Thursday night NBA game predictions (Dec. 5)

Prediction Tracker: 56 for 93 (shooting 60.2%)

Good news and bad news.  Bad news is there are only three NBA games tonight.  Good news is two of the games are on TNT, and we get to hear analysis from Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley.  I can’t think of a more entertaining cast to listen to.  Cari Champion, Skip Bayless, and Stephen A. Smith of ESPN’s “First Take” don’t even compare.  And that’s a fact.

New York @ Brooklyn – The battle for New York baby!  The lights will be bright, and the nation will be watching at 7 pm ET on TNT.  Unfortunately, both teams are having a tough time right now.  Deron Williams and Paul Pierce are out for Brooklyn.  The game comes down to who has the bigger star, and Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks is the answer.  Knicks win 104-95.

LA Clippers @ Memphis – With Zach Randolph coming back for the Grizz, the Clipper defense will be in trouble once again.  Memphis is an excellent defensive team, and despite being a relatively low-scoring team, they have plenty of firepower between point guard Mike Conley and power forward Zach Randolph.  Grizzlies win 110-105.

Miami @ Chicago – Miami surprised me losing to Detroit on Tuesday.  However, Dwyane Wade did not play, which contributed to the loss.  The Bulls have a huge rebounding advantage, but Miami is one of the few teams that can handle the disadvantage on the boards.  Heat win 100-96.  The game will air on TNT at 9:30 pm ET.

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