Fadeaway World improved their season prediction record to 324-183 after going 5-2 for picks during last night’s action. With our season average improving to 63.9%, tonight’s slate of five games provides a unique challenge in keeping the momentum going.
The marquee clash comes when top-seeded Western Conference teams Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets face off in a game with huge implications for the No. 1 seed. In addition, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs will look to halt the momentum of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the Mavericks. Playoff teams like the Magic and Pelicans will also be in action.
On a lean Tuesday night of hoops, let’s look at expert picks and predictions for what might play out over the five games.
Charlotte Hornets At Orlando Magic – 7:00 PM EST
Hornets Last 10 Games: 2-8
Magic Last 10 Games: 8-2
Hornets Injuries: LaMelo Ball – Out (Ankle), Bryce McGowens – Out (Knee), Seth Curry – Out (Ankle), Cody Martin – Out (Ankle), Mark Williams – Out (Back)
Magic Injuries: N/A
Last 5 Meetings: Magic Lead 4-1
The Charlotte Hornets (17-51) have looked settled in as lottery fodder all season long. Despite a recent surge with wins over the Nets and Grizzlies in the last week, the Hornets have remained decidedly unimpressive. With their lack of coherence on either end of the floor, the team will rely on a heroic performance from Brandon Miller or Miles Bridges to have a shot at a win here.
The Orlando Magic (40-28) have been one of the steadiest teams in the NBA since the All-Star break. They’re solidifying their status as a top-six lock and need to pick up this simple win over a depleted Hornets side. The Magic are in the pink of health, with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner hoping to outpace the chasing pack behind the No. 4 seed with a win.
Prediction: Magic def. Hornets 112-108
Houston Rockets At Washington Wizards – 7:00 PM EST
Rockets Last 10 Games: 7-3
Wizards Last 10 Games: 2-8
Rockets Injuries: Cam Whitmore – Out (Knee), Tari Eason – Out (Leg), Steven Adams – Out (Knee), Alperen Sengun – Out (Ankle)
Wizards Injuries: Kyle Kuzma – Day To Day (Shoulder), Landry Shamet – Out (Calf), Bilal Coulibaly – Out (Wrist), Marvin Bagley III – Out (Back), Eugene Omoruyi – Out (Ankle), Tyus Jones – Out (Back), Deni Avdija – Out (Knee), Isiah Livers – Out (Hip)
Last 5 Meetings: Rockets Lead 4-1
The Houston Rockets (32-35) have had a season of inconsistencies but are peaking at the right time to keep their fringe hopes of making the Play-In Tournament alive. They’re on a five-game win streak and walk into the arena of the worst team in the NBA with the hope that they can inch one step closer to having a .500 or better record this season.
The Washington Wizårds (11-57) have consistently looked like the worst team in basketball over the last few months, with even other lottery rivals like the Pistons outpacing them. With a host of injuries and star Kyle Kuzma likely being out, even a monster Jordan Poole performance might not be enough to beat down this disciplined and young Rockets.
Prediction: Rockets def. Wizards 122-104
New Orleans Pelicans At Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 PM EST
Pelicans Last 10 Games: 7-3
Nets Last 10 Games: 4-6
Pelicans Injuries: Herbert Jones – Day To Day (Hip/Back), Dyson Daniels – Out (Knee)
Nets Injuries: Dorian Finney-Smith – Day To Day (Ankle), Ben Simmons – Out (Back), Dariq Whitehead – Out (Shin)
Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 3-2
The New Orleans Pelicans (41-26) have been one of the hottest teams in basketball over the last two months. They’ve won 15 of their last 20 games, moving past the top-six race and challenging the Clippers for the No. 4 seed. With the Pelicans just one game behind the Clips, they’ll look to maximize an opportunity against an Eastern lottery team.
The Brooklyn Nets (26-42) don’t have ego-driven stars disrupting their team anymore but they’re simply not very competitive. Their Play-In push has sputtered, with the team sitting four games behind the No. 10 seed. They don’t have an answer for Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and C.J. McCollum and should likely fall in this contest.
Prediction: Pelicans def. Nets 128-106
Dallas Mavericks At San Antonio Spurs – 8:00 PM EST
Mavericks Last 10 Games: 6-4
Spurs Last 10 Games: 4-6
Mavericks Injuries: Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Hamstring), Dante Exum – Day To Day (Foot), Josh Green – Out (Ankle), Brandon Williams – Out (Wrist)
Spurs Injuries: Charles Bassey – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 4-1
The Dallas Mavericks (39-29) have been one of the hotter teams in the NBA, coming into this clash as winners in five of their last six games. The team’s defensive effort seems to shift from one game to the next, but if they can lock in to limit the worst team in the West, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will likely add another win to their tally as they try to earn the No. 6 seed.
The San Antonio Spurs (15-53) have cemented themselves as the worst team in the West this season, but Victor Wembanyama’s incredible performances make them a threat for every opponent. The Mavericks have handled Wembanyama well in their season series so far, so they’ll aim to at least limit him, as Wemby going for an all-time game could scupper the Mavericks momentum.
Prediction: Mavericks def. Spurs 111-102
Denver Nuggets At Minnesota Timberwolves – 9:00 PM EST
Nuggets Last 10 Games: 7-3
Wolves Last 10 Games: 2-8
Nuggets Injuries: Zeke Nnaji – Day To Day (Back), Vlatko Cancar – Out (Knee)
Wolves Injuries: Rudy Gobert – Day To Day (Ribs), Naz Reid – Day To Day (Head), Karl-Anthony Towns – Out (Knee), Jaylen Clark – Out (Achilles)
Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 3-2
The Denver Nuggets (47-21) have been on a tear since All-Star Weekend, going 11-2 and storming back into the race for the No. 1 seed in the West. They’re currently half a game behind the Thunder and won’t squander a golden opportunity against their immediate rivals. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray will be keen to prove doubters wrong after falling to a miracle shot in their last game against the Mavericks.
The Minnesota Timberwolves (47-21) have managed to keep themselves in the race for the No. 1 seed despite losing Karl-Anthony Towns with Anthony Edwards stepping up his level of play. If the Wolves can replay the recipe that allowed them to restrict the Nuggets to 89 points in an earlier matchup this season, they’ll win easily. But not having KAT hurts the size with which they dominate, something that will hurt them in a matchup against the Nuggets.
Prediction: Nuggets def. Wolves 104-101
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