Ethical Sports Takes finished Tuesday’s four-game NBA slate with a 2–2 record, bringing our season total to 30–24–2.
Boston and San Antonio delivered victories, while Detroit and Los Angeles fell short. Here’s how our predictions played out.
1. Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics
EST Pick: Boston Celtics — Correct
Final: Celtics 125, Nets 124 (OT)
This was considerably closer than anticipated.
Boston needed overtime and a sensational performance from Jayson Tatum to escape with the victory.
Tatum finished with 40 points and eight assists, delivering the game-winning jumper as time expired in overtime.
Brooklyn put up an impressive fight, but Boston ultimately secured its third consecutive victory.
A win is a win, even if it took every last second.
2. Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks
EST Pick: Detroit Pistons — Incorrect
Final: Knicks 111, Pistons 97
We backed Detroit to continue its undefeated start, but New York had other plans.
The Pistons jumped ahead 38–25 after the opening quarter, only to completely lose their offensive rhythm.
New York held Detroit to just 25 combined points across the second and third quarters, taking control of the game.
Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 27 points and 20 rebounds as the Knicks earned their first victory of the season.
Detroit entered the matchup with momentum, but New York’s defensive response proved decisive.
We got this one wrong.
3. Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs
EST Pick: San Antonio Spurs — Correct
Final: Spurs 130, Kings 103
San Antonio delivered exactly the kind of performance we expected.
Victor Wembanyama finished with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Julian Champagnie added 26 points.
The Spurs scored an incredible 80 points in the first half, overwhelming Sacramento before the Kings could establish themselves.
San Antonio’s offensive execution and balanced contributions made this a comfortable victory.
Sacramento remains winless at 0–4.
4. Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
EST Pick: Los Angeles Lakers — Incorrect
Final: Trail Blazers 136, Lakers 129
We expected the Lakers to protect their home court, but Portland’s offense had other ideas.
Luka Dončić delivered 41 points and nine assists, yet Los Angeles couldn’t contain Portland’s balanced attack.
The Lakers led by 11 during the third quarter, but the Blazers fought back and eventually seized control.
Damian Lillard’s late three-pointer helped seal the victory, handing Los Angeles its first loss of the season.
Portland remains undefeated at 3–0.
Our prediction depended on the Lakers executing defensively, and that simply didn’t happen.
Final Thoughts
Tuesday’s 2–2 performance leaves us with mixed feelings.
Boston narrowly avoided an upset, while San Antonio comfortably handled business.
Detroit’s offensive collapse and Los Angeles’ defensive struggles cost us the other two predictions.
There is still plenty of basketball ahead, and the objective remains improving our consistency as the season progresses.
October 27 Record: 2–2
Overall Season Record: 30–24–2
No bias, just sports.
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