NBA Picks

Last season through 25 games, the Houston Rockets were 21-4 with a +11.0 point differential. This year? 11-14 with a -1.4 point differential. They are currently on pace for the 3rd biggest drop-off by a 60- win team. The others? The post-Jordan Chicago Bulls and the first post-LeBron Cleveland Cavaliers. Last time I checked, this team still had the reigning MVP, and in fact, his numbers have been nearly identical across the board. But don’t bet the Rockets based on last year’s numbers, even though sportsbooks are pricing them that way!

The Heat have more injuries than the Eagles’ secondary, and we might be able to see some big minutes out of interesting young guys like Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo. On paper, the Heat have the tools to give LeBron headaches; long, hard-nosed, switchable defenders with active hands and strong bodies. In reality that was not the case in LeBron’s 51-point dismantling of their defense three weeks ago. Will the script change in the last meeting with D-Wade on an NBA court? KC has a prediction!

In order to have the chance to play for an NBA title, the Bucks are going to have to get through tonight’s opponent – the number one seed Toronto Raptors. A top-5 offense and defense is enough to get Milwaukee over the jump against 95% of the NBA, but the Raptors are the exception. Instead, they have to try to find exploitable match-ups. After the superstars get theirs, how do these teams compare? Cash has your NBA pick!

Minnesota is enjoying a quality run with their new team. Covington was created in a lab to play for Tom Thibodeau and Karl-Anthony Towns has been emancipated from the shackles of Sheriff Butler. To topple the Trail Blazers, everything will have to run through Towns. KAT struggled in the Wolves’ victory over Portland a few weeks ago, and Minnesota’s revamped defense isn’t nearly stout enough to force another 5-for-18 performance from Damian Lillard. Kyle Cash gives his analysis and NBA prediction.

What can we say – chicks dig the long ball. The NBA’s Greatest scorer is back in action, and it’s about time to start worrying about the Warriors again. Durant is averaging 30 points per game, Klay and Draymond have been spitting on the Cavaliers’ grave all week, and the two-time MVP is back to dropping 40 a game and making shots from the tunnel. That said, bookmakers have the Bucks as the small favorites here!

Now that Chris Paul is back in the mix, the Houston Rockets are on the precipice of a tone-setting run back to the top of the Western Conference. With a healthy Capela, Harden and Paul, the Rockets were an astonishing 50-5 last season; this year, only 10-5. In a world where a three-game winning streak can move you from 9th to 3rd in the conference. Is it time for Houston to make their push? KC has your NBA pick!