Season Record: 14-14 (50.0%)
Friday was not our night.
After finishing 4-8 across Friday’s 12-game slate, EST enters Saturday with an even 14-14 record. Several of yesterday’s games were decided by just a handful of points, but close losses are still losses.
Today brings eight more games, including a battle between two undefeated teams and several matchups featuring teams desperate for their first victory.
Let’s get into our predictions.
Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets
EST Pick: Miami Heat
Miami needs this game BADLY.
The Heat are 0-2, and who knows what happens if they start the season 0-3 while continuing to play the way they have through their first two games?
Not a lick of defense, terrible three-point shooting, and far too many turnovers. It’s been ugly, and it simply cannot continue tonight.
Miami suffered a 128-111 defeat against Detroit on Friday, while Charlotte was absolutely embarrassed by Atlanta, losing 128-81.
Giannis Antetokounmpo put up 36 points and 12 rebounds against the Pistons, but individual performances mean very little when the team can’t get stops.
Charlotte has problems of its own. The Hornets struggled to protect the basketball against Atlanta and couldn’t generate consistent offense.
This is a game Miami should win, but the Heat have to start playing like a team capable of competing. They can’t keep relying on individual talent to cover up terrible team basketball.
We’re taking Miami, but the Heat need to show us something tonight.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
EST Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland opened its season with a loss to Philadelphia, but this is a favorable matchup for the Cavaliers.
Brooklyn dropped its opener against Charlotte, and the Nets will have their hands full against Cleveland’s talented roster.
Donovan Mitchell and James Harden provide Cleveland with plenty of offensive firepower, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen make life difficult around the basket.
The Cavaliers have the stronger team on paper, and playing at home should only help.
Give us Cleveland.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
EST Pick: Philadelphia 76ers
Milwaukee is already facing questions after opening the season with two consecutive losses.
The Bucks allowed 132 points against Chicago on Friday, blowing an early lead and struggling to get defensive stops when they needed them.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, has started 2-0 with victories over New York and Cleveland.
LeBron James may or may not play tonight as he deals with a back issue. With Philadelphia also facing Detroit tomorrow, I personally don’t see him playing tonight.
Regardless, I don’t think the 76ers will need him.
Milwaukee simply hasn’t looked like a very good basketball team. Their defense has been poor, and they’re struggling to put together complete performances.
Philadelphia has far too much talent to need LeBron against a Bucks team playing this poorly. With Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid leading the way, the 76ers should have more than enough firepower to take care of business.
We’re taking Philadelphia to remain undefeated.
Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls
EST Pick: Washington Wizards
Chicago is coming off an impressive 132-125 victory over Milwaukee, but we’re going against the Bulls tonight.
Washington lost to Toronto on Friday, although the Wizards have already shown they can compete after defeating Milwaukee earlier in the week.
Chicago’s offense was excellent against the Bucks, but its defense still surrendered 125 points.
That’s where Washington has an opportunity. If the Wizards can establish an offensive rhythm and avoid the mistakes that hurt them against Toronto, they have a legitimate chance to steal this game on the road.
We’re taking Washington in what could be a close matchup.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks
EST Pick: San Antonio Spurs
The Battle of Texas continues tonight!
San Antonio is still searching for its first victory after losing to Oklahoma City and Houston, and the Spurs cannot and will not start the season 0-3.
The Mavericks will be riding high after dismantling Indiana 121-105 on Friday. Dallas finally got into the win column, and that momentum should carry into tonight’s matchup.
The Spurs came close against Houston, but the Rockets made the necessary plays down the stretch to secure a 114-110 victory.
Victor Wembanyama finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, but San Antonio needs more than strong individual performances. They need to start finishing games.
Dallas won’t make things easy, especially with the confidence gained from Friday’s win. Cooper Flagg also suffered a shoulder injury against Indiana, making his availability something to watch.
This should be another competitive Texas showdown, but I’m backing San Antonio to finally put everything together.
The Spurs are too talented to start 0-3, and I don’t believe they will.
Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks
EST Pick: Houston Rockets
This is arguably the most interesting game on Saturday’s schedule.
Both Houston and Atlanta enter the matchup undefeated at 2-0.
The Hawks are coming off a ridiculous 128-81 victory over Charlotte, while Houston defeated San Antonio 114-110 in a much closer contest.
Atlanta’s defense has been outstanding, but Houston has plenty of weapons capable of creating problems.
Alperen Sengun scored 29 points against San Antonio, including 14 in the fourth quarter. Kevin Durant gives the Rockets another dangerous scoring option, particularly in close games.
Atlanta won’t make this easy, especially at home.
However, Houston has shown an ability to execute when the pressure increases, and that could make the difference.
We’re taking the Rockets to improve to 3-0.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Denver Nuggets
EST Pick: Denver Nuggets
Denver’s opening performance against Oklahoma City was disappointing.
The Nuggets managed just 84 points, an unusually poor offensive showing for a team led by Nikola Jokic.
New Orleans hasn’t fared much better, opening the season with two losses, including Friday’s heartbreaking 120-119 defeat against Utah.
The Pelicans have offensive talent, particularly Zion Williamson, but stopping Jokic will be a major challenge.
Denver needs a stronger performance, and playing at home gives the Nuggets an excellent opportunity to respond.
We’re backing Denver to earn its first victory.
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns
EST Pick: Golden State Warriors
Golden State is 0-2, but we’re sticking with the Warriors tonight.
Friday’s 111-108 defeat against Memphis was particularly frustrating. Golden State entered the fourth quarter with a six-point lead before allowing a 17-0 run that completely changed the game.
Stephen Curry remains capable of taking over a game, but the Warriors need more consistent contributions around him.
Phoenix is also looking for its first victory after suffering a heavy opening loss to Portland.
The Suns have the advantage of additional rest and home court, but Golden State has enough offensive talent to win this matchup.
The Warriors need to be much better in the fourth quarter than they were against Memphis.
We’re taking Golden State to get its first win of the season.
EST Final Thoughts
Friday’s results were a reminder that talent alone doesn’t guarantee victories.
Miami is the team I’m watching most closely tonight. Starting 0-3 would be concerning enough, but doing so while continuing to struggle defensively, shoot poorly from three, and turn the ball over would raise even bigger questions.
Houston against Atlanta should be a fantastic matchup between two undefeated teams, while the Battle of Texas between San Antonio and Dallas should be another entertaining contest.
Our season record stands at 14-14, and Saturday gives us eight opportunities to improve.
Let’s get back above .500.
No bias. Just sports.
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