We’ve almost reached the NBA season’s trade deadline, so teams are going to be quite active in making moves and picking up the phone to either get better for this season or focus on the future.
Needless to say, that could make it tough for those who make a living out of picking games and making predictions. However, barring a major turn of events, no big name is expected to be moved, so those players who actually move the needle are safe.
With that in mind, we’ll take a look at Thursday’s slate, sharing our picks for some of the most exciting games of the day.
Golden State Warriors at Philadelphia 76ers
The Golden State Warriors are fresh off an emotional win vs. The Brooklyn Nets. It was emotional because Klay Thompson was watching his younger teammates closing out the game instead of actually being there, prompting doubts about his future with the team.
The Philadelphia 76ers will be without reigning MVP Joel Embiid for the next four weeks at least. However, the Warriors are unlikely to make the most of his absence, as they lack size and won’t crowd the restricted area.
Pick: Sixers ML
Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics
The Atlanta Hawks could be without Dejounte Murray, who’s rumored to be on the trade block. They have several injuries and players likely to be dealt, and they’re going to be on the road against the best team in the Association.
The Boston Celtics are one of the best home teams in the league and could be at full strength. The Hawks can score in bunches but are not much of a defensive team, hence the total set at 244 points, which might not even be enough for this game.
Pick: o244
San Antonio Spurs at Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are desperately craving some momentum. They had won just two of their last ten games before getting back at the Orlando Magic and beating them with authority. Now, they’ll look to keep their foot on the gas vs. The struggling San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs are perhaps the most inexperienced team in the league, even ahead of the Detroit Pistons. The Heat’s elite defensive instincts should make this an easy game for Erik Spoelstra’s side, especially now that they’re at full strength.
Pick: Heat -7.5
New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are the hottest team in the NBA right now. They’ve won 20 of their last 25 games and are a legitimate threat to run away with the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, with Kawhi Leonard playing at an MVP level.
The New Orleans Pelicans hit a bit of a wall recently and have struggled to be at their best against winning teams. They don’t have enough firepower to get past the Clippers’ stellar defense and also get stops against their flurry of talent.
Pick: Clippers -6.5
