After a strong 6-1-1 showing on Saturday, including one mulligan, Ethical Sports Takes is back with another round of NBA predictions.
Saturday was exactly the bounce-back EST needed after Friday’s struggles. Now it’s time to build on that momentum.
Sunday features seven games, including two undefeated teams battling in Minnesota and an exciting Eastern Conference matchup between Detroit and Philadelphia.
Let’s get into the picks.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz
EST Pick: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have started the season 2-0, and I expect them to keep that momentum going against Utah.
Los Angeles has looked impressive early, particularly with its improved interior presence. Walker Kessler has made an immediate impact, and he’ll have an opportunity to show his former team exactly what it’s missing.
Utah won’t make things easy at home, but I trust the Lakers to get the job done.
Prediction: Lakers Win
Indiana Pacers vs. Brooklyn Nets
EST Pick: Indiana Pacers
Brooklyn has struggled to start the season, although the Nets did put up a respectable fight against Cleveland on Saturday.
Indiana hasn’t been particularly convincing either, but I believe the Pacers have enough to win this matchup.
The Nets could make things interesting, especially at home, but I’m backing Indiana to bounce back from its loss to Dallas.
Prediction: Pacers Win
Toronto Raptors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
EST Pick: Toronto Raptors
This might be my boldest prediction of the night.
Both teams have started 2-0, and Minnesota has looked excellent, particularly with Anthony Edwards leading the charge.
However, Toronto has impressed me just as much.
The Raptors have been outstanding defensively to begin the season, and their ability to disrupt opposing offenses could make the difference tonight.
Minnesota has plenty of offensive firepower, but I believe Toronto can slow things down enough to steal a victory on the road.
I’m riding with the Raptors.
Prediction: Raptors Win
Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks
EST Pick: New York Knicks
The defending champions have opened the season 0-2, and that’s simply not good enough.
New York has dropped games against Philadelphia and Boston, but I don’t expect the Knicks to remain winless much longer.
Orlando is also searching for its first victory, and the absence of Paolo Banchero makes an already difficult matchup even tougher.
Jalen Brunson and company need to respond, and playing at Madison Square Garden provides the perfect opportunity.
I expect the Knicks to finally get into the win column.
Prediction: Knicks Win
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
EST Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City has started the season 2-0, and I expect the Thunder to continue their winning ways.
The Clippers have plenty of talent, but beating Oklahoma City on the road is a difficult assignment.
The Thunder have already shown they can win games through their defense, holding Denver to just 84 points in their previous outing.
I trust Oklahoma City’s consistency on both ends of the floor to make the difference.
Prediction: Thunder Win
Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers
EST Pick: Philadelphia 76ers
This should be one of the best games of the evening.
Detroit has started 2-0, while Philadelphia enters at 3-0 following another impressive victory against Milwaukee.
Both teams have looked excellent, but I’m giving Philadelphia the edge.
The 76ers have been producing offensively, and their confidence should be sky-high after three consecutive victories.
Detroit is more than capable of winning this game, but with Philadelphia playing at home, I’m backing the 76ers to remain undefeated.
Prediction: 76ers Win
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings
EST Pick: Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis has started the season 2-0, while Sacramento is still searching for its first victory.
The Grizzlies showed tremendous resilience against Golden State, closing the game on a 17-0 run to secure the win.
That’s the kind of fight I like seeing from a team early in the season.
Sacramento has the talent to make this competitive, but Memphis has looked like the more reliable team so far.
I’m backing the Grizzlies to improve to 3-0.
Prediction: Grizzlies Win
Final Thoughts
Sunday’s slate offers several intriguing matchups, but I’m particularly interested in Toronto against Minnesota and Detroit against Philadelphia.
The Raptors are my boldest pick of the night, while the 76ers have an opportunity to continue their undefeated start against a strong Pistons team.
New York also has plenty to prove after opening its championship defense with two consecutive losses.
EST Official Picks
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Indiana Pacers
- Toronto Raptors
- New York Knicks
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Memphis Grizzlies
EST Season Record: 20-15-1
Seven games. Seven predictions.
Let’s see if EST can put together another winning night.
Stay tuned to Ethical Sports Takes for game recaps, predictions, and NBA coverage throughout the season.
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