With just a handful of games left in the NBA season, there’s not much margin for error, if at all, at this point. Teams simply cannot afford many setbacks, and a string of injuries could lead to a major catastrophe.
Considering that, we’re going to take an in-depth look at some of the most exciting matchups of Saturday’s slate, sharing our picks and best bets for every single one of these can’t-miss contests.
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Miami Heat vs New Orleans Pelicans
The Miami Heat continue to be severely undermanned, with Bam Adebayo most likely out of this game, and Tyler Herro already being out. Nevertheless, Brandon Ingram is also likely to be on the shelf for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Erik Spoelstra’s team will be home and well rested, while the Pelicans will be on the second night of a back-to-back for their second consecutive cross-conference road matchup.
We expect the home team to make the most of their fresh legs.
Pick: Heat -3.5
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Cleveland Cavaliers
The Minnesota Timberwolves could and should get Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid back for this matchup after seeing their frontcourt miss last game with several injuries. Gobert has been out for three games now, and Anthony Edwards could use some help on defense.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will also be undermanned without Max Strus, Evan Mobley, and Donovan Mitchell, but they’ve managed to stay competitive nonetheless.
That’s why even if the Timberwolves get some bodies back and should win, this could still be a close one.
Pick: Cavaliers +7.5
Golden State Warriors vs Indiana Pacers
The Golden State Warriors cannot afford any more setbacks at this point in the season, especially at home. However, they have a tough matchup ahead, as the Indiana Pacers can push the pace and have plenty of size, and they struggle against both.
We’ve seen Stephen Curry excel since he came back from injury, and once again, the Dubs should be able to pull this one off.
However, with their inconsistency and how poorly they match up vs. Indiana, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the visitors pull off the upset.
Pick: Pacers +6
Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers
Darvin Ham cannot be trusted. The Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching situation is far from good, and he’s been outcoached by good coaches almost every single time out there. That doesn’t bode well against Nick Nurse and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Then again, as bad as Ham is, the Sixers simply cannot string good games together without Joel Embiid, let alone win some.
That’s pretty much the only reason to back the home team here, but it should be more than enough.
Pick: Lakers -6.5
