12 Games on the Schedule | Season Record: 30–24–2
The NBA is back with a packed Wednesday night featuring 12 games across the league.
Tuesday wasn’t our strongest showing, as we finished 2–2. Boston and San Antonio came through, while Detroit and the Lakers disappointed.
That brings our season record to 30–24–2, and tonight presents an opportunity to build on it.
We’ve got some interesting matchups, including Golden State visiting Minnesota, Houston taking on Milwaukee, and another Battle of Los Angeles.
Here are our 12 picks for October 28.
1. Charlotte Hornets vs. Detroit Pistons
EST Pick: Detroit Pistons
Detroit suffered its first defeat of the season against New York last night, but we’re backing the Pistons to respond.
The biggest concern is the quick turnaround. Detroit is playing its second game in as many nights, and Charlotte has been a competitive team to start the season.
Still, the Pistons have shown enough defensive quality to earn our confidence. They’ll need a much better offensive performance than they produced against the Knicks.
We’re taking Detroit at home.
2. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers
EST Pick: Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia has started the season well, and we’re expecting another strong performance against Indiana.
The 76ers have enough offensive firepower to put pressure on the Pacers, particularly if Tyrese Maxey can establish himself early.
Indiana is capable of keeping this competitive, but Philadelphia has looked like the more convincing team so far.
We’re backing the 76ers on the road.
3. Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks
EST Pick: Atlanta Hawks
Miami is still searching for its first victory of the season, and we’re not convinced that changes tonight.
The Heat have been competitive in stretches, but putting together a complete performance has been a problem.
Atlanta has also had its struggles, although the Hawks should have opportunities to exploit Miami’s defensive inconsistencies.
Until the Heat give us a reason to trust them, we’re going against them.
Atlanta gets the pick.
4. Washington Wizards vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
EST Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland survived a difficult overtime matchup against Minnesota on Monday, and we’re backing the Cavaliers to carry that momentum into tonight.
Washington has shown it can compete, but Cleveland’s offensive options and home-court advantage make the Cavaliers our preferred choice.
The Wizards will need a disciplined defensive performance to pull off the upset.
We’re sticking with Cleveland.
5. Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors
EST Pick: Toronto Raptors
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries heading into tonight’s matchup.
Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a few weeks with knee swelling, leaving Toronto without one of its most important offensive players.
However, Orlando will also be without Paolo Banchero, and that’s a major loss for the Magic.
Without Banchero, Orlando loses its primary offensive creator, which could make scoring against Toronto considerably more difficult.
Neither team enters this matchup at full strength, but we’re giving the Raptors the edge at home.
We’re backing Toronto.
6. Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans
EST Pick: Denver Nuggets
Denver is coming off a disappointing home loss to Golden State, and we’re expecting a response.
The Nuggets have the talent to be much better than their early record suggests, but they need greater consistency on both ends of the floor.
New Orleans has struggled to close games, and that could become a problem against a Denver team looking to get back on track.
We’re taking the Nuggets.
7. Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
EST Pick: Golden State Warriors
Minnesota has suffered a massive blow with Anthony Edwards reportedly facing approximately two months on the sidelines.
LaMelo Ball is certainly capable of carrying the Timberwolves offensively, but replacing Edwards’ production won’t be easy.
Golden State is coming off an impressive victory over Denver, and the Warriors should enter this matchup with confidence.
Minnesota may eventually find its rhythm without Edwards, but we don’t see it happening in the first game following his injury.
We’re backing Golden State on the road.
8. New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls
EST Pick: New York Knicks
The Knicks finally secured their first victory of the season last night, defeating Detroit behind a strong defensive effort.
Now comes the challenge of doing it again on the second night of a back-to-back.
Chicago has struggled defensively, and New York should have opportunities to exploit that weakness.
If the Knicks bring the same defensive intensity they showed against the Pistons, they should be in a good position.
We’re backing New York.
9. Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
EST Pick: Houston Rockets
Houston has been one of the league’s most impressive teams through the opening week.
The Rockets enter this matchup undefeated, with their offense producing consistently strong performances.
Milwaukee earned its first victory against Indiana, but Houston represents another difficult challenge.
We expect the Rockets to continue their excellent start.
Houston is our pick.
10. San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz
EST Pick: San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio dominated Sacramento last night, scoring 130 points in a convincing victory.
Victor Wembanyama continues to present major problems for opposing defenses, and Utah will have its hands full trying to contain him.
The Spurs are playing on consecutive nights, which is worth considering, but their performance against the Kings was encouraging.
We’re taking San Antonio to win its second straight game.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks
EST Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City has opened the season undefeated, and we’re backing the Thunder to keep that streak alive.
Dallas has the talent to make this difficult, but the Thunder have shown an ability to control games through their defensive pressure and offensive execution.
This could be competitive for much of the night, but Oklahoma City gets our confidence.
We’re taking the Thunder.
12. Los Angeles Lakers vs. LA Clippers
EST Pick: Los Angeles Lakers
We’re closing the night with another Battle of Los Angeles.
The Lakers suffered their first defeat of the season against Portland on Tuesday, despite Luka Dončić scoring 41 points.
Their defense struggled badly, allowing 136 points, and they’ll need a significant improvement against the Clippers.
The quick turnaround isn’t ideal, especially after such a demanding game.
However, we’re backing the Lakers to respond and win the second meeting between these teams this season.
Los Angeles Lakers get our final pick.
No bias, just sports.
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