NBA Daily Picks: Clippers Could Put Huge Pressure On Timberwolves

Fadeaway World showcased their nuanced understanding of the NBA by going 5-1 in predictions last night, improving the season record to 296-166, a 64.06% accuracy rate. The record could further improve as the NBA has an action-packed seven-game slate on offer tonight.

The biggest game will be a highly consequential battle between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers, as the Clippers aim to take the No. 3 seed from the Wolves. The Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings will also face off in a competitive clash between teams in different Conferences. 

Teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and the league-leading Boston Celtics will also be in action. Without further ado, let's break down tonight's games and share expert picks and predictions for what could take place.

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

76ers Last 10 Games: 4-6

Knicks Last 10 Games: 4-6

76ers Injuries: Joel Embiid - Out (Knee), De'Anthony Melton - Out (Back), Robert Covington - Out (Knee)

Knicks Injuries: Mitchell Robinson - Out (Ankle), OG Anunoby - Out (Elbow), Julius Randle - Out (Shoulder)

Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 3-2

The Philadelphia 76ers (36-28) have looked unimpressive ever since Joel Embiid tore his meniscus and hasn't been around to carry the franchise. Despite going 10-20 without Embiid, the 76ers are still in the top-six fight in the East and are hoping to pick up an important win to distance themselves from the chasing pack including the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat.

The New York Knicks (37-27) have been stuttering after an electric run of wins in January which saw the team compete for the No. 2 seed in the East. Injuries to OG Anunoby and Julius Randle have since dropped them to No. 4 in the east, but with Jalen Brunson returning from injury, the franchise will be hopeful for a win after some historic defensive showings in recent games.

Prediction: Knicks def. 76ers 109-97

Washington Wizards At Memphis Grizzlies - 8:00 PM EST

Wizards Last 10 Games: 2-8

Grizzlies Last 10 Games: 3-7

Wizards Injuries: Richaun Holmes - Day To Day (Toe), Landry Shamet - Out (Calf), Marvin Bagley III - Out (Back), Isaiah Livers - Out (Hip)

Grizzlies Injuries: Lamar Stevens - Day To Day (Adductor), John Konchar - Day To Day (Ankle), Jordan Goodwin - Day To Day (Achilles), Yuta Watanabe - Out (Wrist), Derrick Rose - Out (Osteitis), Ziarie Williams - Out (Back), Brandon Clarke - Out (Achilles), Desmond Bane - Out (Ankle), Marcus Smart - Out (Finger), Scotty Pippen Jr. - Out (Back), Vince Williams Jr. - Out (Knee), Jaren Jackson Jr. - Out (Tendonitis), Ja Morant - Out (Shoulder)

Last 5 Meetings: Wizards Lead 3-2

The Washington Wizards (11-53) pulled off a rare bright spot in their season by picking up two consecutive wins for the first time this year. They'll be looking to make it three in a row with teams finally using the talent on their roster in a competent fashion. Kyle Kuzma and Deni Avdija are proving to be a great frontcourt pairing and dominating recent wins.

The Memphis Grizzlies (22-43) have been hot and cold all season long, largely because of widespread injuries across the entire roster. With all members of the star trio of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jacken Jr. missing this game, the Wizards will fancy their chances of maximizing their current momentum with a third consecutive win over the flailing Grizzlies.

Prediction: Wizards def. Grizzlies 111-106

Indiana Pacers At Oklahoma City Thunder - 8:00 PM EST

Pacers Last 10 Games: 8-2

Thunder Last 10 Games: 6-4

Pacers Injuries: Bennedict Mathurin - Out (Shoulder), Doug McDermott - Out (Calf)

Thunder Injuries: Jalen Williams - Day To Day (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Pacers Lead 3-2

The Indiana Pacers (36-29) are looking to find their feet in the middle of the Eastern Conference and solidify their status as the sixth seed or higher, given their strong start to the season. They've dealt with inconsistencies in their personnel all season long and have missed Buddy Hield's spacing in their electric offense. Nonetheless, Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner are proving to be a formidable trio.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (45-19) have a golden chance to lock the No. 1 seed up and watch Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be crowned MVP with the injuries to the Timberwolves. Picking up a win over the Pacers will be crucial in helping them distance themselves from pursuing teams like the Nuggets. OKC have only lost six games at home this season and the Pacers don't have the makeup to cause an upset like this right now.

Prediction: Thunder def. Pacers 129-121

Houston Rockets At San Antonio Spurs - 8:30 PM EST

Rockets Last 10 Games: 5-5

Spurs Last 10 Games: 3-7

Rockets Injuries: Alperen Sengun - Out (Ankle, Knee), Cam Whitmore - Out (Knee), Tari Eason - Out (Leg), Steven Adams - Out (Knee)

Spurs Injuries: Cedi Osman - Out (Ankle), Charles Bassey - Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Rockets Lead 4-1

The Houston Rockets (29-35) are in great form right now, winning four of their last five games including statement wins over playoff contenders like the Suns and Kings. They also beat the Spurs in this stretch, but that included Alperen Sengun going for 45 points and 16 rebounds. This time around, the Rockets will be without their Turkish center who was injured recently.

San Antonio Spurs (14-51) have had the services of a generational rookie but haven't built a strong team around him already. Victor Wembanyama's presence is their biggest x-factor and if the rookie can make a big impact in limited minutes, the Rockets may have no answers for it. However, Jalen Green's recent form encourages me to pick the overall better roster in Houston.

Prediction: Rockets def. Spurs 117-112

Boston Celtics At Utah Jazz - 9:00 PM EST

Celtics Last 10 Games: 8-2

Jazz Last 10 Games: 2-8

Celtics Injuries: Jordan Walsh - Day To Day (G League), Jrue Holiday - Out (Knee), Svi Mykhailiuk - Out (Personal), Kristaps Porzingis - Out (Hamstring)

Jazz Injuries: Lauri Markkanen - Out (Quadriceps), Taylor Hendricks - Out (Toe)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2

The Boston Celtics (50-14) have been tearing the NBA apart in 2024 but fell to a pair of concerning losses at the hands of the Cavaliers and Nuggets. They've rebounded well with wins over the Suns and Trail Blazers in their last two games on this road trip. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are looking like the best duo in the NBA and the Celtics have found form at the perfect time. 

The Utah Jazz (28-36) have been one of the coldest teams in the NBA since the third week of January, going 6-16 over their last 22 games and falling completely out of the West playoff picture. Their only two wins in the last month came over the Wizards and the Spurs, so the Jazz stand a slim chance of upsetting Boston.

Prediction: Celtics def Jazz 124-98

Milwaukee Bucks At Sacramento Kings - 10:00 PM EST

Bucks Last 10 Games: 7-3

Kings Last 10 Games: 6-4

Bucks Injuries: AJ Green - Day To Day (Ankle), MarJon Beauchamp - Day To Day (Back), Giannis Antetokounmpo - Day To Day (Knee), Khris Middleton - Out (Ankle)

Kings Injuries: Keegan Murray - Day To Day (Ankle), Sasha Vezenkov - Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 5-0

The Milwaukee Bucks (42-23) are finding their footing as the second-best team in the East after a rough start to the Doc Rivers was erased with a six-game win streak. Tough losses to the Warriors and Lakers brought them back to reality but their last game was a strong win over the Clippers, an elite team they beat twice in eight days. Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are looking more comfortable in the new system with every game.

The Sacramento Kings (36-27) haven't found the consistency in results they need to be a top-six team in the West. They need a win to inch closer to the Suns while extending their advantage over the Mavericks, who are currently tied with them at No. 7. The Kings have been an easy matchup for the Bucks for years and it seems this could be another loss in this series.

Prediction: Bucks def Kings 118-114

Minnesota Timberwolves At Los Angeles Clippers - 10:00 PM EST

Wolves Last 10 Games: 5-5

Clippers Last 10 Games: 5-5

Wolves Injuries: Monte Morris - Day To Day (Hamstring), Anthony Edwards - Day To Day (Shoulder), Rudy Gobert - Day To Day (Hamstring), Kyle Anderson - Day To Day (Shoulder), Karl-Anthony Towns - Out (Knee), Jaylen Clark - Out (Achilles)

Clippers Injuries: Paul George - Day To Day (Knee), Kawhi Leonard - Day To Day (Groin), Russell Westbrook - Out (Hand)

Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 4-1

The Minnesota Timberwolves (44-21) have had their amazing season come unstuck in recent games after Karl-Anthony Towns' was ruled out for the near future with a knee injury. Despite Anthony Edwards leading them to a win over the Pacers, the team hasn't looked as competitive as they did when KAT was healthy. They're coming off a loss to the Lakers.

The Los Angeles Clippers (41-22) can pick up a massive win with major seeding implications over the short-handed Timberwolves. The Clippers are two games behind the No. 3 seed Wolves, with a win here causing a one-game swing in the standings. The Wolves could drop more games, allowing the Clippers to progress back into the top three after a rough February. 

Prediction: Clippers def Wolves 109-94