Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their NBA picks and predictions for Tuesday, March 3.
Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Bobcats, 7:05PM ET
The Charlotte Bobcats haven't made the playoffs in their first four seasons, but they're hoping a three-game winning streak to close a lengthy road trip can help propel them to that goal.
The Bobcats look to win a fourth straight game for the first time in nearly a year Tuesday night when they host the Chicago Bulls - one of the teams ahead of them in the Eastern Conference.
Charlotte (25-35) suffered double-digit losses at Houston and Phoenix to open a five-game western trip, leaving it 13 games below .500 and five games out of the East's final playoff spot.
The Bobcats, though, concluded the trip with games against three of the West's worst teams and took full advantage. Gerald Wallace's 27 points lifted Charlotte past Sacramento on Wednesday, Raymond Felton scored 26 to pace a three-point victory over Golden State on Friday and Emeka Okafor had 28 points Saturday to give Charlotte a trip-closing 100-95 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
NBA Free Pick: Charlotte – Best Line: -2.5 Sports Interaction
New Jersey Nets at Milwaukee Bucks, 8:05PM ET
Considering what the Milwaukee Bucks have dealt with this season, the fact that they're in playoff position this late in the season is a major accomplishment.
Milwaukee looks to strengthen its grip on a postseason spot Tuesday night as it hosts a New Jersey Nets team that's also battling to make the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Bucks (29-33) avoided a third consecutive loss with a 109-93 home victory over Washington on Saturday. Milwaukee, loser of four of its last five, has won two straight at home.
NBA Free Pick: New Jersey – Best Line: +3.5 Sports Interaction
Toronto Raptors at Houston Rockets, 8:35PM ET
Fast starts have helped the Houston Rockets continue their dominance at home. The way the Toronto Raptors have been beginning in games on the road, Houston's first-period success may continue.
The Rockets look to extend a nine-game home winning streak and avoid being swept in their season series with the lowly Raptors on Tuesday night.
Houston (38-22) has been outstanding at the Toyota Center this season, giving it a good chance to avenge a 94-73 loss at Toronto (23-38) on Jan. 2. The Rockets have outscored opponents by an average of 14.5 points during the nine-game winning streak at home, where they are 24-6 on the season.
Houston has jumped out to quick leads in its last three games at the Toyota Center, holding an average advantage of 8.3 points after the first period.
The Raptors, meanwhile, have lost their three road games since the All-Star break, allowing an average of 32.3 points in the first 12 minutes.
NBA Free Pick: Houston – Best Line: -8 Sports Interaction