NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics
Boston; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Celtics ML
BOTTOM LINE:
After a dominant Game 1 win, Boston hosts Orlando looking to close out the series. The Celtics’ veteran depth and lockdown defense make them heavy favorites.
TEAM STATS:
- Celtics: 39–13 vs. East; rank 2nd in scoring (116.3 PPG) and lead the league with 17.8 3PM per game.
- Magic: 31–21 vs. East; struggle with just 23.0 APG (last in NBA) and average 11.2 3PM.
SCORING & SHOOTING:
- Boston: 17.8 3PM; allow 12.9 3PM.
- Orlando: 11.2 3PM; allow 11.4 3PM.
TOP PERFORMERS:
- Celtics: Jayson Tatum 26.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 6.0 APG; Payton Pritchard 14.3 PPG (last 10).
- Magic: Paolo Banchero 25.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG; Caleb Houstan 1.8 3PM (last 10).
LAST 10 GAMES:
- Boston: 8–2, 110.9 PPG on 45.5% FG; opponents 101.0 PPG.
- Orlando: 6–4, 106.0 PPG on 46.2% FG; opponents 101.3 PPG.
INJURIES:
- Celtics: None.
- Magic: Jalen Suggs (quad), Moritz Wagner (knee) out for season.
WHY BET THE CELTICS MONEYLINE:
Boston’s balanced attack, home-court edge and healthy roster make an outright win very likely. Their high-powered offense runs through Tatum and deep bench scoring, while Orlando’s limited playmaking can’t keep pace. Backing Boston to win straight up offers a simple, low-risk bet.
Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Cavaliers –12
BOTTOM LINE:
Cleveland looks to close out this series at home after a convincing Game 1 win. With home-court edge and a deeper roster, the Cavs are heavy favorites to run Miami out of the gym again.
TEAM STATS:
- Cavaliers: 41–11 vs. conference; 5–4 in one-possession games.
- Heat: 24–28 vs. conference; rank 6th in East with 36.7% 3-point shooting.
SCORING & SHOOTING:
- Cavaliers: 15.9 3PM per game; allow 13.6 3PM.
- Heat: 13.7 3PM per game; allow 15.7 3PM.
TOP PERFORMERS:
- Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell 24.0 PPG, 5.0 APG; Darius Garland 2.5 3PM (last 10).
- Heat: Bam Adebayo 18.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG; Alec Burks 2.5 3PM (last 10).
LAST 10 GAMES:
- Cavaliers: 6–4, 119.4 PPG on 48.1% FG; opponents 114.8 PPG.
- Heat: 5–5, 118.4 PPG on 48.5% FG; opponents 109.1 PPG.
INJURIES:
- Cavaliers: None.
- Heat: Dru Smith (Achilles), Terry Rozier (ankle), Kevin Love (personal).
WHY THE CAVALIERS WILL COVER –12:
Cleveland’s offense outpaces Miami by 11.0 points per game, and their deep rotation keeps scoring hot in blowouts. The Heat’s limited bench and key injuries make it hard to match the Cavs’ pace. Expect another double-digit win.
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
Houston, Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Rockets –2.5
BOTTOM LINE:
The Warriors took Game 1 on the road, but now return to Houston where the Rockets have thrived all season. With their offense firing and home crowd behind them, Houston can even the series and cover the spread.
TEAM STATS:
- Rockets: 31–21 vs. West; rank 2nd in fast break points (17.0 per game).
- Warriors: 29–23 vs. West; rank 5th in rebounds (45.4 per game).
SCORING & SHOOTING:
- Rockets: 45.5% FG (1.0% below what Warriors allow); allow 15.4 3PM.
- Warriors: 15.4 3PM (3.1 more than Rockets allow); score 118.0 PPG vs. Rockets’ 116.3.
TOP PERFORMERS:
- Rockets: Jalen Green 21.0 PPG on 42.3% shooting; Alperen Şengün 16.8 PPG (last 10).
- Warriors: Stephen Curry 4.8 3PM (last 10); Draymond Green 9.0 PPG.
LAST 10 GAMES:
- Rockets: 5–5, 116.3 PPG, 47.7 RPG, 26.6 APG; opponents 113.0 PPG.
- Warriors: 7–3, 118.0 PPG, 42.9 RPG, 29.1 APG; opponents 106.1 PPG.
INJURIES:
- Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate (ankle, out), Jock Landale (knee, DTD).
- Warriors: None listed.
WHY THE ROCKETS WILL COVER –3.5:
Houston’s transition game and higher rebound edge will wear down Golden State at home. The Rockets shoot efficiently inside and out, and their bench outscored the Warriors’ reserves in Game 1. Expect Houston’s crowd-fueled attack to pull away late and cover the spread.
