Sunday’s NBA action delivered plenty of excitement, including a massive comeback from the Lakers, another disappointing result for the defending champions, and two unbeaten teams going head-to-head in Philadelphia.
EST finished the seven-game slate with four correct predictions, two incorrect selections, and one mulligan following a late injury announcement.
Los Angeles Lakers 132–123 Utah Jazz
EST Pick: Lakers — Correct
The Lakers had to fight their way back after Utah exploded for 47 points in the opening quarter, building an 18-point advantage.
However, Luka Dončić had other plans. The Lakers superstar erupted for 52 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists, leading Los Angeles back into the contest. Austin Reaves added 29 points as the Lakers outscored Utah 45-24 in the second quarter to completely change the momentum.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 28 points, but Utah couldn’t contain Dončić when it mattered.
The Lakers remain unbeaten, and EST starts Sunday’s recap with a correct prediction.
Indiana Pacers 136–109 Brooklyn Nets
EST Pick: Pacers — Correct
Indiana put together one of the most impressive offensive performances of Sunday’s slate, dismantling Brooklyn by 27 points.
Tyrese Haliburton led the way with 24 points and 10 assists, while Pascal Siakam contributed 21 points. The Pacers shot an outstanding 58% from the field and knocked down 21 three-pointers.
Brooklyn actually held a two-point lead after the opening quarter, but Indiana took control with a 41-point second quarter before extending its advantage with another 37 points in the third.
The Nets simply couldn’t keep up with Indiana’s offensive firepower, giving EST its second correct prediction.
Minnesota Timberwolves 117–94 Toronto Raptors
EST Pick: Raptors — Mulligan
Toronto entered Sunday’s matchup hoping to continue its unbeaten start, but a significant late injury announcement changed everything.
Kawhi Leonard was ruled out shortly before tipoff due to swelling in his left knee. This announcement came well after EST had published its predictions, which were made with Leonard expected to play.
Without their star forward, the Raptors struggled against Minnesota. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points, while LaMelo Ball contributed 15 points and eight assists.
Minnesota shot 56% from the field and controlled the glass, outrebounding Toronto 49-34. Ja’Kobe Walter led the Raptors with 22 points, but Toronto couldn’t overcome Minnesota’s offensive efficiency.
Given Leonard’s unexpected absence and the timing of the announcement, EST is awarding this selection a mulligan.
Orlando Magic 111–102 New York Knicks
EST Pick: Knicks — Incorrect
The defending NBA champions continue to struggle, falling to 0-3 after another disappointing performance.
New York appeared to be heading toward its first victory after building a 12-0 lead to start the game and holding a 10-point advantage midway through the fourth quarter.
Then Franz Wagner took over.
Wagner scored 21 of his 23 points in the final quarter, helping Orlando outscore New York 40-27 over the final 12 minutes. He also finished with 13 rebounds and nine assists, nearly recording a triple-double.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 28 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds.
Orlando managed to secure the victory despite playing without Paolo Banchero, making New York’s collapse even more concerning.
EST backed the Knicks to finally get their first win, but the defending champions continue to disappoint.
Oklahoma City Thunder 108–101 Los Angeles Clippers
EST Pick: Thunder — Correct
Oklahoma City continued its unbeaten start with a hard-fought victory over the Clippers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, while Ajay Mitchell provided an important 18 points off the bench. Isaiah Hartenstein added a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The Clippers refused to go away, cutting Oklahoma City’s lead to just one point with three minutes remaining following a Derrick Jones Jr. three-pointer.
However, the Thunder responded down the stretch and secured the seven-point victory.
The win came with some unfortunate injury concerns, as Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, and Jaylin Williams all exited the contest.
Despite those setbacks, Oklahoma City found a way to win, giving EST another correct prediction.
Detroit Pistons 106–93 Philadelphia 76ers
EST Pick: 76ers — Incorrect
Two unbeaten Eastern Conference teams entered Sunday’s matchup, but only Detroit left with its perfect record intact.
The Pistons controlled the game from beginning to end, never trailing against Philadelphia.
Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 26 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while John Collins contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Detroit managed the victory without Jalen Duren, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Philadelphia was also missing important pieces, with Joel Embiid resting and VJ Edgecombe unavailable due to an abdominal contusion.
Tyrese Maxey scored 29 points for the 76ers, while LeBron James added 18, but Philadelphia couldn’t overcome Detroit’s strong performance.
EST expected Philadelphia to remain unbeaten, but the Pistons made a convincing statement with their third consecutive victory.
Memphis Grizzlies 123–112 Sacramento Kings
EST Pick: Grizzlies — Correct
Memphis continued its unbeaten start with an 11-point victory over Sacramento, although the Kings made things interesting late.
Ty Jerome delivered an outstanding performance with 31 points, including a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line.
Cameron Boozer contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Cedric Coward added 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Sacramento was led by Zach LaVine, who erupted for 37 points. The Kings managed to erase Memphis’ advantage and tie the game at 106 with just under six minutes remaining.
However, Memphis responded with an 8-0 run, regaining control and eventually securing the victory.
The Grizzlies improved to 3-0, while Sacramento remained winless.
EST correctly backed Memphis to finish Sunday’s slate with another victory.
Final Thoughts
Sunday was another winning day for EST, finishing 4-2 with one mulligan.
The Lakers overcame an 18-point deficit behind an incredible 52-point performance from Luka Dončić, while the Pacers and Grizzlies delivered convincing victories.
Oklahoma City also remained unbeaten, although the Thunder will be hoping their injury concerns aren’t serious.
Meanwhile, the defending champion Knicks have opened the season 0-3, and Philadelphia suffered its first defeat against a Detroit team that continues to impress.
The NBA season is still young, but several teams are already making statements while others have plenty of questions to answer.
Sunday Record: 4-2-1
Updated EST Season Record: 24-17-2
EST returns Monday with nine games on the schedule and another opportunity to build on its winning record.
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