Joshua Woolsey | January 13th, 2020
Pick Three: Three Game Previews and Picks for Monday
While most people will be trying to figure out which Tiger will win the CFB Playoff, there are some exciting and enticing NBA matchups taking place on Monday.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers (-13.5)
The Cavaliers should feel good after road victories over the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets. That should help them keep the game somewhat competitive. Kevin Love has been playing out of his mind after blowing up on his teammate a little over a week ago. Their offense has been above their season average for the last five games. Cleveland has won just four out of the previous six.
The West’s top-seeded Lakers have been an absolute buzzsaw lately. Even playing without Anthony Davis or LeBron James, who have each missed a game in the past week, their role players have stepped up. This team personifies “Showtime” Lakers basketball that has made them so famous in the past. The Lakers will prove too dominant even if Anthony Davis cannot play with his lower body contusion. The Lakers are especially good at home and should prove too much for the overmatched Cavs.
Prediction: Lakers Win 130-110
Oklahoma City Thunder -2.5 at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Thunder and Timberwolves will both be looking to bounce back from blowout losses in their last game, and the Timberwolves will be hoping their superstar Karl-Anthony Towns can return to action from his knee injury. Oklahoma City has been playing some fantastic team ball lately and will look to continue that with this problematic road test. Chris Paul has emerged as a great leader, Steven Adams has provided inside grit and toughness, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has presented a consistent scoring threat. OKC has won seven of its last ten, and have done even better ATS winning eight of their last ten. The Timberwolves are winners of only five of their last ten. I like the Thunder to rebound and steal a win on the road.
Prediction: OKC Wins 115-110
New Orleans Pelicans (Even) at Detroit Pistons
In what could be the game of the evening, the Pelicans and Pistons will showcase their entertaining brand of basketball. The Pelicans suffered an absolute drubbing at the hands of the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, but these things are normal with such a young team. When Zion returns soon, they should compete for a playoff seed even in the demanding Western Conference. On the Pistons side, Derrick Rose has been proving to be one of the top six men in the game. Andre Drummond remains a premier trade target even after his previous game ejection. Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball will have to carry the team and should go off in fantasy, but with too many injuries to overcome I look for the Pistons to pull out the home win.
Prediction: Pistons Win 116-112
Geaux Tigers: 34-31
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