
NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons
Bulls vs. Pistons Preview
Sunday at Little Caesars Arena
Our Pick: Pistons -6
The Chicago Bulls continue their quest for consistency as they visit the Detroit Pistons on Sunday afternoon. Chicago just ended a rough patch by blowing out Toronto 122-106 on Friday. Coby White led the charge with 25 points and six assists, while Nikola Vucevic added 21 points and 12 rebounds. Josh Giddey also contributed effectively with 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. However, Zach LaVine remains sidelined for personal reasons, making it difficult for the Bulls to sustain momentum.
Detroit, on the other hand, looks to build on a solid 117-102 win over Dallas. Cade Cunningham exploded for 40 points, showcasing his skills as an offensive leader. Tobias Harris put up 17, and Jalen Duren finished with a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds. The Pistons have been streaky this season, but are healthier than the Bulls, with only Jaden Ivey missing from the rotation.
Why will the Pistons cover the -6? Detroit has won each of its last five games following a home victory, and favorites have covered in four of the Pistonsâ last five at Little Caesars Arena. Plus, the Bulls have struggled against Central Division foes, dropping nine straight after a prior upset. Meanwhile, Detroitâs defense has improved, helping them control the pace and protect leads.
With both teams eager to build momentum, expect the Pistons to lean on Cunninghamâs scoring and Durenâs paint presence. Take Detroit at -6 and anticipate a contest favoring the under.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Mavericks vs. Cavaliers Preview
Sunday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Our Pick: Cavaliers -13
The Dallas Mavericks are in a rough patch, dropping seven of their last 11 games, including a 117-102 loss to Detroit on Friday. Kyrie Irving led the way with 28 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while PJ Washington added 22 points and 13 rebounds. However, Dallas mustered just 17 points in the fourth quarter, sealing its defeat. The Mavericks list Irving, Daniel Gafford, and Washington as questionable, so check final lineups before tipoff.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers are heating up, seeking their fourth straight win after dismantling Atlanta 137-115 on Thursday. Darius Garland paced the offense with 26 points and seven assists, Donovan Mitchell chipped in 24 points, and Evan Mobley contributed 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. The Cavs combined for 78 points in the first and third quarters alone, illustrating their offensive firepower. Cleveland remains relatively healthy, with only Isaac Okoro out and Caris LeVert questionable.
Cleveland has covered in seven of its last eight home games against Western Conference opponents holding a winning record. The Mavericks, on the other hand, have lost each of their last eight as underdogs versus Central Division teams, and theyâve failed to cover in seven of their last eight day games. Moreover, favorites have come out on top in each of the Mavericksâ past 11 visits to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
With the Cavs playing confidently and Dallas dealing with injuries, expect Cleveland to control the pace and cover the -13 spread at home.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Toronto Raptors
Clippers vs. Raptors Preview
Sunday at Scotiabank Arena
Our Pick: Clippers -5
The Los Angeles Clippers come into Toronto riding a hot streak, having won eight of their last 11 games. On Friday, they outlasted Charlotte 112-104, powered by Norman Powellâs 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting, Kawhi Leonardâs 21 points, and James Hardenâs double-double of 14 points and 10 assists. The Clippers shot a healthy 54 percent from the field and never allowed the Hornets to seize momentum. Even with Powell expected to rest in this matchup, Los Angeles still boasts a balanced offense keyed by Leonard and Harden.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors have been on a roll themselves, claiming seven victories in their last nine outings. Their five-game winning streak ended Friday in a 122-106 defeat against Chicago, where Scottie Barnes posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. RJ Barrett finished with 19 points and nine rebounds, but the team shot only 10 of 30 from beyond the arc. The Raptors will aim to bounce back at Scotiabank Arena, hoping their defense can contain the Clippersâ multiple scoring threats.
Despite the absence of Powell, Los Angeles has excelled on the road against teams with losing records, winning 18 of its last 19 such matchups. Meanwhile, Toronto has dropped 23 of its past 25 clashes with Western Conference squads that held winning records. The Clippers also boast a strong 5-1 record against the spread in their last six matchups versus Atlantic Division foes. Expect Kawhi, Harden, and the Clippersâ depth to prevail and cover the -5 spread.
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Celtics vs. 76ers Preview
Sunday at Wells Fargo Center
Our Pick: Celtics -11
The Boston Celtics visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday in a matchup that heavily favors Boston. The Celtics (117.3 ppg on 45.8% shooting) are fresh off wins over the Bulls and Pelicans, allowing just 108.5 points per game. Jayson Tatum continues his strong campaign, averaging 26.7 points and 8.9 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown adds 23.4 points and 6 rebounds. Boston also leads the league in three-point attempts (48.5 per game) and has no one on the injury report.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, is missing key players, including Joel Embiid and Paul George, and will rely heavily on Tyrese Maxey (27.5 ppg, 6.1 apg). The 76ers are putting up 109 points per game but allow 112.6 on 48.6% shootingâtough numbers to overcome when facing the Celtics. Philadelphia ranks last in Q4 win percentage (31.9%) and is 30th in rebound percentage (46.9%). This leaves them vulnerable against a Boston team that outpaces most opponents down the stretch.
Boston has dominated night games at Wells Fargo Center, covering the spread in six of its last seven. Meanwhile, the 76ers have lost six of their last seven home matchups against Atlantic Division foes with winning records. With Philadelphia missing star talent and struggling to compete on the boards, the Celticsâ balanced offense and healthy roster should seize control. Expect Bostonâs defense to limit Maxeyâs impact and their offense to pull away in the second half, comfortably covering the -11 line.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Grizzlies vs. Bucks Preview
Sunday at Fiserv Forum
Our Pick: Bucks -3
The Memphis Grizzlies continue their road swing by visiting Milwaukee, hoping to bounce back from mixed results. Memphis (123.2 ppg on 48.6% shooting) thrives on offense behind Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morantâthough Morant is doubtful with a shoulder issue. Desmond Bane contributes reliable scoring, and Santi Aldama adds rebounding support. With an average of 47.4 boards per game and a league-best 24 free throw attempts per contest, the Grizzlies can pressure opponents inside. However, theyâve struggled away from home, with 11 of their 16 losses coming on the road.
The Milwaukee Bucks, meanwhile, are eager to regain momentum after stumbling against the Spurs and Trail Blazers. They still average 114.6 points while limiting opponents to 45% shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the charge (31.8 ppg, 12.2 rpg), and Damian Lillard offers perimeter scoring and playmaking. Though the Bucks have shown some inconsistency, Fiserv Forum has remained a fortress, with 16 of their 27 wins coming at home.
Milwaukee has won each of its last six night games at Fiserv Forum, and has covered the spread in each of its last six home contests. Memphis, meanwhile, has lost five of its last six road games against winning teams and is missing key contributors. The Bucksâ frontcourt size and star power should wear down a depleted Grizzlies squad.
Expect the Bucks to capitalize on home-court advantage and surge past Memphis. Lay the -3 with Milwaukee to secure a vital win in front of their home crowd.