Sunday NBA Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their NBA picks and predictions for Sunday, February 8.
Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Hornets, 7:05PM ET
The New Orleans Hornets proved they can win without Chris Paul. On Sunday, they’ll try to make it two in a row minus their All-Star point guard when they host the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves.
New Orleans (29-18) beat Toronto 101-92 at home Friday in its second game without Paul, who is also expected to miss this contest due to a strained right groin.
The result also snapped a season-high four-game losing streak for the Hornets, who conclude a four-game homestand Sunday.
"This (winning) gives us relief for 36 to 48 hours, then you’re right back on the court," coach Byron Scott told the Hornets’ official Web site.
Peja Stojakovic scored a season-high 28 points as the Hornets tied a franchise record with 15 3-pointers and used a 17-0 fourth-quarter run to rally for their first victory in February.
NBA Free Pick: New Orleans – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
Phoenix Suns at Detroit Pistons, 8:05PM ET
The Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons enter Sunday’s game against each other with identical records while searching for ways to end their inconsistencies.
A win Sunday at the Palace at Auburn Hills could help the Suns (27-21) or the Pistons (27-21) get back on track.
Phoenix, trying to overcome the distraction of trade rumors, rebounded from a 12-point loss Wednesday at Golden State with Saturday’s 115-105 victory – just its fifth in the last 13 games. Grant Hill scored a season-high 27 points and Amare Stoudemire, whose name is linked to most of the rumors, added 19 and 15 rebounds.
"It’s been a trying week, a trying couple of weeks," Hill said. "But I think it was important for us to come out and get a win despite all the speculation that’s going on and all the negativity. We came out and played together and played hard and did what we had to do."
NBA Free Pick: Phoenix – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
Utah Jazz at Golden State Warriors, 9:05PM ET
With Deron Williams playing at his best and Andrei Kirilenko and Carlos Boozer nearing possible returns, the Utah Jazz are feeling optimistic as they near the All-Star break.
Williams and the Jazz look for their fourth straight win Sunday when they visit the Golden State Warriors.
Injuries have played a large part in Utah’s disappointing first half. Williams missed almost an entire month with an ankle injury and Boozer (knee) and Kirilenko (ankle) have each missed extensive time. The Jazz (29-22) are in eighth place in the Western Conference, a half game ahead of the ninth-place Phoenix Suns.
Boozer and Kirlenko’s absences have required Williams to carry an even bigger load and after a frustrating 3-7 slump by his team during the last two weeks of January, Williams has stepped up to help Utah win four of its last five and three straight for the first time since a four-game winning streak Jan. 5-12.
On Friday, Williams scored 34 points for the second straight night in Utah’s 111-107 win over the Sacramento Kings. He scored 23 after halftime when the Jazz rallied from 10 points down.
NBA Free Pick: Golden State – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
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Posted: 2/8/09 8:29AM ET