The NBA returns with a packed slate of 11 games tonight, after just four games on offer yesterday. Fadeaway World had a tricky night, going 1-3 on their predictions but still boasts a 251-136 record over the season, a 64.8% accuracy rate. With a lot of meaningful matchups taking place as we barrel toward the end of the season, here are predictions for what promises to be an entertaining evening of basketball.
- Dallas Mavericks At Cleveland Cavaliers – 7 PM EST
- Golden State Warriors At Washington Wizards – 7 PM EST
- Brooklyn Nets At Orlando Magic – 7 PM EST
- New Orleans Pelicans At New York Knicks – 7:30 PM EST
- Philadelphia 76ers At Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM EST
- Utah Jazz At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST
- Charlotte Hornets At Milwaukee Bucks – 8 PM EST
- Detroit Pistons At Chicago Bulls – 8 PM EST
- San Antonio Spurs At Minnesota Timberwolves – 8 PM EST
- Miami Heat At Portland Trail Blazers – 9:30 PM EST
- Houston Rockets At Oklahoma City Thunder – 9:30 PM EST
The night will see playoff-caliber games being played with featured matchups including the Cleveland Cavaliers hosting the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks hosting the New Orleans Pelicans. The Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and the Oklahoma City Thunder will all be in action as well.
But how does each team look ahead of their games and who could emerge victorious? Here are Fadeaway World’s expert picks and predictions for the 11 games tonight.
Dallas Mavericks At Cleveland Cavaliers – 7 PM EST
Mavericks Last 10 Games: 7-3
Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 7-3
Mavericks Injuries: Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Nose), Maxi Kleber – Day To Day (Nose), Dereck Lively II – Day To Day (Nose), Josh Green – Day To Day (Elbow), Dante Exum – Out (Knee)
Cavaliers Injuries: Ty Jerome – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Cavs Lead 4-1
The Dallas Mavericks (33-24) have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the NBA trade deadline, seeing a seven-game win-streak snap in their last game against the Indiana Pacers. Luka Doncic is playing at an MVP level while Kyrie Irving is excelling as his co-star, with the defense falling in place around it. They will be looking to add a win to possibly jump up as high as the fifth seed from their current position as No. 9.
The Cleveland Cavaliers (37-19) have been lethal over the last two months and were among the most in-form teams in the NBA. However, they’ve lost three of their last five games and have had their share of offensive struggles. Even with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley, the Cavs may struggle against the new-look Mavs, who have outscored opponents by over 21 points in their last 8 games.
Prediction: Mavericks def. Cavaliers 123-112
Golden State Warriors At Washington Wizards – 7 PM EST
Warriors Last 10 Games: 8-2
Wizards Last 10 Games: 0-10
Warriors Injuries: Gui Santos – Out (Knee)
Wizards Injuries: Landry Shamet – Day To Day (Neck), Corey Kispert – Day To Day (Illness), Deni Avdija – Day To Day (Heel), Isaiah Livers – Out (Hip), Bilal Coulibaly – Out (Pelvis)
Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 4-1
The Golden State Warriors (29-27) have gotten their season back on track after entering the year as a below .500 team. They’re still in the playoff race in the West and will be looking to maximize positive results to catch up to the Los Angeles Lakers in 9th place. Chris Paul will make his return after two months away from injury, hoping to alleviate the load on Stephen Curry who has had some tough outings recently.
The Washington Wizards (9-48) have been the worst team in the NBA since January and have struggled even more since losing the likes of Daniel Gafford over the winter. Jordan Poole has been demoted to the bench as the team has packed it in for the season. Unless Poole has a massive night against his former team, the Wizards won’t be able to overcome Golden State with their strong run of recent form.
Prediction: Warriors def. Wizards 134-114
Brooklyn Nets At Orlando Magic – 7 PM EST
Nets Last 10 Games: 3-7
Magic Last 10 Games: 7-3
Nets Injuries: Cam Thomas – Day To Day (Ankle), Ben Simmons – Out (Knee), Dariq Whitehead – Out (Shin)
Magic Injuries: Paolo Banchero – Day To Day (Illness), Jonathan Isaac – Day To Day (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 4-1
The Brooklyn Nets (22-35) were aiming to be competitive this season, with no control over their 2024 first-round pick and a roster full of forwards with playoff experience. Instead, the lack of a proper point guard has hurt Mikal Bridges and Co., who have been one of the worst offenses in the NBA. Despite showing some life under new coach Kevin Ollie, the Nets haven’t shown why they should be considered a threat in the East.
The Orlando Magic (32-26) have been one of the few success stories in the East this season. The young and feisty group had a hot start to the season which petered out over January, but the team has shown new life once again. Paolo Banchero is solidifying his status as a star in the NBA while Franz Wagner is an ascendant young wing with two-way contributions. Unless they have an ice-cold shooting night, the weapons on their roster right now can lead them to the win.
Prediction: Magic def. Nets 112-104
New Orleans Pelicans At New York Knicks – 7:30 PM EST
Pelicans Last 10 Games: 7-3
Knicks Last 10 Games: 4-6
Pelicans Injuries: Zion Williamson – Day To Day (Foot), CJ McCollum – Out (Ankle), Dyson Daniels – Out (Knee)
Knicks Injuries: Julius Randle – Out (Shoulder), OG Anunoby – Out (Elbow), Mitchell Robinson – Out (Ankle), Duane Washington Jr. – Out (Thumb)
Last 5 Meetings: Pelicans Lead 3-2
The New Orleans Pelicans (34-24) are locked in the Western Conference top-six race right now and sit as the No. 6 seed. They’ve kept pace with the winning streaks in the conference around them and will hope to add to their tally. Their guard depth is severely affected right now, but Zion Williamson has been leading the team on the court even with Brandon Ingram’s inconsistent production.
The New York Knicks (35-23) are without two of their three best players Julius Randle and OG Anunoby. The Knicks have been struggling since their stars went out, with Jalen Brunson barely leading the team to a .500 record without them. Their lack of offensive versatility at the moment left them vulnerable to a shock loss to the Pistons last night. With a second night of a back-to-back against a dangerous team like the Pelicans, it doesn’t look like we’ll have orange and blue skies tonight.
Prediction: Pelicans def. Knicks 119-114
Philadelphia 76ers At Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM EST
76ers Last 10 Games: 3-7
Celtics Last 10 Games: 9-1
76ers Injuries: KJ Martin – Day To Day (Ankle), Robert Covington – Out (Knee), Joel Embiid – Out (Knee)
Celtics Injuries: N/A
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 4-1
The Philadelphia 76ers (33-24) have been a middling team since Joel Embiid’s injury, with other players in the rotation also missing time. Ahead of a rivalry matchup with the Celtics, they’ll hope Tyrese Maxey has an All-Star night in him to lead the franchise. Buddy Hield has been a solid addition to the franchise, and the offensive potential of this team looks solid but inconsistent without Embiid to tie it together.
The Boston Celtics (45-12) have been the best team in the NBA by a clear margin. It’s hard to see how they can be slowed down with their starting five of Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis are healthy. This group has already beaten Philly with Embiid and without Embiid, so they’ll be confident in their ability to extend their current win streak to nine.
Prediction: Celtics def. 76ers 135-111
Utah Jazz At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST
Jazz Last 10 Games: 3-7
Hawks Last 10 Games: 5-5
Jazz Injuries: Otto Porter Jr. – Out (Not With Team)
Hawks Injuries: Trae Young – Out (Finger), Mouhamed Gueye – Out (Back), Onyeka Okongwu – Out (Toe)
Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 4-1
The Utah Jazz (27-31) are losing steam in the West playoff race after threatening the Lakers and Warriors for most of the winter. They have missed the presence of someone like Kelly Olynyk as they’ve regressed into being a sub-par team that can’t compete with the top 10. They’re still dangerous with Lauri Markkanen healthy and have plenty of young and interesting pieces thriving from game to game.
The Atlanta Hawks (25-32) might have put a pin in their nightmarish season, ruling out Trae Young for the entire season after the guard suffered a hand injury. Unless Dejounte Murray rediscovers the version of him that shockingly led the Spurs to the play-in in 2022, the Hawks will likely tank into a top-10 pick in the next draft. As a result, we think the Jazz are the better bet to win given how competitive they’ve been throughout the season.
Prediction: Jazz def. Hawks 111-101
Charlotte Hornets At Milwaukee Bucks – 8 PM EST
Hornets Last 10 Games: 5-5
Bucks Last 10 Games: 5-5
Hornets Injuries: N/A
Bucks Injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Knee), Khris Middleton – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 4-1
The Charlotte Hornets (15-42) has been one of the strongest teams in the NBA since the deadline day, winning five of their last six games. They’re fully healthy right now and are seeing a core trio of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges showcase the full potential of this roster. Even with Grant Williams’ form slowing down in recent games, the Hornets are sending messages to teams that take them lightly.
The Milwaukee Bucks have found their feet in the Doc Rivers era, picking up convincing wins in their last two games. The offense is slowly coming together while Doc has transformed the team into a top defensive team once again. Giannis Antetokounmpo is operating at an MVP level and the team is undefeated in games where Damian Lillard shoots 50% or better. Hopefully, this will be a recipe for success as they look to reclaim the No. 2 seed in the East.
Prediction: Bucks def. Hornets 138-117
Detroit Pistons At Chicago Bulls – 8 PM EST
Pistons Last 10 Games: 2-8
Bulls Last 10 Games: 5-5
Pistons Injuries: Marcus Sasser – Out (Knee), Isaiah Stewart – Out (Ankle)
Bulls Injuries: Zach LaVine – Out (Shoulder), Torrey Craig – Out (Knee), Patrick Williams – Out (Foot), Lonzo Ball. – Out (Thumb)
Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 4-1
The Detroit Pistons (8-49) are turning over a new leaf after their disastrous run of form in December enshrined their name in the history books as the team with the longest losing streak in NBA history. Over the last two months, the Pistons have been holding teams far above their level to close games. They’re on a six-game losing streak right now but will be motivated as a group to make some noise after a controversial road loss against the Knicks.
The Chicago Bulls (27-30) saw Patrick Williams be ruled out for the season, further weakening one of the most inconsistent teams in the NBA. DeMar DeRozan and Coby White have kept the team challenging for a .500 record and a playoff spot, but the consistency of the team is still under question. This could be the shock result of the night, as the Pistons could come in with the energy to beat the Bulls with Cade Cunningham leading the way.
Prediction: Pistons def. Bulls 109-101
San Antonio Spurs At Minnesota Timberwolves – 8 PM EST
Spurs Last 10 Games: 1-9
Wolves Last 10 Games: 7-3
Spurs Injuries: Marcus Morris Sr. – Out (Not With Team), Charles Bassey – Out (Knee)
Wolves Injuries: Rudy Gobert – Day To Day (Ankle), Jaylen Clark – Out (Achilles)
Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 3-2
The San Antonio Spurs (11-47) possess arguably the best rookie the NBA has ever seen with Victor Wembanyama. Unfortunately, the team hasn’t been able to find wins with Wemby’s stellar play due to a minutes restriction for the French sensation and an inconsistent cast of rotational players around him. Despite a historic stretch of performances, the Spurs are currently on a four-game losing s
The Minnesota Timberwolves (40-17) are currently the No. 1 seed in the West and have consistently defied critics with their defense-first approach to basketball. If Rudy Gobert plays, Wembanyama will have a real challenge on his hands. The Spurs don’t have any answers for either Anthony Edwards or Karl-Anthony Towns, so a win for Minnesota at home is the likeliest outcome here.
Prediction: Wolves def. Spurs 115-102
Miami Heat At Portland Trail Blazers – 9:30 PM EST
Heat Last 10 Games: 8-2
Blazers Last 10 Games: 2-8
Heat Injuries: Tyler Herro – Day To Day (Knee), Orlando Robinson – Out (Back), Terry Rozier – Out (Knee), Josh Richardson – Out (Shoulder), Dru Smith – Out (Knee)
Blazers Injuries: Scoot Henderson – Out (Thigh), Rayan Rupert – Out (Ankle), Moses Brown – Out (Wrist), Malcolm Brogdon – Out (Elbow), Shaedon Sharpe – Out (Abdomen), Robert Williams III – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 4-1
The Miami Heat (32-25) picked up a sensational win last night while missing six rotational players over the Sacramento Kings. With a bunch returning from suspension, including Jimmy Butler, the team will be extremely confident heading into their next game. Bam Adebayo is also playing at an elite level right now.
The Portland Trail Blazers (15-41) have seen their guard rotation deplete in recent weeks with a string of injuries, with Scoot Henderson becoming the latest to be sidelined. The Blazers have very little direction on the floor right now, with any win being a result of Anfernee Simons or Deandre Ayton having a hot night. The Heat should be able to use their strong defense to take this win in a successful road back-to-back.
Prediction: Heat def. Blazers 105-98
Houston Rockets At Oklahoma City Thunder – 9:30 PM EST
Rockets Last 10 Games: 3-7
Thunder Last 10 Games: 8-2
Rockets Injuries: Tari Eason – Out (Leg), Steven Adams – Out (Knee)
Thunder Injuries: N/A
Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 3-2
The Houston Rockets (25-32) are a tricky out in the West. They’re not one of the elite teams but can challenge everyone based on their strong defensive principles. If their shots start falling, the Rockets could go toe-to-toe with anyone and have proven that this season. Unfortunately, they’ve been having bad games more often than not over the last two months, with frustrating inconsistencies from Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green.
The Oklahoma City Thunder (40-17) are a well-oiled machine with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander running the show. They rarely have bad games and even when they do, the rotational depth of young talent keeps them fighting. The Rockets have the personnel to slow the Thunder down, but as most teams have realized on their current five-game win streak, it’s much easier said than done.
Prediction: Thunder def. Rockets 123-115
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
