NBA Daily Picks For March 31, 2024: Lakers Looking To Close Gap On Kings, Warriors Have To Win Against Victor Wembanyama

Following a commendable 2-1 performance in last night’s predictions, Fadeaway World’s season record now stands at an impressive 383-211. With this strong track record, we enter tonight’s 10-game slate with confidence, aiming to maintain our success rate of 64.4%.

The NBA action kicks off with the Cleveland Cavaliers squaring off against the Denver Nuggets, followed by a marquee matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. Later in the day, the Los Angeles Clippers clash with the Charlotte Hornets, while the Philadelphia 76ers go head-to-head against the Toronto Raptors.

As the day progresses, the Miami Heat heat up the court against the Washington Wizards, while the Oklahoma City Thunder challenge the New York Knicks. The excitement continues with the Dallas Mavericks taking on the Houston Rockets, and the Chicago Bulls battling the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Rounding out the day’s action, the Golden State Warriors clash with the San Antonio Spurs, while the Utah Jazz cap off the evening against the Sacramento Kings. Get ready for a thrilling day of NBA basketball!

Cleveland Cavaliers At Denver Nuggets – 3:30 PM EST

Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 4-6

Nuggets Last 10 Games: 7-3

Cavaliers Injuries: Issac Okoro – Day To Day (Toe), Craig Porter – Day To Day (Illness), Caris LeVert – Day To Day (Wrist), Dean Wade – Out (Knee), Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Cavaliers Lead 3-2

In a cross-conference showdown, the Cleveland Cavaliers (45-29) take on the Denver Nuggets (51-23) at Ball Arena. Cleveland, currently holding the third spot in the Eastern Conference, aims to bounce back after a recent stretch of mediocre performances. Led by Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers seek to reignite their earlier season form and secure a crucial win on the road. 

Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets, positioned third in the Western Conference, are determined to halt their two-game losing streak. With Nikola Jokic leading the charge, supported by a formidable roster, the Nuggets are poised to defend their home court and return to the winning column.

Prediction: Nuggets def. Cavaliers 121-113

Los Angeles Lakers At Brooklyn Nets – 6 PM EST

Lakers Last 10 Games: 7-3

Nets Last 10 Games: 4-6

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

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

Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 3-2

In an inter-conference clash, the Los Angeles Lakers (41-33) journey to Brooklyn to take on the struggling Nets (29-45) at the Barclays Center. The Lakers, fueled by recent successes and the emergence of D’Angelo Russell, seek to extend their momentum with another victory. Despite injury concerns surrounding key players like Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the Lakers remain formidable, boasting a potent offensive lineup. 

On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets, amidst a disappointing season, aim to capitalize on their recent three-game winning streak. Led by James and Davis, the Lakers hope to continue their late surge and secure a crucial win.

Prediction: Lakers def. Nets 127-116

Los Angeles Clippers At Charlotte Hornets – 6 PM EST

Clippers Last 10 Games: 5-5

Hornets Last 10 Games: 3-7

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

Hornets Injuries: Aleksej Pokusevski – Day To Day (Illness), LaMelo Ball – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Clippers Lead 5-0

The Los Angeles Clippers (46-27) visit the Charlotte Hornets (18-55) at the Spectrum Center in what appears to be a lopsided matchup. The Clippers, sitting comfortably in the playoff picture, bring a formidable roster led by stars Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden. With a balanced offensive attack and a stout defense, the Clippers aim to extend their winning streak on the road. 

Meanwhile, the Hornets, plagued by injuries and recent trades, find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Despite the efforts of players like LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, Charlotte’s struggles on both ends of the court have been evident throughout the season.

Prediction: Clippers def. Hornets 124-110

Philadelphia 76ers At Toronto Raptors – 6 PM EST

Sixers Last 10 Games: 3-7

Raptors Last 10 Games: 0-10

Sixers Injuries: Robert Covington – Out (Knee), Joel Embiid – Out (Knee), De’Anthony Meton – Out (Back)

Raptors Injuries: RJ Barrett – Day To Day (Conditioning), Mouhamadou Gueye – Day To Day (Illness), D.J. Carton – Out (Ankle), Immanuel Quickley – Out (Conditioning), Ochai Agbaji – Out (Hip), Jakob Poeltl – Out (Hand), Scottie Barnes – Out (Hand), Jontay Porter – Out (Away from team), Chris Boucher – Out (MCL)

Last 5 Meetings: Sixers Lead 5-0

The Toronto Raptors (23-50), amidst a challenging stretch with 12 consecutive losses, host the Philadelphia 76ers (39-35), who are also seeking to rebound from recent setbacks. Philadelphia, despite dropping their last two games, has shown resilience, with Kyle Lowry and Tyrese Maxey leading the charge. With a balanced offensive approach and an emphasis on ball security, the 76ers aim to exploit Toronto’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the paint. 

On the other hand, the Raptors have struggled defensively, allowing high point totals and suffering from inconsistency on offense. While Toronto boasts a strong presence in the paint and on the fast break, their defensive lapses may prove costly against a determined Philadelphia squad.

Prediction: Sixers def. Raptors 129-122

Miami Heat At Washington Wizards – 6 PM EST

Heat Last 10 Games: 5-5

Wizards Last 10 Games: 3-7

Heat Injuries: Nikola Jovic – Day To Day (Knee), Duncan Robinson – Day To Day (Wizards), Caleb Martin – Out (Ankle), Tyler Herro – Out (Foot), Josh Richardson – Out (Shoulder)

Wizards Injuries: Richaun Holmes – Day To Day (Toe), Kyle Kuzma – Day To Day (Heel), Tyus Jones – Out (Back), Eugene Omoruyi – Out (Ankle), Landry Shamet – Out (Calf), Bilal Coulibaly – Out (Wirst), Isaiah Livers – Out (Hip)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 3-2

The Miami Heat (40-33), fueled by a resounding victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, are determined to secure a higher playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Led by Bam Adebayo’s near-triple-double performance and a balanced scoring effort, the Heat showcased their defensive prowess, ranking fourth in the league. 

They aim to exploit the Washington Wizards‘ (14-60) defensive vulnerabilities, who are languishing at the bottom of the standings and struggling defensively. Despite the potential absence of key players like Tyler Hero, the Heat enter this matchup as clear favorites to extend their dominance against the struggling Wizards.

Prediction: Heat def. Wizards 123-112

Oklahoma City Thunder At New York Knicks – 7 PM EST

Thunder Last 10 Games: 7-3

Knicks Last 10 Games: 7-3

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

Knicks Injuries: Mitchell Robinson – Day To Day (Ankle), Isaiah Hartenstein – Day To Day (Wrist), Duane Washington Jr. – Day To Day (Thumb), Alec Bruks – Day To Day (Shoulder), OG Anunoby – Out (Elbow), Julius Randle – Out (Shoulder)

Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 4-1

In a clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder (51-22) and the New York Knicks (44-29) at Madison Square Garden, the Thunder arrive with momentum after a convincing victory over the Phoenix Suns, even without their star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence, Josh Giddey’s stellar performances have kept the Thunder competitive, showcasing their depth and resilience. 

Meanwhile, the Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson’s remarkable 61-point effort in their last game, aim to rebound from an overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs. With both teams vying for playoff contention, this matchup promises intensity and competitiveness, with the Knicks coming out on top.

Prediction: Knicks def. Thunder 119-117

Dallas Mavericks At Houston Rockets – 7 PM EST

Mavericks Last 10 Games: 9-1

Rockets Last 10 Games: 10-0

Mavericks Injuries: Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Knee), Josh Green – Out (Ankle)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 4-1

In a pivotal Western Conference matchup, the Dallas Mavericks (44-29) venture to the Toyota Center to take on the Houston Rockets (38-35). The Mavericks, led by Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, come into this game fresh off a hard-fought victory against the Sacramento Kings, showcasing their resilience and ability to close out tight contests. With aspirations to solidify their playoff positioning, Dallas aims to continue their recent success against a surging Rockets team.

Houston, riding an impressive 11-game winning streak, looks to extend their streak and bolster their playoff hopes. Led by the dynamic scoring of Jalen Green and the steady play of Fred VanVleet, the Rockets have transformed into a formidable opponent in the competitive Western Conference. With both teams hungry for a win, expect an intense battle with playoff implications, with the Rockets holding a slight edge.

Prediction: Rockets def. Mavericks 128-125

Chicago Bulls At Minnesota Timberwolves – 7 PM EST

Bulls Last 10 Games: 4-6

Wolves Last 10 Games: 7-3

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

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

Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 4-1

In an interconference showdown, the Chicago Bulls (35-39) visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (51-22) at the Target Center. The Bulls have stumbled recently, losing four of their last five games and struggling defensively, as evidenced by their recent loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Despite the offensive firepower of DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, Chicago faces an uphill battle against a red-hot Timberwolves team.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are riding a four-game winning streak, showcasing their strong form as they aim to secure a top spot in the Western Conference. Led by Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, Minnesota has been formidable on both ends of the court, especially with their stingy defense. Expect the Timberwolves to continue their dominant run and emerge victorious at home.

Prediction: Wolves def. Bulls 118-111

Golden State Warriors At San Antonio Spurs – 7 PM EST

Warriors Last 10 Games: 6-4

Spurs Last 10 Games: 4-6

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

Spurs Injuries: Jeremy Sochan – Out (Ankle), Keldon Johnson – Out (Foot), Charles Bassey – Out (ACL)

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 4-1

In a pivotal Western Conference matchup, the Golden State Warriors (39-34) clash with the San Antonio Spurs (18-56)  at the AT&T Center. With the Warriors fighting to secure a playoff berth and the Spurs looking to play spoiler, both teams enter on three-game winning streaks. 

Golden State, led by the dynamic duo of Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins, has displayed resilience on the road, while the Spurs, despite their last-place standing, have shown flashes of competitiveness, notably in their recent overtime victory against the Knicks. Expect an intense battle as the Warriors seek to maintain their playoff position against a determined Spurs squad.

Prediction: Spurs def. Warriors 125-121

Utah Jazz At Sacramento Kings – 9 PM EST

Jazz Last 10 Games: 1-9

Kings Last 10 Games: 6-4

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

Kings Injuries: Sasha Vezenkov – Out (Ankle), Trey Lyles – Out (Knee), Malik Monk – Out (MCL), Jordan Ford – Out 

Last 5 Meetings: Kings Lead 4-1

In a Western Conference clash, the struggling Utah Jazz (29-45) visit the Sacramento Kings (42-31) at the Golden 1 Center. The Jazz, amidst an eight-game losing streak, face a Kings team currently holding a 2-0 advantage in their season series. Despite a strong performance from John Collins in their recent loss, the Jazz have been unable to secure victories down the stretch, while the Kings, despite recent setbacks, boast potent offensive weapons in De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

Sacramento aims to capitalize on its home-court advantage and exploit Utah’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly with injuries hampering the Jazz’s offensive firepower. With Utah’s recent struggles and the Kings’ offensive prowess, Sacramento appears poised to secure a victory on their home court.

Prediction: Kings def. Jazz 123-115