NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets Preview
Cleveland; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Cavaliers -16.5
BOTTOM LINE:
The Cleveland Cavaliers look to extend their five-game home win streak as they host the Brooklyn Nets. With a dominant record against conference opponents, the Cavs are expected to cover the -16.5 spread.
MATCHUP OVERVIEW:
The Cavaliers are 37-7 in conference play and have been a force at home. They rank eighth in the NBA with 45.4 rebounds per game, led by Jarrett Allen, who averages 10.2 boards. In contrast, the Nets struggle with turnovers, averaging 13.9 per game, and have a dismal 12-27 record against Eastern Conference opponents.
OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE STATS:
Cleveland shoots 49.4% from the field this season, slightly higher than the 47.9% the Nets allow. The Nets average 13.3 made 3-pointers per game, only marginally above the 13.1 the Cavaliers give up. The Cavsâ overall scoring is impressive as they average 123.1 points per gameâwell above the Netsâ defensive output.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Donovan Mitchell is putting up 24.2 points and 4.8 assists per game for the Cavaliers, while Evan Mobley contributes 16.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks over the last 10 games. For the Nets, Nic Claxton averages 10.1 points and 7.4 rebounds, and Cameron Johnson is posting 16.5 points over the past 10 games.
RECENT FORM:
Over their last 10 games, the Cavaliers are a perfect 10-0, averaging 124.0 points, 48.3 rebounds, and 25.1 assists per game. The Nets, however, are struggling at 2-8, averaging just 106.3 points. This stark contrast in recent performance underscores why Cleveland is expected to cover the -16.5 spread.
INJURIES:
Cleveland reports no current injuries, while the Nets are without DeâAnthony Melton (out for season, ACL), with Trendon Watford and Cam Thomas listed as day-to-day.
Washington Wizards vs. Detroit Pistons
Washington Wizards vs. Detroit Pistons Preview
Detroit; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Wizards +15
BOTTOM LINE:
The Washington Wizards face the Detroit Pistons in Eastern Conference action, and despite the heavy spread favoring Detroit, the Wizards offer great value at +15. They have shown flashes of competitiveness and can cover the points if they tighten up on turnovers.
MATCHUP OVERVIEW:
The Pistons are 24-20 against Eastern Conference opponents and rank fourth in the conference in rebounding, averaging 45.2 boards per game with Jalen Duren leading at 10.3 rebounds. In contrast, the Wizards are 10-27 in conference play and struggle with turnovers, averaging 15.2 per game while going 5-13 when they commit fewer turnovers than their opponents. This turnover issue can hurt Detroit, giving Washington opportunities to stay close.
OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE STATS:
Detroit averages 12.8 made 3-pointers per game, slightly lower than the 14.3 per game the Wizards give up, while Washington averages 13.0 made 3-pointers, nearly matching the Pistons’ allowance. The Pistons score 120.8 points per game in their last 10 games, but the Wizardsâ defense has the potential to slow the game down and keep it within reach.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Jalen Duren is averaging 11.3 points and 10.3 rebounds for the Pistons, with Cade Cunningham contributing 26.7 points over the last 10 games. For the Wizards, Jordan Poole averages 21.2 points per game, and Corey Kispert provides a spark from beyond with 2.4 made 3-pointers in the last 10 games.
RECENT FORM:
Over the last 10 games, the Pistons are 7-3, while the Wizards are 4-6. If Washington can limit turnovers and tighten their defense, they are well positioned to cover the hefty +15 spread.
INJURIES:
The Pistons are without Jaden Ivey (leg), while the Wizards miss Saddiq Bey (knee) and have several players day-to-day.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview
Indianapolis; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Pacers +2.5
BOTTOM LINE:
The Indiana Pacers head to Milwaukee as underdogs at +2.5, and they offer great value if they can limit turnovers and execute on both ends.
The Pacers are 7-5 against division opponents and have managed a 16-11 record against teams with winning records. In contrast, the Bucks are 6-6 in division games and are 15-14 against opponents over .500. Despite Milwaukeeâs solid home performance, the Pacers have shown they can compete even on the road.
Indiana shoots 48.9% from the field this season, which is 3.7 percentage points higher than the 45.2% the Bucks allow to opponents. On the perimeter, the Bucks average 14.1 made 3-pointers per game, slightly more than the 12.8 per game the Pacers give up. These numbers suggest that if Indiana can take advantage of their offensive efficiency and disrupt Milwaukeeâs rhythm, they have a strong chance to keep the game close.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Tyrese Haliburton leads the Pacers with averages of 18.5 points, 8.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, while Pascal Siakam is averaging 20.7 points over the last 10 games. For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting up 30.9 points, 12 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, and Damian Lillard is contributing with 3.0 made 3-pointers per game over the last 10 games.
RECENT FORM:
In their last 10 games, the Pacers are 5-5, averaging 118.4 points per game, while the Bucks are 7-3, averaging 116.3 points per game. If Indiana can maintain their shooting and control the pace, they have a good shot at covering the +2.5 spread.
INJURIES:
Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton (day to day, hip), Isaiah Jackson (out for season, calf).
Bucks: Pete Nance (day to day, ankle), Damian Lillard (day to day, groin), Giannis Antetokounmpo (day to day, calf), Pat Connaughton (day to day, calf), Chris Livingston (out, illness).
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview
New Orleans; Tuesday, 8 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Pelicans +7
BOTTOM LINE:
The Los Angeles Clippers look to extend their three-game win streak, but the underdog New Orleans Pelicans offer excellent value at +7 if they can tighten up their play and compete in close games.
The Pelicans are 11-32 against Western Conference opponents and have struggled in tight contests, going 3-8 in games decided by less than four points. In contrast, the Clippers are 21-21 in conference play and have a 4-6 record in such close games. While the Clippers boast a balanced attack, the Pelicans have shown they can keep games within reach when they execute.
Defensively, the Pelicans average 12.2 made 3-pointers per game, just 1.0 fewer than the 13.2 per game the Clippers give up, and the Clippers shoot 47.1% from the fieldâonly slightly lower than the 48.3% the Pelicansâ opponents post. These numbers suggest that if New Orleans tightens up its defense and capitalizes on fast-break opportunities, they can cover the +7 spread.
TOP PERFORMERS:
For New Orleans, Yves Missi is averaging 8.8 points with eight rebounds, and Trey Murphy III is posting 19.2 points over the last 10 games. On the Clippersâ side, Ivica Zubac is delivering 16 points with 12.5 rebounds, while James Harden averages 26.1 points over the past 10 games.
RECENT FORM:
In their last 10 games, the Pelicans have averaged 111.9 points while shooting 45.9% from the field. The Clippers, meanwhile, average 110.0 points on a 47.1% clip.
INJURIES:
Pelicans: Brandon Boston Jr. (ankle), Herbert Jones (season-ending shoulder), Dejounte Murray (season-ending leg), Zion Williamson (rest), CJ McCollum (rest).
Clippers: Ben Simmons (knee), Norman Powell (hamstring).
If New Orleans can improve its defensive intensity and limit turnovers, they have a good chance to cover the +6 spread despite their struggles.
