Monday NBA Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their NBA picks and predictions for Monday, February 23.
Philadelphia 76ers at New Jersey Nets, 7:35PM ET
New Jersey began a season-high four-game winning streak by winning against Philadelphia last month. When the Nets host the 76ers on Monday night, they’ll be trying to avoid a season-worst six-game slide.
New Jersey will also go for its third consecutive victory this season against a Philadelphia team that hasn’t won since returning from the All-Star break.
The Nets (24-32) opened their four-game homestand Friday with a 107-96 loss to Washington. New Jersey was outrebounded 54-41 and outscored 60-36 in the lane.
NBA Free Pick: Philadelphia – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
Atlanta Hawks at Utah Jazz, 9:05PM ET
In their last game at EnergySolutions Arena before team owner Larry H. Miller is laid to rest, the Utah Jazz want nothing more than to end their homestand with a 5-0 mark.
With 14 consecutive home wins against Atlanta, Utah has a good chance at making that happen Monday night against the Hawks.
The Jazz (33-23) won their fourth straight Saturday, defeating New Orleans 102-88 in their first game since the 64-year-old Miller died Friday due to complications with diabetes.
"It’s great to win on a night like this. We wanted to win for Larry and the whole Miller family," Deron Williams said. "They’re going through a tough time and hopefully this can ease their pain just a little bit for one night."
Williams posted his fifth straight double-double with 20 points and 13 assists before handing the game ball to Miller’s widow, Gail.
Funeral services for Miller will be Saturday afternoon at EnergySolutions Arena. After Monday, the Jazz do not play at home again until they host Sacramento on Saturday night.
NBA Free Pick: Utah – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks, 7:35PM ET
A career year from Danny Granger hasn’t kept the Indiana Pacers from settling into last place in the Central Division. Based on their play without the versatile small forward, the team might not be at the bottom much longer.
The Pacers go for their third straight win without their leading scorer Monday night when they visit the New York Knicks.
Granger ranks among league leaders with a career-high 25.0 points per game and 138 3-pointers. Despite the success of the first-time All-Star, Indiana (24-34) has spent most of 2008-09 in last place in a division with only one winning team.
The Pacers, though, could be poised to move out of the cellar if they continue their strong play without Granger, who’s sidelined by a right foot injury. They’ve won consecutive games without him to improve to 5-1 when he doesn’t play this season. They’re also 4-1 when playing without Granger and Mike Dunleavy, who’s nursing a knee injury that’s limited him to 18 games.
With both players sidelined Sunday, Troy Murphy had a season-high 27 points and 14 rebounds to lead Indiana to a 98-91 victory over Chicago. The Pacers pulled within two games of the Bulls in the Central standings.
NBA Free Pick: OVER – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
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Posted: 2/23/09 10:00AM ET