, the 76ers, buoyed by a recent win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, boast a potent offense led by Kelly Oubre Jr. and Buddy Hield. While both teams have shown defensive prowess, the 76ers’ offensive firepower, coupled with Miami’s injury concerns, may tilt the scales in Philadelphia’s favor.

Prediction: Sixers def. Heat 125-117

Brooklyn Nets At Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM EST

Nets Last 10 Games: 3-7

Celtics Last 10 Games: 8-2

Nets Injuries: Ben Simmons – Out (Injury Management), Cameron Johnson – Out (Thigh), Dariq Whitehead – Out (Shin)

Celtics Injuries: Kristaps Porzingis – Out (Back), Xavier Tillman – Out (Knee), Jaden Springer – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 4-1

The Brooklyn Nets (21-32) meet the Boston Celtics (42-12) at TD Garden for a rematch following their recent clash in Brooklyn. While the Nets secured a convincing win over the San Antonio Spurs, their overall performance this season has been lackluster. 

On the other hand, the Celtics, boasting the best record in the NBA, lead the Eastern Conference and have been dominant, particularly highlighted by Jayson Tatum’s stellar form. Despite being on the second leg of a back-to-back, both teams are expected to bring intensity to this matchup, with the Celtics aiming to capitalize on their home advantage and continue their winning streak.

Prediction: Celtics def. Nets 125-114

Chicago Bulls At Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:30 PM EST

Bulls Last 10 Games: 5-5

Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 9-1

Bulls Injuries: Torrey Craig – Day To Day (Toe), Dalen Terry – Day To Day (Patella), Alex Caruso – Day To Day (Toe), Zach LaVine – Out (Foot), Lonzo Ball – Out (Knee), Patrick Williams – Out (Foot)

Cavaliers Injuries: Dean Wade – Day To Day (Illness), Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Cavaliers Lead 5-0

The Chicago Bulls (26-28) are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers (25-17) in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup. Despite the Bulls’ recent win over the Atlanta Hawks, they face a daunting task against the Cavaliers, who have bested them in their previous two encounters this season. Led by Ayo Dosunmu and DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls are aiming to maintain their standing in the playoff race, currently sitting in ninth place. 

However, the Cavaliers, boasting a formidable defensive unit and solid offensive contributions from Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, present a formidable challenge. With Cleveland’s strong performances in their previous matchups and their overall consistency this season, they enter as the favorites to secure another victory over the Bulls.

Prediction: Cavaliers def. Bulls 127-117

Indiana Pacers At Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM EST

Pacers Last 10 Games: 5-5

Raptors Last 10 Games: 3-7

Pacers Injuries: Bennedict Mathurin – Day To Day (Knee), Tyrese Haliburton – Day To Day (Hamstring), Jalen Smith – Out (Back), James Johnson – Out (Illness)

Raptors Injuries: RJ Barret – Day To Day (Personal), Markquis Nowell – Out (Hamstring)

Last 5 Meetings: Raptors Lead 3-2

The Indiana Pacers (30-25) head to Toronto to take on the Raptors (19-35) in an Eastern Conference showdown. Both teams are looking to bounce back from recent losses, with the Pacers falling to the Hornets and the Raptors being defeated by the Spurs. In their previous matchup this season, the Raptors narrowly edged out the Pacers in a high-scoring affair. 

Indiana boasts a potent offense led by Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner, while Toronto relies on the scoring prowess of Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. With both teams dealing with injuries and inconsistencies, this game could be a closely contested battle. However, the Pacers have the edge in offensive firepower and are poised to secure a victory on the road against the struggling Raptors.

Prediction: Pacers def. Raptors 127-120

Houston Rockets At Memphis Grizzlies – 8 PM EST

Rockets Last 10 Games: 4-6

Grizzlies Last 10 Games: 1-9

Rockets Injuries: Reggie Bullock Jr – Out (Grizzlies), Cam Whitemore – Out (Ankle), Fred VanVleet – Out (Groin), Tari Eason – Out (Leg), Steven Adams – Out (Knee)

Grizzlies Injuries: Derrick Rose – Day To Day (Ankle), Jake LaRavia – Out (Ankle), Ziarie Williams – Out (Hand), Scotty Pippen Jr. – Out (Inactive), Desmond Bane – Out (Ankle), Marcus Smart – Out (Finger), Ja Morant – Out (Shoulder), Brandon Clarke – Out (Achilles)

Last 5 Meetings: Rockets Lead 3-2

In a Southwest Division matchup, the Houston Rockets (24-29) travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies (18-36) at the FedEx Forum. The Rockets recently halted a four-game losing streak with a narrow victory over the New York Knicks, showcasing their offensive prowess led by Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun.

Meanwhile, the struggling Grizzlies have endured a nine-game losing streak, with Jaren Jackson Jr. providing consistent scoring for the team. Both squads are eager to secure a win, but the Rockets hold the momentum and defensive edge.

Prediction: Rockets def. Grizzlies 127-115

Washington Wizards At New Orleans Pelicans – 8 PM EST

Wizards Last 10 Games: 2-8

Pelicans Last 10 Games: 8-2

Wizards Injuries: Isaiah Livers – Out (Hip)

Pelicans Injuries: Cody Zeller – Day To Day (Knee), Zion Williamson – Day To Day (Foot), Dyson Daniels – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Pelicans Lead 3-2

The Washington Wizards (9-44) face the New Orleans Pelicans (32-22) in an interconference matchup as both teams seek a positive end to the first half of the season. Despite a recent loss to Dallas, the Wizards aim to snap their seven-game losing streak. Led by Kyle Kuzma and Deni Avdija, Washington looks to capitalize on offensive opportunities. 

Meanwhile, the Pelicans, fresh off a win against Memphis, aim for their third consecutive victory behind the likes of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. With New Orleans’ stronger momentum and balanced offensive arsenal, they hold the edge in this contest.

Prediction: Pelicans def. Wizards 128-114

San Antonio Spurs At Dallas Mavericks – 8:30 PM EST

Spurs Last 10 Games: 3-7

Mavericks Last 10 Games: 7-3

Spurs Injuries: Marcus Morris Sr. – Out (Not with team), Charles Bassey – Out (ACL)

Mavericks Injuries: Maxi Kleber – Day To Day (Toe), Kyrie Irving – Day To Day (Thumb), Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Nose), Dante Exum – Out (Knee), Dereck Lively II – Out (Nose)

Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 4-1

The San Antonio Spurs (11-43) head to Dallas to take on the Mavericks (31-23) in a Western Conference showdown. The Spurs, coming off a confidence-boosting win against Toronto, aim to build on their momentum. Led by Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio looks to capitalize on their recent victory and put up a strong fight against the Mavericks. 

Meanwhile, the Mavericks, riding a five-game winning streak, seek to extend their success behind the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. With Dallas enjoying home-court advantage and a hot streak, they are favored to come out on top in this matchup.

Prediction: Mavericks def. Spurs 125-116

Sacramento Kings At Denver Nuggets – 9 PM EST

Kings Last 10 Games: 5-5

Nuggets Last 10 Games: 6-4

Kings Injuries: Trey Lyles – Out (Illness), Jordan Ford – Out (Undisclosed), Sasha Vezenkov – Out (Ankle)

Nuggets Injuries: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Day To Day (Hamstring), Jamal Murray – Day To Day (Illness), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee), Hunter Tyson – Out (Finger)

Last 5 Meetings: Kings Lead 3-2

In a highly anticipated Western Conference matchup, the Sacramento Kings (30-23) venture to Denver to face the Nuggets (36-18) at Ball Arena. With both teams vying for playoff position, this game carries significant implications for their postseason aspirations. 

The Kings, led by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, showcase a potent offense but struggle defensively, while the Nuggets, anchored by Nikola Jokic, boast a balanced approach with a solid defense. Expect a thrilling battle as Sacramento aims to bounce back from recent setbacks and Denver seeks to capitalize on their home-court advantage.

Prediction: Kings def. Nuggets 125-114

Detroit Pistons at Phoneix Suns – 9 PM EST

Pistons Last 10 Games: 4-6

Suns Last 10 Games: 6-4

Pistons Injuries: Quentin Grimes – Out (Knee), Isaiah Stewart – Out (Ankle)

Suns Injuries: Bradley Beal – Out (Hamstring), Thaddeus Young – Out, Damion Lee – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 5-0

The Detroit Pistons (8-45) visit the Phoenix Suns (32-22) in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. Detroit aims to bounce back from a loss against the Clippers, showcasing their strength in the paint but struggling defensively, especially against perimeter shooting. 

Meanwhile, the Suns, despite a recent defeat to Golden State, boast a potent offense led by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. With both teams hungry for a win, expect a competitive battle as Detroit looks to exploit its rebounding advantage while Phoenix seeks to capitalize on its sharpshooting prowess.

Prediction: Suns def. Pistons 129-117

Los Angeles Lakers At Utah Jazz – 9 PM EST

Lakers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Jazz Last 10 Games: 4-6

Lakers Injuries: LeBron James – Out, Gabe Vincent – Out (Knee), Max Christie – Out (Ankle), Cam Reddish – Out (Ankle), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Foot)

Jazz Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 3-2

The Los Angeles Lakers (29-26) and the Utah Jazz (26-28) collide in a significant Western Conference showdown, with both teams vying for crucial positioning in the playoff race. The Lakers exhibit offensive prowess but face defensive challenges that necessitate improvement. 

On the other hand, the Jazz, spearheaded by Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, boast a potent offense but struggle defensively, particularly in containing perimeter shooting. As both squads seek consistency and playoff contention, this matchup promises an intense battle between offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Expect the Lakers to walk away with the victory in a tough battle. 

Prediction: Lakers def. Jazz 122-118

Los Angeles Clippers At Golden State Warriors – 10 PM EST

Clippers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Warriors Last 10 Games: 7-3 

Clippers Injuries: Bones Hyland – Out, PJ Tucker – Out (Not with team), Kawhi Leonard – Out (Adductor)

Warriors Injuries: Chris Paul – Out (Hand)

Last 5 Meetings: Clippers Lead 3-2

The Los Angeles Clippers (35-17) face the Golden State Warriors (26-25) in a matchup between two Western Conference contenders. Despite the Clippers’ recent struggles, losing two of their last three games, they remain a formidable force. 

The Warriors, on the other hand, are riding a hot streak with five consecutive wins, displaying impressive form, and currently sitting over .500 for the first time since December. As both teams vie for supremacy in a highly competitive conference, this game promises intense action as they battle for dominance on the court. Expect the Warriors to come with a victory in this battle of top teams which are in great form.

Prediction: Warriors def. Clippers 129-125