NBA Predictions, Picks, and Odds: 14/02/24
Calendar icon Updated 05 Apr 11:36

NBA Predictions, Picks, and Odds: 14/02/24

Kaleb Vanderhorst

Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks. Prediction, Odds

The Orlando Magic host the New York Knicks at the Kia Center on Wednesday in what should be a rough game for the Knicks. Unfortunately, Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, and a number of Knicks will be out for the match, which could push New York’s losing streak to four games.

Without the defensive presence of Anunoby and Randle’s scoring, the Knicks went from looking like a real contender to a below-average team almost overnight. And that’s not even mentioning the fact that New York is losing Donte DiVincenzo’s 13.6 points per game.

The entire offensive load is going to be solely on Jalen Brunson’s shoulders on Wednesday night and for the foreseeable future.

On Orlando’s side of things, they have been one of the only teams in the NBA that has been able to avoid the injury bug thus far. 

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner continue to put in solid minutes while a litany of strong role players fill the stat sheet. Cole Anthony, in particular, has been incredibly strong coming off the bench.

When healthy, these two NBA teams match up quite nicely, with strong big men and solid point guards leading both rosters – however, with only Brunson playing, it’s going to be a little difficult. Banchero will likely go blow for blow against Brunson while the likes of Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Cole Anthony punish the ailing Knicks roster.

If Brunson has a stand-out game, scoring 40 or more, the Knicks could potentially pull this one out, but let’s be real, he’s already been averaging 33.5 ppg and 6 dimes a night over the last five games. Brunson may be filling the stats sheet night in and out, but we have to give the edge to the 8th-seeded Orlando Magic.

Unfortunately for Knick’s fans, it really seems like Orlando has all the momentum coming into this game. And with the injuries the Knicks are currently facing, they’ll struggle to handle a Magic roster that’s firing on all cylinders.

Toronto Raptors vs Indiana Pacers. Prediction and Betting Tip

The Toronto Raptors play the Indiana Pacers at home in Pascal Siakam’s first game against the Raptors. While Siakam is definitely in a better place as of now, the Raptors have gotten substantially worse since his departure, which could leave Scottie Barnes and Toronto in a rough spot.

Having only won three of their last 10 games, the Raptors have been anything but great over the last stretch, but that is to be expected with a rebuild.

The Indiana Pacers, on the other hand, have had several solid showings, even with a handful of their top players sitting out due to load management. The Pacers are pretty good right now and will only get better as Siakam settles into the roster and role players return from the injury list.

We are by no means saying the Raptors have no shot coming into this one, though, because that’s just not true. The Pacers continue to have a distinctly below-average defensive rating of 119.5, even with Siakam’s added length, which could potentially be ripped apart by Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. 

In plain English, if you’re looking for some good back-and-forth basketball on Wednesday, the Raptors vs Pacers games might be your best bet.

However, we’ve got to make a pick here, so even with Jalen Smith and James Johnson out for Wednesday’s matchup, it’s probably going to be an uphill battle for the Raps. They simply don’t have the personnel to even manage a .500 record at this point.

The Raptors will put up a pretty good fight throughout most of the game, but we have to give it to the Indiana Pacers at the end of the day. The fast-paced transition basketball the Pacers play will likely prove to be too much for the young Raptors roster.

Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers Prediction and Betting Tip

The red-hot Golden State Warriors face off against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday in what should be the best game of the night. Kawhi Leonard is for sure out for the NBA game, but that doesn’t mean Paul George and James Harden can’t lead the Clippers to another dub.

George and Harden have both been putting up some pretty decent numbers over the last ten games, with Harden continuing to lead one of the NBA’s most potent offences. And that’s not even mentioning their stellar defensive rating of 114.8.

The LA Clippers are a real monster for the first time in forever, and just because Kawhi isn’t lacing up doesn’t mean they aren’t one of the best teams in the league.

The Golden State Warriors aren’t slouches either, though, especially since Draymond Green returned to the roster. Since his return, the Warriors have really taken their game to the next level, going on a five-game win streak.

Andrew Wiggins, in particular, has taken a huge step over the last stretch of games, jumping his +- from -84 on the season to +59 in the last five games. We don’t know if Green has spurred this chance of play or not, but it’s a huge positive if you’re a Warriors fan.

Nonetheless, we are leaning in the Clipper’s direction going into this one. They’ve simply been the better team over the last several games, and although the Warriors are on a five-game winning streak, the only decent team they have played is the Phoenix Suns.

As long as the Clippers manage to keep Stephen Curry under control, even a little bit, they should have the advantage coming into this game. It’ll likely be quite back and forth, but the Clippers simply have the better team.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting. 

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