We are back with more NBA action today. Two games are in the books and 12 more games on the slate today. Let’s get right to it!

Orlando at Detroit (-3)

Here we have the two teams that had the first pick in the last two drafts. We really like Cade Cunningham and think he will have a breakout year. We also think the Pistons are going to be sneaky this year. Meanwhile the Magic are rebuilding again, and they have to have the most lottery picks on one roster in the NBA this year. Even so, give us the Pistons. You can have the points. Pick: Detroit 114 Orlando 107

Washington (-1) at Indiana

Washington won’t be favored over many teams this year. With that being said, the Pacers are going to be really bad. They have some talent with Tyrese Haliburton and Benedict Mathurin, but they don’t have anyone that can keep up with Bradley Beal. Beal will start off hot this year, and will lead the Wizards to victory. Pick: Washington 124 Indiana 118

Houston at Atlanta (-10)

Houston is acquiring a lot of young talent. We are very high on Jabari Smith, and think he could win rookie of the year. The Hawks will start of the gate slow while Trae Young and Dejounte Murray learn how to play together. Atlanta has more talent and will win this game, but it will be by single digits. Pick: Atlanta 122 Houston 116

New Orleans at Brooklyn (-3)

The Nets are one of the most talented teams in the league. They are also one of the most dysfunctional. At least you know Kyrie is playing in this game. You won’t be able to say that often. The Pelicans have a solid roster and with Zion being in shape, their ceiling is high. Give us the Pelicans to get the win in a high scoring affair. Pick: New Orleans 132 Brooklyn 126

Chicago at Miami (-7.5)

We here at Sports Predictions still can’t believe that the Miami Heat were the number one seed in the Eastern Conference last year. They just go about their business and get wins. They won’t be the one seed again this year, but they will win a lot of games with their suffocating defense, starting with today. Pick: Miami 114 Chicago 101

Cleveland at Toronto (-2.5)

The Cavaliers are an exciting team with the addition of Donovan Mitchell. They will be able to put a lot of points, and have two elite rim protectors in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The Raptors are like the Heat in that they just win games. You never hear a lot of drama coming out of the Toronto camp. Give us the sizzle with the Cavaliers to get the win today. Pick: Cleveland 119 Toronto 111

New York at Memphis (-4)

This line makes absolutely no sense. The Grizzlies are really good, while the Knicks are…. well, the Knicks. We feel like the line should be more in the 6-8 range, but we will happily take Memphis here and you can have the points. Pick: Memphis 127 New York 108

Oklahoma City at Minnesota (-10.5)

The Thunder are going to be tanking for what seems like the eighth year in a row. We are sad about not being able to see Chet Holmgren this year, but that isn’t totally unexpected. What the Thunder do have is a team that tries like hell and defends really well. The Timberwolves have gotten better defensively with the addition of Rudy Gobert, so we expect a low scoring game. Minnesota will win, but they won’t cover. Pick: Minnesota 104 Oklahoma City 97

Charlotte at San Antonio (Even)

These could be two of the worst teams in the league, and that is with the Hornets having LaMelo Ball. With Lamelo injured in this game, we definitely won’t be watching. However we have to make a pick, so give us the Spurs. Pick: San Antonio 108 Charlotte 103

Denver (-7) at Utah

Two time MVP Nikola Jokic has his back court running mate back in Jamal Murray. We think that Denver will be the biggest challenge to Golden State in the West, especially if they get anything from Michael Porter Jr. The Jazz are bad. They traded their two biggest stars and more trades are coming. Give us the Nuggets by double digits. Pick: Denver 131 Utah 113

Dallas at Phoenix (-4.5)

The last time we saw these two teams playing, the Mavericks were obliterating the top seeded Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals. This will be a revenge game, and this is possible the last year for Chris Paul to win a title. We don’t think he will do it, but he will be motivated. That will lead to a Phoenix win today. Pick: Phoenix 122 Dallas 113

Portland at Sacramento (-2.5)

Sacramento has a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2006. That is what they are going for, ending the longest drought in professional sports since the Seattle Mariners made the playoffs in baseball. It starts with a win today against a bad Portland team. Pick: Sacramento 127 Portland 110

Happy picking!