Wednesday NBA Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their NBA picks and predictions for Wednesday, March 11.
Boston Celtics at Miami Heat, 7:35PM ET
A rash of injuries appears to be catching up with the Boston Celtics, who will need to win games without several key contributors if they hope to stay in the running for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
The way their next opponent’s dynamic superstar is playing, it appears Dwyane Wade has never been healthier.
One game after Wade’s steal and buzzer-beater gave the Miami Heat a dramatic victory, he’ll try for an encore Wednesday night against the Celtics, who will be without five regulars in south Florida.
Boston star Kevin Garnett has missed eight games with a knee injury, and the Celtics (49-15) came out of the weekend further depleted, with starting point guard Rajon Rondo and forward Glen Davis suffering sprained ankles.
Reserves Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine also remain out, and all five players have been ruled out for at least the next two games.
NBA Free Pick: Miami – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets, 8:35PM ET
A month ago, the Houston Rockets were dealt a severe blow as Tracy McGrady was ruled out for the season. That knee injury, however, hasn’t slowed Houston at all, and Ron Artest is a big reason why.
The Rockets hope their "team" mentality – and a return home – can help them improve to 12-2 since losing the seven-time All-Star when they host the slumping Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
McGrady underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee last month after chronic pain caused him to miss 17 of the first 52 games. The Rockets (42-23) managed to win 11 of those contests without the swingman, and they’ve already matched that total since he last played in a 124-112 loss at Milwaukee on Feb. 9.
Houston won its third straight Monday, 97-95 at Denver behind 22 points from Artest.
NBA Free Pick: LA Lakers – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
Dallas Mavericks at Portland Trail Blazers, 10:05PM ET
The Portland Trail Blazers are in the middle of the tightly packed Western Conference playoff race primarily because of their success at the Rose Garden. That usually dependable home-court advantage wasn’t enough the last time the Dallas Mavericks came to town.
In a matchup between teams battling for position in the West, the Blazers go for their 13th straight win at the Rose Garden on Wednesday night when they host the Mavericks, one of only five visiting teams to win in Portland this season.
Of the top nine teams competing for eight playoff spots in the West, Portland has the worst road record at 13-18. The Blazers, though, are fifth in the West and a half-game behind Northwest Division-leading Utah because of their 27-5 record at home.
The Blazers (40-23) have been particularly tough to beat in Portland lately, having won 12 straight there since a 104-98 loss to East-leading Cleveland on Jan. 21. They haven’t had a longer home winning streak since a 16-game run from Dec. 23, 1999-Feb. 27, 2000.
The Blazers kept their current streak alive Monday night, beating the conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers 111-94 behind 27 points, six rebounds and five assists from Brandon Roy.
NBA Free Pick: Portland – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
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Posted: 3/11/09 2:36PM ET