After Wednesday’s impressive 10–2 performance, Ethical Sports Takes returned Thursday with three NBA predictions.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t carry that momentum forward, finishing 1–2.
Here’s how our selections performed.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks
EST Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers — Incorrect
Final: Hawks 114, Cavaliers 111
We backed Cleveland to extend its three-game winning streak, believing its offensive firepower and interior advantage would prove too much for Atlanta.
Instead, the Hawks bounced back from their loss to Miami and secured a narrow three-point victory at home.
Atlanta deserves credit for responding against a Cleveland team that had been playing well.
2. Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans
EST Pick: New Orleans Pelicans — Correct
Final: Pelicans 132, Kings 120
Our lone correct selection!
We backed New Orleans to earn its first victory of the season against a Sacramento team struggling defensively and dealing with frontcourt injuries.
The Pelicans delivered, scoring 132 points and securing a 12-point victory.
New Orleans improves to 1–4, while Sacramento remains winless at 0–5.
3. Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers
EST Pick: Portland Trail Blazers — Incorrect
Final: Grizzlies 124, Trail Blazers 103
Our biggest miss of the evening.
We favored Portland’s home-court advantage, offensive weapons and the additional motivation surrounding Ja Morant’s first meeting against his former team.
For the opening two quarters, the matchup was evenly contested, with both teams tied at 58 at halftime.
However, Memphis completely took over in the second half, outscoring Portland 66–45.
Cameron Boozer recorded a historic triple-double as the Grizzlies improved to 5–0.
We underestimated Memphis, and the Grizzlies made us pay for it.
EST NBA Predictions Record
October 29: 1–2
Previous season record: 40–26–2
Updated season record: 41–28–2
Winning percentage: 59.4% (excluding pushes)
Final Thoughts
Not the performance we wanted following Wednesday’s 10–2 showing.
New Orleans delivered as expected, but Atlanta surprised Cleveland, and Memphis made a convincing statement against Portland.
We move forward with a 41–28–2 season record and another opportunity to improve on Friday’s larger NBA slate.
No bias, just sports.
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