After a strong 7–4 performance on Wednesday, Ethical Sports Takes enters Thursday with an 8–6 overall record.
Only two games are on tonight’s NBA schedule, but both feature some of the league’s biggest stars.
Let’s get into our picks!
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
EST Pick: Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers opened their season with an impressive victory over the defending champion New York Knicks, and now they’ll look to make it two straight wins.
LeBron James and Jaylen Brown give Philadelphia a completely different look offensively, while Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid remain dangerous.
Cleveland certainly won’t make things easy. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden can take over games, while Evan Mobley provides an excellent defensive presence.
I expect LeBron to show out tonight in one of the few games he has left in his career against his hometown team, and I believe the 76ers will come away with the win to start their season 2–0.
Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers win.
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
EST Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
What a matchup to close out Thursday night!
Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets travel to Oklahoma City to face Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder.
I simply think Oklahoma City is the better team, and this is a terrible matchup for Denver to open its season.
The Nuggets haven’t played a regular-season game yet, and finding their rhythm against a team as talented and disciplined as Oklahoma City won’t be easy.
We’re talking about the same Thunder team that just demolished the defending Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs in their season opener.
Denver has Nikola Jokić, who can single-handedly keep the Nuggets competitive against almost anybody, but Oklahoma City’s defense and overall depth should cause plenty of problems.
I expect Denver to struggle early while trying to find its rhythm, and Oklahoma City should take full advantage.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder win.
EST NBA Predictions Record
Previous Night: 7–4
Overall Season Record: 8–6
Overall Accuracy: 57.1%
Final Thoughts
We’re keeping things simple tonight with just two picks.
I expect LeBron James to deliver a memorable performance in Philadelphia, while Oklahoma City should prove too much for Denver in its season opener.
Can EST deliver a perfect 2–0 night?
We’ll find out tonight!
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