NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Washington Wizards vs. Detroit Pistons
Wizards vs. Pistons Preview
Detroit; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Wizards +13.5
BOTTOM LINE:
The Washington Wizards (13-51) will take on the Detroit Pistons (37-29) in Eastern Conference play, and despite recent struggles, the Wizards are expected to cover the hefty +13.5 spread.
The Pistons have been solid against conference opponents, going 25-20 while averaging 14.7 turnovers per game. They win the turnover battle 18-10 in games when they commit fewer mistakes. In contrast, the Wizards have gone 10-28 in Eastern Conference play and a dismal 4-33 against teams over .500, which has hurt their overall record. Despite this, the Wizardsâ ability to create chaos on offense has forced opponents into turnovers, and their underdog status means they often exceed expectations in close contests.
Defensively, the Pistons average 12.8 made 3-pointers per game, which is 1.5 fewer than the 14.3 per game that the Wizards give up. Meanwhile, the Wizardsâ own average of 13.0 makes per game is only slightly lower than what the Pistons allow. These numbers hint at a competitive matchup where the Wizards could keep games close, even if they ultimately lose.
TOP PERFORMERS:
For Detroit, Cade Cunningham averages 25.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, with Malik Beasley adding 16.3 points in recent games. Washingtonâs Jordan Poole, averaging 14.2 points and 2.4 rebounds on 46.2% shooting, and Bilal Coulibaly, with 12.3 points and 3.4 assists, provide some offensive spark.
LAST 10 GAMES:
The Pistons average 120.6 points per game, while the Wizards have been putting up 107.2. With key injuries hampering the Wizards, they might not win, but their tendency to keep games close suggests theyâll cover the +13.5 spread.
INJURIES:
Pistons: Jaden Ivey is out (leg).
Wizards: AJ Johnson is day-to-day (coachâs decision), Saddiq Bey is out (knee), Bilal Coulibaly is day-to-day (hamstring), Malcolm Brogdon is day-to-day (ankle).
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks vs. Lakers Preview
Milwaukee; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Bucks -7
BOTTOM LINE:
Milwaukee is looking to break its three-game skid when the Bucks host the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite recent struggles, the Bucks have enough firepower to cover the -7 spread.
The Bucks are 22-11 at home and average 114.6 points per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents give up tough defense, and Milwaukeeâs ability to hit 14.1 3-pointers per game gives them an edge over teams that allow only 13.3. On the other hand, the Lakers are 15-16 on the road and score an average of 112.9 points while shooting 48.0%. However, the Lakersâ field goal percentage is 2.7% higher than what the Bucksâ opponents have managed, which means they sometimes struggle to match up defensively.
WHY THE BUCKS WILL COVER:
Milwaukeeâs balanced attack and efficient shooting, especially from beyond the arc, should allow them to control the pace and limit the Lakersâ scoring opportunities. With solid performances at home and strong rebounding numbers, the Bucks are well-positioned to cover a -7 spread, even if they donât win by a blowout.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks, averaging 30.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. Damian Lillard has been clutch from deep, knocking down 3-pointers consistently over the last 10 games. For the Lakers, Dalton Knecht is contributing 9.2 points and 3.0 rebounds, while Luka Doncic averages 25.0 points and 8.1 rebounds.
LAST 10 GAMES:
The Bucks have been solid, averaging 116.1 points per game, and their opponents have given up only 110.9 on average. In contrast, the Lakersâ opponents have allowed 105.3 points, indicating that the Bucksâ defense should keep the margin within the spread.
INJURIES:
Bucks: Tyler Smith (day to day, back), Chris Livingston (day to day, illness).
Lakers: Jaxson Hayes (day to day, knee), LeBron James (out, leg), Maxi Kleber (out, foot), Dorian Finney-Smith (day to day, ankle), Rui Hachimura (out, knee).
Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls
Bulls vs. Nets Preview
Chicago; Thursday, 8 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Bulls -1.5
BOTTOM LINE:
The Chicago Bulls are looking to extend their three-game win streak as they take on the Brooklyn Nets. With solid scoring and improved defense, the Bulls should cover the -1.5 spread.
MATCHUP OVERVIEW:
The Bulls have struggled against tough opponents, going 22-23 in Eastern Conference games, and losing by 10+ points in 15 of those matchups. However, they average 116.6 points per game, which is 5.1 points more than the Nets allow. In contrast, the Nets are 12-28 in Eastern Conference play and have a 13-28 record against teams with winning records. The Netsâ offensive numbers are low, and they have trouble containing opponents from the perimeter, averaging 13.4 made 3-pointers per gameâonly 0.2 more than the Bulls allow.
WHY THE BULLS WILL COVER:
Chicagoâs balanced attack and disciplined defense have improved in recent games. With key players stepping up, the Bulls are poised to maintain their momentum and control the game, keeping the margin within the -1.5 spread. Their ability to limit turnovers and capitalize on fast-break points should help them edge out the struggling Nets.
TOP PERFORMERS:
For the Bulls, Josh Giddey is averaging 13.8 points while shooting 46.2%, and Coby White has been in excellent form, averaging 23.4 points over the last 10 games. On the Nets side, Nic Claxton is contributing 10.1 points with 7.3 rebounds, and Cameron Johnson is averaging 16.4 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES:
The Bulls have been strong recently, averaging 120.1 points, 47.5 rebounds, and 29.0 assists per game. In contrast, the Nets have struggled, averaging just 107.0 points on a 43.0% field-goal clip.
INJURIES:
Bulls: Ayo Dosunmu is out for the season (shoulder), Lonzo Ball is day-to-day (wrist).
Nets: De’Anthony Melton is out for the season (ACL), D’Angelo Russell is day-to-day (ankle).
Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Pelicans vs. Magic Preview
New Orleans; Thursday, 8 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Pelicans +3
BOTTOM LINE:
New Orleans Pelicans are set to host the Orlando Magic in a non-conference matchup. Despite a rough season, the Pelicans are expected to cover the +3 spread by capitalizing on their strengths.
MATCHUP OVERVIEW:
The Pelicans are 12-21 at home and rank sixth in the league with 12.3 offensive rebounds per game, led by Yves Missi averaging 3.5 boards. They score 111.0 points per game, outscoring opponents by 4.9 points. On the road, the Magic are 12-20 and have lost many contests by double digits, shooting 44.0% from the fieldâa rate significantly lower than what the Pelicansâ defense has allowed (48.3%). With the Pelicansâ ability to control the boards and limit opponentsâ shooting, they should keep games close and cover the +3 spread.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Trey Murphy III is averaging 21.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists for New Orleans, providing the offensive spark needed to compete. Jordan Hawkins has been a consistent scorer with 12.4 points over the last 10 games. For the Magic, Franz Wagner is putting up 24.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, while Paolo Banchero is averaging 28.1 points and 6.4 rebounds, offering a strong offensive presence.
LAST 10 GAMES:
The Pelicans have been averaging 114.3 points, 46.1 rebounds, and 27.3 assists per game while shooting 47.2%, whereas the Magic are struggling at 105.8 points per game on 44.3% shooting.
INJURIES:
Pelicans: Brandon Boston Jr. is out (ankle), Herbert Jones is out for the season (shoulder), Dejounte Murray is out for the season (leg).
Magic: Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner are both out for the season.
Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors
Warriors vs. Kings Preview
San Francisco; Thursday, 10 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Warriors -7
BOTTOM LINE:
The Golden State Warriors host the Sacramento Kings, looking to extend their five-game home winning streak. With strong shooting and solid defense, the Warriors are expected to cover the -7 spread.
MATCHUP OVERVIEW:
The Warriors have struggled against division opponents, posting a 2-10 record, but they remain dangerous at home. Golden State ranks third in the league in offensive rebounding, with Kevon Looney pulling down 2.7 boards per game. On the other side, the Kings have been 4-8 against Pacific Division foes and average 12.8 turnovers per game, indicating issues with ball control. Sacramento is also 18-14 when it wins the turnover battle, but overall their play is less consistent.
The Warriors make an average of 15.3 three-pointers per game, just 0.9 more than the 14.4 the Kings allow. Meanwhile, the Kings shoot 12.5 threes per game, slightly lower than what the Warriors let in.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Stephen Curry has been outstanding, averaging 29.5 points and 3.7 rebounds over the last 10 games, while Jimmy Butler adds 17.2 points and 5.4 rebounds. For the Kings, DeMar DeRozan is averaging 22.1 points with 4.1 assists, and Zach LaVine contributes 25.4 points and 3.8 assists.
LAST 10 GAMES:
The Warriors are 9-1 in their last 10 games, averaging 122.5 points, 45.6 rebounds, and 32.4 assists while their opponents score 109.5 points. The Kings, meanwhile, are 5-5, averaging 117.5 points, 45.7 rebounds, and 27.5 assists, with opponents scoring 113.1 points.
INJURIES:
For the Warriors, Brandin Podziemski is day-to-day with a back issue, and Jonathan Kuminga is day-to-day with an ankle problem. The Kings are without Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) and Jake LaRavia is day-to-day with a knee injury.
