NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets
NBA Matchup Preview: Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets
Location: New York; Time: Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Hawks -6.5
BOTTOM LINE:
Brooklyn comes into this game against Atlanta after losing three straight, but the Hawks are expected to cover the -6 spread. The Hawks have shown solid play against Eastern Conference teams, and their home record gives them an edge.
TEAM OVERVIEW:
The Nets are 12-30 in conference matchups and 13-29 against teams with a winning record. They have struggled overall, especially on defense. Meanwhile, the Hawks are 24-18 in Eastern Conference games. Although they give up 119.6 points per game, they have been competitive, losing by only 2.5 points on average in their contests.
OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE MATCHUP:
The Nets are shooting 43.9% from the fieldâ4.4 percentage points lower than the 48.3% allowed by the Hawks. On the perimeter, the Hawks make about 13.0 three-pointers per game, nearly matching the 13.1 that the Nets give up. These numbers suggest that Atlantaâs defense will challenge Brooklynâs offense effectively, which is key for covering the spread.
TOP PERFORMERS:
For Brooklyn, Cameron Johnson averages 18.9 points and 3.1 assists, while Ziaire Williams contributes from beyond the arc. Atlanta is led by Trae Young, who averages 23.9 points and 11.5 assists, with Caris LeVert adding 16.2 points.
RECENT TRENDS:
In the last 10 games, the Nets average 108.9 points, and the Hawks average 117.6 points per game. This trend shows Atlanta scoring more and keeping games closer, supporting their ability to cover the -6 spread.
INJURIES:
Brooklyn is dealing with key absences including De’Anthony Melton (ACL) and Cam Thomas (hamstring). Atlanta faces injury issues as well, with Larry Nance Jr. and Trae Young listed as day-to-day. These factors add value to the Hawksâ cover.
Toronto Raptors vs. Portland Trail Blazers
NBA Matchup Preview: Toronto Raptors vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Location: Portland, Oregon; Time: Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Blazers -6.5
BOTTOM LINE:
While Toronto aims to extend its three-game win streak, the home-favored Trail Blazers are poised to cover the -6.5 spread.
TEAM OVERVIEW:
The Trail Blazers are 16-16 at home, although they have been outscored by an average of 4.0 points per game. They post solid offensive numbers, averaging 114.6 points per game, and are efficient from beyond the arc. On the road, the Raptors are 8-23 and have struggled to win close contests, making them vulnerable in a hostile environment.
OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE MATCHUP:
Portland shoots 45.0% from the field this season and makes about 12.7 three-pointers per gameâonly slightly fewer than the 13.2 the Raptors allow. The Raptors, averaging 110.8 points per game, are outscored by the Blazers by about 3.8 points. These numbers suggest that the Trail Blazers have the edge in controlling the pace and keeping games within reach, a key factor in covering the spread.
TOP PERFORMERS:
For Portland, Anfernee Simons averages 19.3 points and 4.8 assists, while Scoot Henderson provides scoring support with 2.0 three-pointers per game over the last 10 games. On Torontoâs side, Scottie Barnes averages 19.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, and Immanuel Quickley contributes 16.2 points per game.
RECENT TRENDS:
In the last 10 games, the Blazers have been competitive, averaging 116.4 points per game. Their ability to hold opponents to close scores makes them an attractive pick to cover the -6.5 spread at home.
INJURIES:
Portland is without Deandre Ayton (calf) and Jabari Walker (day-to-day, concussion), while Toronto deals with multiple absences including Ulrich Chomche and Brandon Ingram (ankle).
Utah Jazz vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
NBA Matchup Preview: Utah Jazz vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Location: Minneapolis; Time: Sunday, 7 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Jazz -13.5
BOTTOM LINE:
Despite an 8âgame road losing streak, the Utah Jazz look to shock the Timberwolves by covering the -13.5 spread on Sunday.
TEAM OVERVIEW:
The Timberwolves have been strong at home, posting an 8-5 record against Northwest Division teams, and they average 120.1 points per game in recent contests. In contrast, the Jazz have struggled on the road, holding a 2-9 record, and have been outscored by an average of 7.3 points per game. However, the Jazz have the potential to dominate if they can capitalize on turnovers and force long-distance shots. Utahâs defense has been stingy; even though they currently allow nearly 121.5 points in their last 10 games, they hold opponents to a lower field-goal percentage overall.
KEY MATCHUPS & STATS:
The Timberwolves average 15.2 made 3-pointers per game, just 0.4 more than the 14.8 per game that the Jazz allowâindicating that Utah can limit long-range efficiency. Meanwhile, the Jazz score 112.5 points per game, which is 3.5 points more than the 109.0 that the Timberwolves give up, suggesting that Utahâs offense can exploit Minnesotaâs defense if they get into a rhythm.
TOP PERFORMERS:
For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards is averaging 27.2 points, six rebounds, and 4.6 assists, while Donte DiVincenzo adds scoring from beyond the arc. The Jazz counter with Walker Kessler, who averages 11.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks, and Kyle Filipowski, who contributes 15.7 points and 8.2 rebounds over the last 10 games.
RECENT TRENDS:
The Timberwolves have been productive in their recent 10-game stretch, but the Jazzâs potential to force turnovers and slow the pace can lead to a big-margin victory. If Utah tightens up defensively and pushes their offensive rhythm, they can cover the -13.5 spread.
INJURIES:
The Timberwolves report no injuries. For the Jazz, Keyonte George is day-to-day with a foot injury, John Collins is out with an ankle injury, and Taylor Hendricks is ruled out for the season with a fibula injury.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
NBA Matchup Preview: Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Location: Inglewood, California; Time: Sunday, 7 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Clippers -13.5
BOTTOM LINE:
The Los Angeles Clippers host the Charlotte Hornets, aiming to extend their five-game home winning streak while covering the -13.5 spread.
TEAM OVERVIEW:
The Clippers have been strong at home, holding a 22-10 record and averaging 111.1 points per game while outscoring opponents by 2.2 points on average. On the road, the Hornets have struggled, posting a 7-25 record. Charlotte leads the Eastern Conference in rebounds with 45.7 per game, thanks in part to Miles Bridges, who averages 7.9 boards.
MATCHUP INSIGHTS:
The Clippersâ defense has been effective, allowing only 113.0 points per game, which is 1.9 points fewer than what the Hornets score on average. Additionally, the Hornets shoot just 42.5% from the field this season, well below the 46.2% that opponents of the Clippers have managed. These factors suggest that the Clippers can limit Charlotteâs offensive production and force more turnovers.
KEY PERFORMERS:
For the Clippers, James Harden is averaging 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. Ivica Zubac is a force inside, averaging 20.2 points and 12.5 rebounds over the past 10 games. On the Hornetsâ side, Mark Williams is scoring 15.7 points and pulling down 10 rebounds, while Miles Bridges is averaging 26.6 points and 8.6 rebounds.
RECENT TRENDS:
In the last 10 games, the Clippers have been solid, averaging 111.8 points with strong defensive numbers. The Hornets, however, have struggled offensively and defensively, giving up 116.3 points per game.
INJURIES:
The Clippers are without Norman Powell (hamstring). The Hornets are missing Grant Williams (ACL), Brandon Miller (wrist), Josh Okogie (hamstring), and Tre Mann (back).
Given their superior home form and defensive efficiency, the Clippers are well-positioned to cover the -13.5 spread.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks
NBA Matchup Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Location: Milwaukee; Time: Sunday, 9 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Thunder -5
BOTTOM LINE:
The Oklahoma City Thunder head to Milwaukee looking to break their road skid after a big win led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. We believe the Thunder will cover the -5 spread.
TEAM OVERVIEW:
The Bucks have been strong at home with a 24-11 record and a solid defense, holding opponents to 112.5 points per game. In contrast, the Thunder are 26-7 on the road. Oklahoma City ranks fourth in the Western Conference with 33.8 defensive rebounds per game, thanks to Isaiah Hartenstein who averages 8.1 rebounds.
MATCHUP INSIGHTS:
The Bucks average 14.2 made 3-pointers per game, slightly more than the 13.1 the Thunder allow. However, the Thunder outscore their opponents by 7.1 points on average (119.6 points scored vs. 112.5 points allowed by the Bucks). This offensive edge gives OKC an advantage despite the Bucks’ home-court strength.
KEY PERFORMERS:
For the Bucks, key players like Damian Lillard are averaging 25.2 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo has been in great form, averaging 28.6 points over the last 10 games. For the Thunder, Jalen Williams is contributing 21.3 points and 5.5 rebounds, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is providing solid scoring with 2.6 made 3-pointers per game in recent matchups.
RECENT TRENDS:
Over their last 10 games, the Bucks have averaged 118.9 points and the Thunder 125.9 points per game, highlighting OKC’s potent offense on the road.
INJURIES:
The Bucks are currently healthy. The Thunder are managing several day-to-day issues, but nothing major that should hinder their performance.
WHY OKC WILL COVER:
With a potent offense and strong rebounding numbers on the road, the Thunder have the edge to overcome the Bucks’ home advantage and cover the -5 spread.
