NBA Picks

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Magic City Night in Atlanta got cancelled by the NBA, but that obviously doesn’t impact the game — nor does it diminish what has suddenly become an absolutely massive matchup in the Eastern Conference. The Atlanta Hawks own the league’s longest current winning streak at 9 games, while the Orlando Magic are not far behind at 7 in a row. Atlanta is just 2 games outside of a top-6 spot in the East; Orlando is only 1 game inside that automatic playoff cut line. In other words, the stakes could not be much bigger. With both teams playing great and scoring a bunch of points on a consistent basis, my Magic vs Hawks pick is Over 231.5.

During its 9-game surge, Atlanta has scored at least 115 points on 8 occasions — including 122 or more in 6 of the last 7 outings. Six different guys have led the team in scoring during this streak, showcasing the Hawks’ depth — especially on the offensive end of the floor. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has matched or exceeded his 20.0 ppg season average in 4 of the last 5 games, including 29 points against Dallas last Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Magic have put up at least 121 points in 4 consecutive contests. Four different players have led the team in scoring over the past 6 games. Paolo Banchero (22.3 ppg) has scored 25 points or more in 4 of the last 5 games. Let’s roll with the over for what should be an extremely entertaining affair — with or without the official Magic City Night festivities.

Magic vs Hawks prediction: Over 229.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 232.5.

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During this 5-game win streak the Lakers have impressed on both ends ranking 5th in offense and a really good 9th on defense in terms of efficiency. Luka Doncic has looked like a man possessed out there, averaging 38.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 8.4 assists. Even the return of LeBron James from injury didn’t disrupt the Lakers’ play as much as some people thought it would. LBJ has been able to adapt his game, he is now basically a 3rd option on offense behind Luka and Reaves, doing a lot more work on other areas such as rebounding and finding open teammates. Playing the Rockets couldn’t have come at a better time for LA, they’ve won 14 of 20 meetings with this team and a victory here gives them a significant boost in their effort of claiming the 3rd seed in the West.

Despite the Lakers’ win streak, the oddsmakers still favor the Rockets here, but only by a couple of points. KD and co. barely survived at home against the recently resurrected Pelicans, winning by just 2 points. Houston has been very inconsistent lately, failing to connect back-to-back wins so far in the month of March. On top of that Alperen Sengun is dealing with a back issue which could limit him if he’s able to go here. A lot is expected out of Amen Thompson in this game. He matched up really well against Doncic at the point guard position in the first meeting, carrying the Rockets with 26 points and 7 rebounds in a dominant 23-point win.

Apart from Maxi Kleber being absent, the Lakers are pretty much at full strength here. They are the more in form team, plus let’s also not underestimate the revenge factor as they look to even the regular season series here. These two teams will play each other again on Wednesday in the same arena, I’m convinced the Lakers will win at least one of these two games. Back LA.

Lakers vs Rockets prediction: Lakers +2.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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Victor Wembanyama’s return to the line-up sparked a double-digit win over Charlotte on Saturday and now San Antonio aims to win back-to-back games, taking on the Clippers. That last meeting between the two teams is still fresh in our minds, San Antonio managed to erase a 25-point deficit in the 4th quarter, when the win probability percentage was at 95% in favor of the Clippers. It would be wise if they didn’t put themselves in a similar situation on Monday, you’d think a team like the Spurs would learn a thing or two from that game. Dylan Harper and Luke Kornet are the two absentees from injury, San Antonio will be encouraged by their 7-1 SU run in 8 road games going into this one.

The Clippers fumbled the ball in their last game, losing to the tanking Sacramento Kings 118-109. Kawhi Leonard was on a roll with 31 points in that game, but had to leave early in the 4th quarter after twisting his ankle. That means he won’t be at 100% here, it’s hard to put in words how much he’s meant to this Clippers team since the departure of Harden and Zubac. The thing that should worry LA fans going into a match-up with a team like San Antono is the team’s lack of three-point making. Their last two games have seen the Clippers score just 9 threes vs Sacramento and Chicago, far too low by today’s standards. For the season the Clippers are making just 12.2 threes per game which ranks them in the bottom 10 of the NBA.

San Antonio is making 16.7 threes per game in their last 3 games, take that disparity into account along with Kawhi’s ankle sprain and the mismatch Wembanyama has at the center position, I think this game is San Antonio’s to lose. With 17 wins in 19 games they are arguably the most in-form team in the league, they’ve also been a reliable bet during this stretch covering 14 times. I’ll be backing the road squad here.

Spurs vs Clippers prediction: Spurs -9.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.