NBA Daily Picks For March 29, 2024: Lakers Looking For 6th Straight Win, Kings Want Revenge On Mavericks

Fadeaway World went 1-1 in predictions for the two games the NBA had last night, bringing our season total to 375-203, a 64.8% accuracy rate. To follow up on a meager two-game slate, the NBA has 15 incredible games on tap for fans around the world tonight.

Among the marquee encounters, the Los Angeles Lakers face the Indiana Pacers, the Denver Nuggets face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game where the winner takes the No. 1 seed for now, and also a game between the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings, a rematch from a few days ago.

In addition, sensational games like the OKC Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns will also be available. As teams like the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and many more also get ready for the action tonight, let’s take a look at our expert picks and predictions. 

Golden State Warriors At Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM EST

Warriors Last 10 Games: 5-5

Hornets Last 10 Games: 3-7

Warriors Injuries: Dario Saric – Day To Day (Knee), Jonathan Kuminga – Day To Day (Knee)

Hornets Injuries: Davis Bertans – Day To Day (Nose), LaMelo Ball – Out (Ankle), Mark Williams – Out (Back), Cody Martin – Out (Ankle), Seth Curry – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2

The Golden State Warriors (38-34) will be looking to build distance from the 11th seed to solidify their place in the Play-In Tournament. They’ve won their last two games despite some on-court struggles with Draymond Green, but Stephen Curry and company will go into this contest optimistic.

The Charlotte Hornets (18-54) are coming into this with the news that LaMelo Ball has been sidelined for the rest of the season, continuing a series of injury woes for the young star. The Hornets could upset the Warriors but there’s no cohesion or motivation in the group, so an upset win may be unlikely. 

Prediction: Warriors def. Hornets 113-98

Los Angeles Lakers At Indiana Pacers – 7:00 PM EST

Lakers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Pacers Last 10 Games: 6-4

Lakers Injuries: LeBron James – Day To Day (Ankle), Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Knee), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Foot), Gabe Vincent – Out (Knee), Jalen Hood-Schifino – Out, Christian Wood – Out (Knee), Colin Castleton – Out (Wrist)

Pacers Injuries: Isaiah Wong – Day To Day, Bennedict Mathurin – Out (Shoulder)

Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 3-2

The Los Angeles Lakers (41-32) are flying high right now, winning their last five games and keeping themselves in the fight for the No. 6 seed. Even though climbing to six is unlikely, the Lakers need to maximize their wins to move up the standings. As long as they make the postseason, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are threats. 

The Indiana Pacers (41-33) have been inconsistent over the last month of action, with Tyrese Haliburton in the midst of a staggering shooting slump. Pascal Siakam has been balling, and the Pacers can beat any team in the NBA if their shots are falling. But the Lakers’ is a stylistic headache that Indy may struggle to overcome, especially given the stakes for LA.

Prediction: Lakers def. Pacers 127-119

Los Angeles Clippers At Orlando Magic – 7:00 PM EST

Clippers Last 10 Games: 4-6

Magic Last 10 Games: 6-4

Clippers Injuries: Jordan Miller – Day To Day (Achilles), Moussa Diabate – Out

Magic Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Clippers Lead 3-2

The Los Angeles Clippers (45-27) are hoping to turn their season around once again after an inconsistent run of results has brought them within 2.5 games of falling to the No. 7 seed. Nonetheless, a healthy group with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook is a tough matchup. 

The Orlando Magic (42-30) have shown they can grind any talented offense to a halt, emerging as the best defensive team in the NBA over the last month. Their offense ends up struggling mightily, and that could be a problem as they face a motivated Clippers group looking to solidify home-court advantage with a top-four seed.

Prediction: Clippers def. Magic 103-96

Detroit Pistons At Washington Wizards – 7:00 PM EST

Pistons Last 10 Games: 2-8

Wizards Last 10 Games: 4-6

Pistons Injuries: Cade Cunningham – Day To Day (Knee), Jaden Ivey – Day To Day (Knee), Taj Gibson – Out (Hamstring), Quentin Grimes – Out (Knee), Simone Fontecchio – Out (Toe), Jalen Duren – Out (Back), Stanley Umude – Out (Ankle), Isaiah Stewart – Out (Hamstring), Ausar Thompson – Out (Blood Clot)

Wizards Injuries: Richaun Holmes – Out (Toe), Landry Shamet – Out (Calf), Eugene Omoruyi – Out (Ankle), Tyus Jones – Out (Back), Bilal Coulibaly – Out (Wrist), Isaiah Livers – Out (Hip)

Last 5 Meetings: Wizards Lead 4-1

The Detroit Pistons (12-61) are the single-worst team in the NBA this season despite having an experienced head coach and a decent roster of young players. They haven’t been as bad as the version of themselves who had the longest losing streak in NBA history, but this season can’t bring any joy to Detroit now.

The Washington Wizards (14-59) have been just as bad as the Pistons for most of the season, though some recent wins have allowed them to pick up momentum. With Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma healthy and increased production from role-players, we expect the Wizards to handle their business in this.

Prediction: Wizards def. Pistons 111-103

Chicago Bulls At Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 PM EST

Bulls Last 10 Games: 4-6

Nets Last 10 Games: 3-7

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

Nets Injuries: Noah Clowney – Day To Day (Back), Dennis Smith Jr. – Day To Day (Hip), Keita Bates-Diop – Out (Shin), Cameron Johnson – Out (Toe), Ben Simmons – Out (Back), Dariq Whitehead – Out (Shin Stress)

Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 3-2

The Chicago Bulls (35-38) look locked into the Play-In Tournament but need to keep winning to maintain an outside chance at the No. 8 seed, but primarily to keep the rising Atlanta Hawks behind them. DeMar DeRozan and Coby White have had great moments, but consistency is still amiss.

The Brooklyn Nets (28-45) have been one of the least inspiring teams in the NBA this season but do have the talent to pull off a surprising win against a strong opponent. Despite the Bulls being weakened, they should be able to hold one of the worst offenses in the NBA off for a win in their playoff push.

Prediction: Bulls def. Nets 113-109

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

76ers Last 10 Games: 4-6

Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 3-7

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

Cavaliers Injuries: Darius Garland – Day To Day (Ankle), Dean Wade – Out (Knee), Donovan Mitchell – Out (Nasal Fracture), Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: 76ers Lead 4-1

The Philadelphia 76ers (39-34) have been among the worst teams in the NBA since Joel Embiid‘s injury but are still in the East playoff race. With Embiid’s return looming in the future, the 76ers will hope Tyrese Maxey can lead them to a win against another shorthanded East contender.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29) have seen their form fall off a cliff in recent games as the team’s offense is struggling without Donovan Mitchell. If they also end up missing Darius Garland in this, the team won’t be able to find the creation needed to win.  

Prediction: 76ers def. Cavaliers 119-114

Portland Trail Blazers At Miami Heat – 8:00 PM EST

Blazers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Heat Last 10 Games: 1-9

Blazers Injuries: Matisse Thybulle – Out (Ankle), Deandre Ayton – Out (Elbow), Jerami Grant – Out (Hamstring), Anfernee Simons – Out (Knee), Shaedon Sharpe – Out (Abdomen), Malcolm Brogdon – Out (Elbow), Toumani Camara – Out (Rib)

Heat Injuries: Jimmy Butler – Day To Day (Illness), Caleb Martin – Day To Day (Ankle), Jaime Jaquez Jr. – Day To Day (Knee), Tyler Herro – Out (Foot), Kevin Love – Out (Heel), Duncan Robinson – Out (Back), Josh Richardson – Out (Shoulder)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 4-1

The Portland Trail Blazers (19-54) have cemented their position as one of the worst teams in the West and are using available games to develop young stars such as Scoot Henderson. They aren’t playing for wins and losses anymore, though winning is the primary objective of every game.

The Miami Heat (39-33) have struggled mightily in the face of injuries this season, unable to close out games consistently or be offensively potent enough to match up with opponents. But against a depleted Blazers squad that’s playing exclusively young players, the Heat could use their experience to good use for a simple win.  

Prediction: Heat def. Blazers 106-92

Phoenix Suns At Oklahoma City Thunder – 8:00 PM EST

Suns Last 10 Games: 6-4

Thunder Last 10 Games: 7-3

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

Thunder Injuries: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Day To Day (Quad)

Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 3-2

The Phoenix Suns (43-30) are fighting to keep themselves out of the Play-In tournament, currently sitting at the No. 7 seed. There’s intense competition for places around them, so Kevin Durant and Devin Booker can not afford a slip-up right now or it may lead to them having to fight through the play-in to find a playoff spot.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) are pushing on for the No. 1 seed in the West, though they were outgunned by the Houston Rockets in a surprising loss last time. If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t return for this game, the Suns may be able to pull this off. But if Shai is playing, OKC will be the favorite.

Prediction: Thunder def. Suns 119-114

New York Knicks At San Antonio Spurs – 8:00 PM EST

Knicks Last 10 Games: 8-2

Spurs Last 10 Games: 4-6

Knicks Injuries: Alec Burks – Day To Day (Shoulder), Duane Washington Jr. – Day To Day (Thumb), Charlie Brown Jr. – Day To Day (Illness), OG Anunoby – Out (Elbow), Julius Randle – Out (Shoulder)

Spurs Injuries: Keldon Johnson – Day To Day (Knee), Charles Bassey – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 4-1

The New York Knicks (44-28) are finding ways to keep winning games despite missing stars like Julius Randle and OG Anunoby for the better part of the season. Jalen Brunson is solidifying his name as an All-NBA selection as the Knicks continue pushing to earn the No. 2 seed in the East.

The San Antonio Spurs (17-56) have been one of the worst teams in the NBA all season long but have found a way to pull out an occasional win. Even with Victor Wembanyama on the court, it’s hard to say that the free-wheeling Spurs can beat an organized Knicks squad getting ready for the playoffs.

Prediction: Knicks def. Spurs 112-102

Minnesota Timberwolves At Denver Nuggets – 9:00 PM EST

Wolves Last 10 Games: 7-3

Nuggets Last 10 Games: 8-2

Wolves Injuries: Anthony Edwards – Day To Day (Finger), Rudy Gobert – Day To Day (Rib), Jaylen Clark – Out (Achilles), Karl-Anthony Towns – Out (Knee)

Nuggets Injuries: Nikola Jokic – Day To Day (Back/Hip), Jamal Murray – Out (Ankle), Zeke Nnaji – Out (Thigh), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 3-2

The Minnesota Timberwolves (50-22) could be heading into a pivotal clash in the race for the No. 1 seed without any of their star players. Karl-Anthony Towns isn’t expected to return anytime soon while Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert are both questionable, though Edwards is expected to play.

The Denver Nuggets (51-22) will be without Jamal Murray and could be without Nikola Jokic, leaving many question marks over a big-ticket clash like this. The winner of this contest will be the No. 1 seed at the end of the evening, with the loser likely falling to No. 3 depending on OKC’s game against the Suns.

Prediction: Nuggets def. Wolves 124-112

Houston Rockets At Utah Jazz – 9:30 PM EST

Rockets Last 10 Games: 10-0

Jazz Last 10 Games: 1-9

Rockets Injuries: Cam Whitmore – Out (Knee), Alperen Sengun – Out (Ankle), Tari Eason – Out (Leg), Steven Adams – Out (Knee)

Jazz Injuries: Lauri Markkanen – Day To Day (Shoulder), Jonny Juzang – Day To Day (Back), Jordan Clarkson – Out (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 3-2

The Houston Rockets (37-35) are unquestionably the hottest team in basketball right now, winning their last 10 games and sitting one game behind the No. 10 seed in the West. Jalen Green has taken a massive leap and the Rockets will hope they can knock the Warriors down with a big win tonight.

The Utah Jazz (29-44) showed playoff promise earlier in the season but consolidated toward tanking with trade deadline moves. Young players like Keyontae George and Taylor Hendricks have shown promise, but they won’t be enough to bring a win in this matchup against a motivated Rockets squad.

Prediction: Rockets def. Jazz 117-105

Dallas Mavericks At Sacramento Kings – 10:00 PM EST

Mavericks Last 10 Games: 9-1

Kings Last 10 Games: 6-4

Mavericks Injuries: Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Hamstring), Maxi Klever – Day To Day (Knee), Josh Green – Out (Ankle), Brandon Williams – Out (Wrist)

Kings Injuries: Sasha Vezenkov – Out (Ankle), Kevin Huerter – Out (Shoulder), Trey Lyles – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Kings Lead 3-2

The Dallas Mavericks (43-29) are coming off an emphatic blowout win over the Kings from earlier this week, as they look to make it 2-0 in this mini-series between the teams. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving shredded the Kings’ defense apart as the team had no answer for their offense and couldn’t penetrate their newly revamped defense either.

The Sacramento Kings (42-30) can be scary if their shots are falling, but they didn’t fall against Dallas last time out. Their lack of offensive versatility when their shots don’t fall is worrisome, especially against a team that has been among the best in the NBA since the trade deadline. Unfortunately, the Kings look primed to fall further back in the standings after tonight.

Prediction: Mavericks def. Kings 118-114

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