Season Record: 10–6 (62.5%)
After a perfect 2–0 Thursday, Ethical Sports Takes is back with predictions for Friday’s 12-game NBA slate.
The season is still young, but we’ve already seen some surprising results. The defending champion Knicks lost their opener, Toronto demolished Chicago, and Washington pulled off an impressive victory over Milwaukee.
Tonight gives several teams an opportunity to build momentum, while others will be desperate to avoid starting the season 0–2.
Let’s get into the picks!
Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks
EST Pick: Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is coming off a disappointing loss to Washington, and I expect a much better performance tonight. Chicago struggled badly against Toronto, allowing 135 points while scoring just 92.
The Bucks need to tighten things up defensively, but I trust them to respond and get their first win.
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
EST Pick: New York Knicks
Neither team had the opening night it wanted.
New York lost to Philadelphia on its championship banner night, while Boston blew a 22-point lead against Detroit.
The Knicks need to shoot the ball much better than they did against the 76ers. Boston has plenty of offensive talent, but its late-game execution against Detroit was concerning.
I expect a competitive game, with New York finding a way to bounce back.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Indiana Pacers
EST Pick: Indiana Pacers
Dallas struggled defensively against Houston, surrendering 128 points in its opener.
Indiana, meanwhile, escaped with a narrow victory over New Orleans. The Pacers weren’t perfect, but they found a way to win.
I trust Indiana’s offense to create enough opportunities to take advantage of Dallas defensively.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic
EST Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota looked impressive in its season opener, scoring 131 points against Miami.
Orlando has the talent to make this competitive, but the Timberwolves are coming into this matchup with momentum.
If Minnesota maintains the offensive rhythm it showed against the Heat, I like its chances of moving to 2–0.
Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards
EST Pick: Washington Wizards
This is one of the more interesting games on the schedule.
Toronto absolutely dismantled Chicago, winning 135–92. Washington also impressed, defeating Milwaukee 128–116.
Both teams are coming off excellent performances, but I’m taking Washington at home. The Wizards showed they can compete offensively, and I think they’ll carry that confidence into tonight.
Toronto might be the safer choice after its dominant opener, but I’m going with the Wizards.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets
EST Pick: Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta started its season with a 132–125 victory over Orlando, while Charlotte defeated Brooklyn.
Both teams can score, so this could turn into an entertaining matchup.
I’m giving Atlanta the edge because I trust its offense to produce consistently throughout the game. Charlotte will have opportunities, but the Hawks should have enough firepower to win.
Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat
EST Pick: Miami Heat
Detroit opened its season with an impressive comeback victory over Boston, while Miami was blown out by Minnesota.
On paper, the Pistons have the momentum. However, I don’t expect Miami to deliver another performance like that.
The Heat need to show much more defensive discipline after allowing 131 points against Minnesota.
I’m taking Miami to respond at home, although Detroit certainly won’t make it easy.
Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs
EST Pick: San Antonio Spurs
Houston looked strong against Dallas, winning 128–110.
San Antonio, on the other hand, struggled offensively against Oklahoma City. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs need to find a better rhythm, particularly from three-point range.
I expect San Antonio to make the necessary adjustments. The Spurs have the defensive talent to challenge Houston, and I believe their offense will improve considerably.
Give me San Antonio.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Utah Jazz
EST Pick: New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans came close against Indiana but couldn’t finish the job, losing 123–120.
Utah struggled against Memphis, losing by 20 points.
The Pelicans showed enough offensively in their opener to make me confident they’ll get opportunities against Utah. If they can clean up their defensive mistakes, they should come away with the victory.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors
EST Pick: Golden State Warriors
Memphis had a strong opening performance against Utah, while Golden State suffered a 22-point loss to the Lakers.
The Warriors need to be much better on both ends of the floor.
Despite the disappointing opener, I’m expecting Golden State to respond at home. Memphis won’t be an easy opponent, but I trust the Warriors to make the necessary adjustments.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
EST Pick: Los Angeles Lakers
The battle of Los Angeles should be a good one.
Both teams looked impressive in their season openers. The Clippers defeated Sacramento 121–96, while the Lakers dominated Golden State 127–105.
The Lakers were particularly impressive offensively, and I expect that momentum to continue.
The Clippers have enough talent to make this competitive, but I’m siding with the Lakers to win the first Los Angeles matchup of the season.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Sacramento Kings
EST Pick: Portland Trail Blazers
Portland couldn’t have asked for a much better start, dismantling Phoenix 124–83.
Sacramento, meanwhile, struggled against the Clippers, scoring just 96 points.
I don’t expect Portland to win by another 41 points, but its opening performance was impressive enough to earn my confidence.
The Trail Blazers should be able to build on that victory and move to 2–0.
Thursday was a perfect night for EST, and we’re looking to carry that momentum into Friday.
Twelve games, twelve predictions. Let’s see how many we get right!
No bias. Just sports.
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