NBA Daily Picks For November 12th, 2024: Klay Thompson Returns To Golden State For First Time

After a 2-2 showing last time, our season record stands at 49-26, reflecting a solid 65.3% accuracy rate. As the NBA Cup group stage kicks off tomorrow with eight exciting matchups, we’re aiming to push that success rate even higher.

In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks go up against the Boston Celtics, while the Miami Heat take on the Detroit Pistons. The Charlotte Hornets meet the Orlando Magic, and the New York Knicks clash with the Philadelphia 76ers. Rounding out the East, the Toronto Raptors face a tough Milwaukee Bucks team.

Over in the West, the Phoenix Suns battle the Utah Jazz, the Dallas Mavericks challenge the Golden State Warriors, and the Minnesota Timberwolves square off against the Portland Trail Blazers.

With so many high-stakes games on the line, it’s set to be an action-packed start to the NBA Cup.

Atlanta Hawks At Boston Celtics – 7 PM EST

Hawks Current Record: 4-7

Celtics Current Record: 9-2

Hawks Injuries: Seth Lundy – Out (Ankle), De’Andre Hunter – Out (Personal), Trae Young – Out (Achilles), Vit Krejci – Out (Thigh), Cody Zeller – Out (Personal), Kobe Bufkin – Out (Shoulder), Bogdan Bogdanovic – Out (Hamstring)

Celtics Injuries: Jaden Springer – Day To Day (Knee), Al Horford – Day To Day (Toe), Jayson Tatum – Day To Day (Ankle), Kristaps Porzingis – Out (Foot)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2

The Boston Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks in what promises to be an exciting NBA Cup matchup. The Celtics are off to a strong start this season, showcasing their defensive intensity and consistent scoring, led by Jayson Tatum and the deep roster around him. Boston recently showcased resilience in a comeback win over the Milwaukee Bucks, emphasizing their ability to control games even when down early.

The Hawks, on the other hand, have struggled, losing seven of their last nine games. Key players like Jalen Johnson and Clint Capela have shown flashes of potential, but Atlanta has had difficulty maintaining leads, especially in the latter stages of games. 

Missing Trae Young due to an Achilles injury may further impact their scoring depth. Given Boston’s defensive prowess and home-court advantage, the Celtics are well-positioned to secure another victory.

Prediction: Celtics def. Hawks 124-118

Miami Heat At Detroit Pistons – 7 PM EST

Heat Current Record: 4-5

Pistons Current Record: 4-7

Heat Injuries: Jimmy Butler – Out (Ankle)

Pistons Injuries: Isaiah Stewart – Day To Day (Ankle), Jalen Duren – Day To Day (Ankle), Ausar Thompson – Out (Illness), Bobi Klintman – Out (Calf)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 5-0

The Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons face off in NBA Cup group play, with both teams looking to gain momentum in their group standings. Miami recently broke a three-game losing streak with a close win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, but Jimmy Butler’s absence due to injury might impact their offensive capabilities. The Heat will rely heavily on Bam Adebayo, whose scoring has been lower than usual this season, and Tyler Herro to fill the gap.

The Pistons, meanwhile, have shown resilience in recent games, with Cade Cunningham emerging as a leader with near triple-double performances. Despite a rocky start to the season, Detroit has been competitive in several close games and has home-court advantage in this matchup. 

With Detroit’s strong defensive rebounding and Cunningham’s impressive playmaking, they have the potential to give Miami a challenging game. This should be a competitive matchup, with Detroit looking to leverage their physicality and recent form to outlast Miami.

Prediction: Heat def. Pistons 121-112

Charlotte Hornets At Orlando Magic – 7 PM EST

Hornets Current Record: 4-6

Magic Current Record: 5-6

Hornets Injuries: Tre Mann – Day To Day (Back)

Magic Injuries: Wendell Carter Jr. – Out (Foot), Paolo Banchero – Out (Torn oblique)

Last 5 Meetings: Magic Lead 4-1

The Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic face off in an NBA Cup Group Play match that could go down to the wire. The Hornets, led by a resurgent LaMelo Ball, have seen a boost in scoring and playmaking, with Ball averaging over 29 points per game. Despite some offensive struggles, Charlotte’s improved defense has kept them competitive in recent games. If Ball continues his stellar form, Charlotte has a real shot at challenging Orlando on the road.

Orlando, meanwhile, is adapting to the absence of Paolo Banchero. Franz Wagner has stepped up as the primary offensive option, scoring consistently in Banchero’s absence. The Magic have leaned heavily on their strong defensive presence, currently ranked second in the league, which has helped them limit opponents effectively. They’re coming off back-to-back wins where they held opponents under 100 points, and they’ll look to apply the same defensive intensity against the Hornets.

While Orlando’s defense is formidable, Charlotte’s strong play from Ball and defensive improvements could keep this game close. The Hornets are positioned to cover the spread in what should be a tightly contested matchup.

Prediction: Hornets def. Magic 119-113

New York Knicks At Philadelphia 76ers – 7:30 PM EST

Knicks Current Record: 4-5

Sixers Current Record: 2-7

Knicks Injuries: Miles McBride – Day To Day (Sixers), Cameron Payne – Out (Hamstring), Precious Achiuwa – Out (Hamstring), Kevin McCullar Jr. – Out (Knee), Mithcell Robinson – Out (Ankle)

Sixers Injuries: Tyrese Maxey – Out (Hamstring)

Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 3-2

The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks face off in what promises to be an intense NBA Cup matchup. This game is especially significant for Philadelphia, as they will have star center Joel Embiid back on the court after missing the start of the season. Embiid’s presence is expected to make a huge difference; last season, the 76ers were 31-8 with Embiid and averaged over 120 points per game, contrasting sharply with their struggles when he was sidelined.

The Knicks, however, have been solid offensively, especially with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the charge. Towns has been in excellent form, averaging nearly 32 points and 12 rebounds over his last three games. Additionally, New York’s efficiency from the field and three-point line ranks among the league’s best, setting them up to challenge Philadelphia’s defense.

With Embiid’s return and the recent addition of Paul George, who’s contributing with both scoring and playmaking, the 76ers are poised to take control. Expect a hard-fought game, but Philadelphia’s boosted lineup gives them the edge for a home victory.

Prediction: Sixers def. Knicks 117-112

Toronto Raptors At Milwaukee Bucks – 8 PM EST

Raptors Current Record: 2-9

Bucks Current Record: 2-8

Raptors Injuries: Immanuel Quickley – Day To Day (Elbow), Garrett Temple – Out (Back), Ja’Kobe Walker – Out (Shoulder), Scottie Barnes – Out (Orbital fracture), Bruce Brown – Out (Knee), Kelly Olynyk – Out (Back)

Bucks Injuries: Gary Trent Jr. – Day To Day (Back), Andre Jackson Jr. – Day To Day (Hip), Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Hip), Damian Lillard – Out (Concussion), Khris Middleton – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Games: Raptors Lead 3-2

The Toronto Raptors face off against the Milwaukee Bucks in a matchup where both teams are eager for a win to turn around their difficult season starts. The Raptors, plagued by injuries and missing key players like Scottie Barnes, will look to RJ Barrett and emerging rookie Gradey Dick to provide the offensive spark. Barrett has been a standout this season, averaging 23.1 points and 6.1 assists, and Toronto’s league-leading offensive rebounding rate could play a pivotal role in their strategy.

Milwaukee has also struggled, sitting at 2-8 and dealing with the absence of Damian Lillard. However, they have a formidable weapon in Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 31.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. With the Raptors’ defense ranked last in the league, Antetokounmpo is well-positioned to exploit their weaknesses, especially in the paint.

Despite Toronto’s potential to keep the game competitive with rebounding and perimeter scoring, the Bucks’ home-court advantage and Giannis’s dominant form could tip the scales in Milwaukee’s favor. Expect the Bucks to capitalize on the Raptors’ defensive vulnerabilities and come out on top in this NBA Cup opener.

Prediction: Bucks def. Raptors 127-118

Phoenix Suns At Utah Jazz – 9 PM EST

Suns Current Record: 8-2

Jazz Current Record: 2-7

Suns Injuries: Jusuf Nurkic – Day To Day (Ankle), Collin Gillespie – Out (Ankle), Kevin Durant – Out (Calf)

Jazz Injuries: Keyonte George – Day To Day (Foot), Jason Preston – Out (Personal), Taylor Hendricks – Out (Leg)

Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 5-0

The Phoenix Suns take on the Utah Jazz in an NBA Cup tournament matchup, with both teams looking to make an impact in their group stage opener. The Suns will play without Kevin Durant, their primary scoring threat, putting the spotlight on Devin Booker and Bradley Beal to carry the offensive load. Phoenix has shown strong form, ranking 12th in the league in scoring, and should exploit a Jazz defense that has struggled this season.

On the other side, the Jazz will lean on Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton to generate offense, particularly in the absence of some key rotation players. Utah has struggled with consistency and ranks last in the league for turnovers, which could be costly against a Suns defense adept at capitalizing on mistakes.

While the Jazz hold a home-court advantage, the Suns’ depth and experience give them the edge. Phoenix’s efficient shooting and transition game could ultimately prove too much for a young Jazz squad still finding its rhythm. 

Prediction: Suns def. Jazz 121-116

Dallas Mavericks At Golden State Warriors – 10 PM EST

Mavericks Current Record: 5-5

Warriors Current Record: 8-2

Mavericks Injuries: Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Groin), Dereck Lively II – Out (Shoulder), P.J. Washington – Out (Knee), Dante Exum – Out (Wrist)

Warriors Injuries: Andrew Wiggins – Day To Day (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 3-2

The Golden State Warriors host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night in an NBA Cup matchup that pits two high-scoring Western Conference teams against each other. Golden State, led by Stephen Curry and an efficient Buddy Hield, has been a top-scoring team this season. 

On the other hand, Dallas boasts an elite duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic is averaging 28.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, while Irving complements with 25.6 points per game on a highly efficient 55.2% from three. Despite recent close losses, Dallas has been competitive, scoring 117.4 points per game in their last five contests, showing they have the firepower to keep pace with Golden State.

Klay Thompson will make his first return to the Bay Area as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, facing his former team at Chase Center. Thompson, who spent 13 seasons with the Warriors and was instrumental in securing four NBA championships, signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks during the offseason.

In a matchup between two high-powered offenses, Golden State’s well-rounded play on both ends of the floor gives them a slight edge at home. Expect the Warriors to cover the spread in a close, high-scoring game.

Prediction: Mavericks def. Warriors 128-124

Minnesota Timberwolves At Portland Trail Blazers – 10 PM EST

Wolves Current Record: 6-4

Blazers Current Record: 3-8

Wolves Injuries: N/A

Blazers Injuries: Matisse Thybulle – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 5-0

The Minnesota Timberwolves enter Tuesday’s NBA Cup matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers as the clear favorite, looking to bounce back after a close loss to the Miami Heat. Minnesota’s recent win over Portland, a dominant 25-point victory, showcased their defensive prowess and offensive balance, making them well-positioned for another strong showing. 

Anthony Edwards continues to lead the Timberwolves’ charge, averaging 28.3 points per game while shooting nearly 46% from three-point range. With defensive anchor Rudy Gobert controlling the paint and limiting second-chance points, Minnesota has established itself as one of the league’s top defensive teams this season.

Portland, meanwhile, has struggled to find rhythm both offensively and defensively. The Trail Blazers rank near the bottom in offensive efficiency and three-point shooting, an area Minnesota has exploited well. Key players like Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, and Deandre Ayton will need to step up significantly if the Trail Blazers hope to stay competitive. However, the Timberwolves’ balanced offense and lockdown defense will make it challenging for Portland to keep pace.

Prediction: Wolves def. Blazers 127-113