NBA on TNT picks: Nets vs. 76ers, Rockets vs. Warriors

The Philadelphia 76ers will look to extend their three-game winning streak on Thursday night when they host the Brooklyn Nets at home. Meanwhile, over in the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets will take their small ball lineup on the road against the reeling Golden State Warriors. We have odds and picks for both matchups below.

There will be no need for nametags tonight as the Nets and Sixers clash for the fourth time this season. The Nets won their first meeting on Dec. 15 109-89, but have since lost two straight to their Atlantic Division rivals. The Nets were outgunned 117-106 on Jan. 15 and 117-111 on Jan. 20.

The key to Philly’s back-to-back wins was smothering defense, especially in crunch time. The Sixers held the Nets to 20 points or less in the fourth quarters of both games while relying on a “BullyBall” lineup featuring five players 6-foot-5 or taller. Philadelphia’s length and physicality consistently stymied Kyrie Irving and Co., forcing Brooklyn to take contested shots far from the basket.

Points should be at a premium again tonight for the Nets as they venture into the Wells Fargo Center, where the 76ers are an NBA-best 25-2. Credit the cheesesteaks, if you like, but Philly limits opponents to 8.7 fewer points when playing in the City of Brotherly Love.

Given their homecourt advantage (and the fact that Irving will be in street clothes), Philly is the obvious choice this evening. Take the Sixers to win and the Under tonight.

NBA free pick: 76ers moneyline and Under 215.5

The Warriors may have invented small ball, but the Rockets appear hellbent on perfecting it. Houston has taken Golden State’s approach to the extreme this season with an even tinier team that’s practically Lilliputian by comparison. Led by indispensable forward PJ Tucker, Mike D’Antoni’s so-called "Tuckwagon" lineup features five players who are 6-foot-7 or shorter.

You would think that giving up that much height would be an impediment, but Houston has gone 5-2 since rolling out it’s mini Lineup of Death. The Rockets have averaged 116 points per game over that span while taking down legitimate title contenders in the Lakers and Celtics.

Houston’s attack has been buoyed lately by Robert Covington, who was liberated from the Timberwolves as part of a four-team trade on Feb. 5. The rangy 3-and-D specialist is averaging 12.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.8 blocks in four games with his new club, and gives the Rockets another player capable of spreading the court and guarding multiple positions.  

Covington and his new besties should have little trouble tonight overcoming a decimated Warriors lineup that is still without Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Minus their All-Star backcourt, Golden State is just 12-43 this season and ranks 28th or worse in offensive rating, net rating, and plus/minus.

The Rockets moneyline and the Over is the play tonight in what could be a monumental bloodbath.

NBA free pick: Rockets moneyline and Over 234

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