NBA Daily Picks For November 15th, 2024: Lakers Hope To Slow Down Spurs, Suns Face Thunder In Contenders’ Clash

Following a 0-1 performance in last night’s single-game slate between the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz, our season record is now 59-35, bringing our accuracy rate to 62.8%. 

Tonight, the NBA brings a 12-game slate to the fans as part of the Emirates NBA Cup’s second set of fixtures. This will see some phenomenal matchups including the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the San Antonio Spurs fresh off Victor Wembanyama’s first career 50-point game. In a top-of-the-table clash, the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder will also lock horns.

These marquee matchups along with 10 other highly-anticipated clashes will make for an amazing night of basketball. But how will it all go down? 

Miami Heat At Indiana Pacers – 7 PM EST

Heat Current Record: 4-6

Pacers Current Record: 5-6

Heat Injuries: Jimmy Butler – Out (Ankle)

Pacers Injuries: Andrew Nembhard – Out (Knee), Aaron Nesmith – Out (Ankle), Isaiah Jackson – Out (Achilles), James Wiseman – Out (Achilles)

Last 5 Meetings: Pacers Lead 3-2

The Miami Heat are looking like a middle-of-the-pack team again this season, falling to a 121-123 loss in their last matchup against the Detroit Pistons. There’s a low ceiling on this team’s fortunes without Jimmy Butler present, and he hasn’t been contributing much to open the season. Despite Tyler Herro taking an offensive jump, the Heat are stuck in the middle of the East once again.

The Indiana Pacers have had a shocking start to the season, with many expecting them to be one of the frontrunners in the East. Tyrese Haliburton‘s slow start to the season and assorted injuries haven’t helped matters, but they’ll come into this matchup against the Heat confident about pulling out a win as their available talent likely still outranks what the Heat have.

Prediction: Pacers def. Heat 117-104

Philadelphia 76ers At Orlando Magic – 7 PM EST

76ers Current Record: 2-9

Magic Current Record: 7-6

76ers Injuries: Andre Drummond – Day To Day (Illness), Tyrese Maxey – Out (Hamstring)

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

Last 5 Meetings: 76ers Lead 4-1

The Philadelphia 76ers will hope to have Paul George and Joel Embiid back in the lineup after they sat in their 106-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Tyrese Maxey will still be sidelined, but the presence of Embiid and George should give the 76ers a major boost offensively to try and start saving their season from disaster.

Given what we saw of Embiid in his season debut and how George has performed so far this season, playing against the Paolo Banchero-less Orlando Magic isn’t an easy win. They’re a high-level defensive team with wing Franz Wagner emerging as a genuine No. 1 option in Banchero’s absence. The Magic play far too fast for a team like the 76ers to defend without chemistry, especially with the recent run Franz has been on.

Prediction: Magic def. 76ers 113-101

Detroit Pistons At Toronto Raptors – 7 PM EST

Pistons Current Record: 5-8

Raptors Current Record: 2-10

Pistons Injuries: Jaden Ivey – Day To Day (Toe), Tim Hardaway Jr. – Day To Day (Head), Simone Fontecchio – Day To Day (Toe), Ausar Thompson – Out (Fitness), Bobi Klintman – Out (Calf)

Raptors Injuries: Scottie Barnes – Out (Orbital), Immanuel Quickley – Out (Elbow), Kelly Olynyk – Out (Back), Bruce Brown – Out (Knee), Ja’Kobe Walter – Out (Shoulder)

Last 5 Meetings: Raptors Lead 3-2

The Detroit Pistons have come into this season looking competitive with Cade Cunningham having taken a leap that could see him be in All-Star considerations this season. The team likely won’t be competing in the Playoffs but it’s a great stop forward from what they were last season. They’re coming off an OT loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Toronto Raptors are looking like bottom-feeders in the East with the worst record in the NBA so far this season. They’ve dealt with major injury issues and simply haven’t been good enough without core players such as Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. The Raptors might have a bright future but tonight won’t be an easy night for them.

Prediction: Pistons def. Raptors 109-98

Washington Wizards At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST

Wizards Current Record: 2-8

Hawks Current Record: 5-7

Wizards Injuries: Malcolm Brogdon – Out (Thumb), Saddiq Bey – Out (Knee)

Hawks Injuries: Bogdan Bogdanovic – Out (Hamstring), Cody Zeller – Out (Personal), Seth Lundy – Out (Ankle), Kobe Bufkin – Out (Shoulder), Vit Krejci – Out (Hip)

Last 5 Meetings: Wizards Lead 3-2

The Washington Wizards‘ young core has gotten off to a great start with Alexandre Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Bub Carrington all playing heavy minutes and developing their games. But this inexperience to let their young stars develop hasn’t made them very competitive this season even with Jordan Poole having the best start to a season he’s ever had.

The Atlanta Hawks are going through defensive revelation with Dyson Daniels leading the league in steals with his tenacious on-ball play. Trae Young is still one of the best offensive pieces in the NBA, so the Hawks should be able to hold the Wizards’ challenge off with their talented backcourt.

Prediction: Hawks def. Wizards 123-118

Chicago Bulls At Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:30 PM EST

Bulls Current Record: 5-7

Cavaliers Current Record: 13-0

Bulls Injuries: Adama Sanogo – Day To Day (Knee), Lonzo Ball – Out (Wrist)

Cavaliers Injuries: Jarrett Allen – Day To Day (Leg), Evan Mobley – Day To Day (Illness), Max Strus – Out (Hip), Emoni Bates – Out (Knee), Sam Merrill – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Cavaliers Lead 4-1

The Chicago Bulls have been better than many expected, with the franchise pushing to be in the Playoff race after a solid start to the season. With Zach LaVine in the lineup, the Bulls have looked like a Playoff-caliber team this season and will be hoping to pose a challenge to the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers.

If the Cavaliers can rely on Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley being healthy for this matchup, the Bulls will struggle mightily to get their offense going, especially in transition with those two big defenders patrolling at all times. This should lead to a 14th win for the Cavaliers although the Bulls won’t be pushovers.

Prediction: Cavs def. Bulls 119-109

Brooklyn Nets At New York Knicks – 7:30 PM EST

Nets Current Record: 5-7

Knicks Current Record: 5-6

Nets Injuries: Nic Claxton – Day To Day (Back), Dorian Finney-Smith – Day To Day (Ankle), Bojan Bogdanovic – Out (Foot), Day’Ron Sharpe – Out (Hamstring), Trendon Watford – Out (Hamstring)

Knicks Injuries: Karl-Anthony Towns – Day To Day (Knee), Jalen Brunson – Day To Day (Ankle), Miles McBride – Day To Day (Knee), Cameron Payne – Day To Day (Hamstring), Precious Achuiwa – Out (Hamstring), Kevin McCullar Jr. – Out (Knee), Mitchell Robinson – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 5-0

The Brooklyn Nets have had a surprisingly competitive start to the 2024-25 NBA season, with the franchise leaning on their veteran depth to win five of their opening 12 games. They’re just half a game behind the win-now New York Knicks, who forked over six first-round picks for Mikal Bridges from the Nets over the summer.

In Mikal’s first game against the Nets since joining the Knicks, the orange and blue franchise will hope to return to .500 on the season after a stunning loss to the Chicago Bulls in their last matchup. With the form of Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson at the moment, the Knicks should be favored to win this contest in a close result.

Prediction: Knicks def. Nets 112-107

Los Angeles Lakers At San Antonio Spurs – 7:30 PM EST

Lakers Current Record: 7-4

Spurs Current Record: 6-6

Lakers Injuries: Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Foot), Rui Hachimura – Day To Day (Ankle), Christian Wood – Out (Knee), Jaxson Hayes – Out (Ankle), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Foot), Jalen Hood-Schifino – Out (Groin)

Spurs Injuries: Jeremy Sochan – Out (Thumb), Tre Jones – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 4-1

The Los Angeles Lakers have won their last three games and are being boosted by LeBron James‘ incredible form over this spell. Anthony Davis started the season off at an MVP pace but is playing through injuries at the moment, while the overall roster is still adjusting to JJ Redick’s new play style, with D’Angelo Russell recently being benched in favor of Cam Reddish.

The San Antonio Spurs are enjoying a good run of form as well, particularly Victor Wembanyama who went off for his first career 50-point game in their last game, a win over the Washington Wizards. With Wemby’s shot falling and the overall unit playing with an aggressive defensive focus, the Spurs might be in the perfect position to hand the Lakers an upset loss.

Prediction: Spurs def. Lakers 124-119

Los Angeles Clippers At Houston Rockets – 8 PM EST

Clippers Current Record: 6-6

Rockets Current Record: 8-4

Clippers Injuries: Kawhi Leonard – Out (Knee), Mo Bamba – Out (Knee), P.J. Tucker – Out (Personal)

Rockets Injuries: Steven Adams – Day To Day (Knee), Na’Faly Dante – Out (Two-Way)

Last 5 Meetings: Clippers Lead 3-2

The Los Angeles Clippers have kept their head above water this season without Kawhi Leonard, getting off to a 6-6 start this season. Their offense can be inconsistent but they’re competing every night based on their defensive strengths alone. With James Harden thriving as a point guard and unlocking Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac into becoming more prominent contributors, the Clippers are a team that can’t be underestimated.

The Houston Rockets are competing at a high level this season with great offensive and defensive versatility at their disposal. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green are leading the team offensively while their defensive ethos built by Ime Udoka has carried over to this season well. The Rockets are in great form and should likely take this win by having the defense to limit the Clippers’ subpar offense.

Prediction: Rockets def. Clippers 103-101

Denver Nuggets At New Orleans Pelicans – 8 PM EST

Nuggets Current Record: 7-3

Pelicans Current Record: 3-9

Nuggets Injuries: Nikola Jokic – Day To Day (Person), Aaron Gordon – Out (Calf), Vlatko Cancar – Out (Ankle)

Pelicans Injuries: Zion Williamson – Out (Hamstring), Dejounte Murray – Out (Hand), CJ McCollum – Out (Hip), Herbert Jones – Out (Shoulder), Jose Alvarado – Out (Hamstring), Jordan Hawkins – Out (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 3-2

The Denver Nuggets have overcome a shaky start to the season by winning their last five games behind Nikola Jokic’s mind-boggling performances. He’s averaged 29.0 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 13.4 assists over this stretch, with the Nuggets looking like a contender in the West based primarily on what Jokic has been able to do.

The New Orleans Pelicans are the worst afflicted team with injuries this season, missing six key rotational players to long-term injuries. It’ll be interesting to see what Brandon Ingram and the returning Trey Murphy III can achieve in this contest against the fearsome Nuggets, but expecting them to come out with a win would be a tall order.

Prediction: Nuggets def. Pelicans 124-107

Phoenix Suns At OKC Thunder – 8 PM EST

Suns Current Record: 9-3

Thunder Current Record: 10-2

Suns Injuries: Jusuf Nurkic – Day To Day (Ankle), Grayson Allen – Day To Day (Hamstring), Kevin Durant – Out (Calf), Bradley Beal – Out (Calf), Colin Gillespie – Out (Ankle)

Thunder Injuries: Chet Holmgren – Out (Hip), Isaiah Hartenstein – Out (Hand), Alex Caruso – Out (Hip), Jaylin Williams – Out (Hamstring), Nikola Topic – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 4-1

The Phoenix Suns got their season off to a hot start but have been dealt injury blows with injuries to Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Devin Booker will be expected to carry a heavy load for the Suns in their upcoming matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, especially given Phoenix is coming off a 104-127 loss to the Sacramento Kings.

The Thunder have won their last two games after losing Chet Holmgren to a pelvis fracture and running 6’5″ forward Jalen Williams at center. Williams’ defensive tenacity and toughness have made him fit that position, and with the Suns coming short-handed, it seems Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will have a primetime opportunity to have a big game and bolster his MVP candidacy this season.

Prediction: Thunder def. Suns 125-116

Memphis Grizzlies At Golden State Warriors – 10 PM EST

Grizzlies Current Record: 7-5

Warriors Current Record: 9-2

Grizzlies Injuries: Brandon Clarke – Day To Day (Toe), Ja Morant – Out (Hip), Desmond Bane – Out (Shoulder), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (Leg), GG Jackson II – Out (Foot), Cam Spencer – Out (Ankle)

Warriors Injuries: Kyle Anderson – Day To Day (Neck). De’Anthony Melton – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Grizzlies Lead 3-2

The Golden State Warriors are coming off an impressive 120-117 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, where a Stephen Curry clutch takeover ruined Klay Thompson’s Chase center homecoming. The team has been clicking on both ends of the court, and they’re looking like the best team in the West so far this season.

The Memphis Grizzlies have seen another season start with a raft of injuries with Jaren Jackson Jr. one of their only primary starters in the lineup right now. The absence of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane sunk the Grizzlies in their recent loss against the Lakers and likely will be the cause of their doom against a red-hot Warriors squad.

Prediction: Warriors def. Grizzlies 123-111

Minnesota Timberwolves At Sacramento Kings – 10 PM EST

Timberwolves Current Record: 6-6

Kings Current Record: 7-5

Timberwolves Injuries: N/A

Kings Injuries: DeMar DeRozan – Day To Day (Back), Malik Monk – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 3-2

The Minnesota Timberwolves need to get back to winning ways after suffering back-to-back losses to the Portland Trail Blazers over the week. Despite a clean injury report, the Timberwolves are playing aggressive eight-man rotations which still aren’t getting the job done with inconsistent shooting from players like Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Donte DiVincenzo.

The Sacramento Kings have looked solid behind Domantas Sabonis’ near-MVP level play and DeMar DeRozan’s smooth offensive fit into their lineup. Despite that, they might not be the best-equipped to beat the Timberwolves on either r end. The matchup won’t be in Sacarmento’s favor, so we think the smart money is to back the Wolves to return to winning.

Prediction: Wolves def. Kings 115-114

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