Sunday NBA Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their NBA picks and predictions for Sunday, March 29.
Dallas Mavericks at Cleveland Cavaliers, 1:05PM ET
A victory over the Dallas Mavericks in November was the start of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first winning streak of the season. That turned out to be just one of many impressive runs.
The Cavaliers look to set a franchise record for consecutive wins, continue their dominance at home and sweep their season series with the Mavericks for the first time in nine years Sunday.
Cleveland (59-13) began the season 1-2 before beating Dallas 100-81 on Nov. 3, the first of eight straight wins. Now, the Cavaliers have won 11 straight for the second time this season and a victory Sunday would give them their longest winning streak in team history.
"We just approach each game like it’s our last," Cleveland star LeBron James said. "It starts with me going out there with a mind-set that we aren’t going to lose this ballgame."
NBA Free Pick: Cleveland – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
Los Angeles Lakers at Atlanta Hawks, 3:35PM ET
The Los Angeles Lakers easily clinched the top spot in the Western Conference. Homecourt advantage in the playoffs, though, may not get them very far if Kobe Bryant is hurt.
With Bryant’s status uncertain, the Lakers look to remain undefeated on a season-high seven-game road trip when they face the struggling Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.
Los Angeles (58-14) will have homecourt advantage throughout the conference playoffs after securing the West’s No. 1 seed with a 103-95 win over New Jersey on Friday night.
"It’s just one more step toward our goal," Lakers center Pau Gasol said. "Now we’re just looking to the next game. We still have three games left on the road trip."
With 2 1/2 weeks still remaining in the regular season, Los Angeles will focus on preparing for the postseason and foremost that means making sure Bryant is healthy.
The MVP candidate hurt his right ankle on a drive to the basket late in the first half versus the Nets and remained on the floor for about a minute before limping to the locker room. He started the second half and scored 12 of his 14 points after halftime, but is scheduled to be re-evaluated.
NBA Free Pick: Atlanta – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors, 3:35PM ET
It’s been a little over two years since the Chicago Bulls won five straight games. That happened to come during their last playoff season.
The surging Bulls hope to equal that winning streak and further solidify their playoff position Sunday when they visit the Toronto Raptors, who are looking for a season-high fourth straight win.
Chicago (36-38) beat Indiana 112-106 at home Saturday for its seventh victory in eight games. The Bulls are tied with Detroit for seventh place in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls are trying for their first five-game winning streak since Dec. 11-19, 2006. Chicago made its most recent playoff appearance that season, losing to the Pistons in the second round.
The club’s recent play on the road has helped their playoff push. The Bulls are 12-26 on the road, but hope to match a season high with their third consecutive win away from home. Chicago won three straight away from the United Center from Jan. 28-31.
The Bulls play consecutive games on the road before playing five of their last six at home.
NBA Free Pick: Chicago – View Game Matchup | Best Line:
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Posted: 3/29/09 11:14AM ET