Saturday NBA Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their NBA picks and predictions for Saturday, February 21.
New Orleans Hornets at Utah Jazz, 9:05PM ET
Under the ownership of Larry Miller, the Utah Jazz have been one of the NBA’s most stable teams over the past two decades.
A day after his death, the Jazz take the court Saturday night against the New Orleans Hornets seeking their fourth straight win overall and seventh in a row at home.
Miller bought a 50 percent share of the Jazz (32-23) in 1985 when the franchise was on the verge of moving to Miami, and took full ownership of the team a year later. He watched as Utah reached the NBA finals in 1997 and 1998 and then helped the team rebuild after its streak of 20 straight playoff appearances ended in 2004, bringing in the current nucleus of Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur and Deron Williams.
Miller, who was 64, died of complications from type 2 diabetes. His wife said she was able to tell him about the Jazz’s most recent win – a 90-85 victory over the defending champion Celtics on Thursday.
Utah said it will observe a moment of silence before Saturday’s game.
NBA Free Pick: Utah – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors, 10:35PM ET
The Golden State Warriors have been playing some of their most impressive basketball of the season against the NBA’s best during their current homestand.
They haven’t been as successful at Oracle Arena against one of the league’s worst teams.
The Warriors conclude a five-game homestand that spanned the All-Star break Saturday when they square off against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Golden State (19-36) won four of five before the All-Star break – with the victories coming at home over playoff contenders Phoenix, Utah, New York and Portland.
The Warriors attempted to carry the momentum over past the break Wednesday, but lost 129-121 to the Los Angeles Lakers – owners of the NBA’s best record.
However, Golden State led by four with less than five minutes remaining before Los Angeles pulled away, leaving Warriors coach Don Nelson pleased with the effort.
NBA Free Pick: Over – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
San Antonio Spurs at Washington Wizards, 7:05PM ET
Even without one of their top players in the lineup, the San Antonio Spurs are in position to conclude their longest road stretch of the season with a winning record.
The Spurs can achieve that with a sixth straight victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.
San Antonio (36-17) is 4-3 while spending all of February on the road, with only the recent All-Star break offering some down time. The Spurs, who are 18-10 away from home, host Dallas on Tuesday.
Regardless of Saturday’s result, the road swing can be considered a success for the Spurs, who continue to overcome the loss of top reserve Manu Ginobili.
The seventh-year shooting guard missed the last two games and will be lost for an additional 2-3 weeks with a right ankle injury.
Ginobili, who missed the first 12 games of the season while recovering from left ankle surgery, is third on the team averaging 16.1 points per game.
NBA Free Pick: San Antonio – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
Did you like this article? Subscribe to our Basketball news feed for the fastest updates delivered right to you – Click here to Subscribe
Posted: 2/21/09 10:34AM ET
