NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic
Boston Celtics (61-21, 2nd in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (41-41, 7th in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Celtics –5
BOTTOM LINE:
Boston can complete the sweep in Orlando. The Celtics’ firepower and veteran savvy overwhelm the Magic’s young roster. Expect Boston’s offense to flow and its defense to force turnovers, easily covering the –5 spread.
CONFERENCE RECORDS:
- Magic: 31–21 vs. East, last in assists (23.0 per game) led by Franz Wagner (4.7). They rely heavily on isolations and struggle to find open shooters.
- Celtics: 39–13 vs. East, 8–3 in one-possession contests. They share the ball (25.7 assists per game) and excel in late-game execution.
SCORING & SHOOTING:
- Orlando scores 105.4 PPG, 1.8 fewer than the 107.2 the Celtics allow.
- Boston shoots 46.2% from the field, holds opponents to 46.8%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
- Magic: Franz Wagner – 24.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.7 APG; Paolo Banchero – 22.3 PPG (last 10).
- Celtics: Jaylen Brown – 22.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG; Derrick White – 3.1 3PM (last 10).
LAST 10 GAMES:
- Magic: 6–4, 106.8 PPG, 24.2 APG; opponents 102.1 PPG.
- Celtics: 8–2, 109.7 PPG, 25.7 APG; opponents 99.9 PPG.
INJURIES:
- Magic: Jalen Suggs (quad), Moritz Wagner (knee) out.
- Celtics: Jayson Tatum day to day (wrist).
WHY BET BOSTON –5:
Boston’s balanced attack, playoff experience, and aggressive defense will disrupt Orlando’s ball movement. The Magic simply don’t have the depth or secondary scoring to keep pace, making the Celtics a reliable cover on the road.
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Indiana Pacers (50-32, 4th in the East) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (48-34, 5th in the East)
Milwaukee, Friday, 8 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Pacers +5.5
BOTTOM LINE:
Indiana shocks Milwaukee again by playing fast and smart. The Pacers’ confidence, series lead, and relentless defense make them a strong play at +5.5 on the road.
CONFERENCE RECORDS:
- Bucks: 31–21 vs. East, second in defensive rebounds (35.1 RPG) led by Giannis Antetokounmpo (10.0).
- Pacers: 29–22 vs. East, fifth in NBA fast break scoring (17.5 PPG) led by Bennedict Mathurin (4.5).
SCORING & SHOOTING:
- Milwaukee shoots 48.6% FG, 1.2 pp higher than the 47.4% Indiana allows.
- Indiana makes 48.8% FG, 3.1 pp above the 45.7% the Bucks concede.
TOP PERFORMERS:
- Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.5 APG; Kevin Porter Jr. – 13.9 PPG, 4.4 APG (last 10).
- Pacers: Pascal Siakam – 20.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.4 APG; Tyrese Haliburton – 14.2 PPG (last 10).
LAST 10 GAMES:
- Bucks: 8–2, 121.5 PPG, 27.7 APG, 4.9 BPG; opponents 116.4 PPG.
- Pacers: 9–1, 119.4 PPG, 28.7 APG, 7.7 BPG; opponents 111.6 PPG.
INJURIES:
- Bucks: Tyler Smith (ankle) DTD.
- Pacers: Isaiah Jackson (calf) out for season.
WHY PACERS +5.5:
Indiana’s high-efficiency offense and lockdown defense have driven this 2–0 lead. Their balanced attack neutralizes Giannis, while hot 3-point shooting and active rebounding keep games close. Fresh off nine wins in ten, the Pacers have the momentum and discipline to stay within six, making +5.5 a smart bet.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minneapolis; Friday, 9:30 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Timberwolves –3.5
BOTTOM LINE:
The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Lakers in Game 3 with the series knotted. Riding home-court energy and a balanced attack, Minnesota looks poised to cover the 3.5-point spread.
CONFERENCE RECORDS:
- Timberwolves: 33–19 vs. Western foes; rank eighth in rebounding (44.3 RPG), paced by Rudy Gobert’s 10.9 boards.
- Lakers: 36–16 vs. West; 4–6 in one-possession games, relying on veteran poise.
SCORING & DEFENSE:
- Minnesota averages 114.3 PPG, outpacing the Lakers’ 112.2 PPG allowed.
- Los Angeles makes 13.3 3PM per game, 0.6 more than Minnesota concedes.
TOP PERFORMERS:
- Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards – 27.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.5 APG; Julius Randle – 19.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 5.0 APG over last 10.
- Lakers: LeBron James – 24.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.2 APG; Luka Dončić – 27.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.6 APG over last 10.
LAST 10 GAMES:
- Timberwolves (8–2): 116.1 PPG, 46.6 RPG, 25.5 APG, 5.7 SPG, 5.4 BPG, 48.6% FG; opponents 106.2 PPG.
- Lakers (6–4): 111.2 PPG, 41.0 RPG, 22.6 APG, 7.4 SPG, 4.1 BPG, 46.9% FG; opponents 108.1 PPG.
INJURIES:
- Timberwolves: Rob Dillingham – DTD (ankle).
- Lakers: Maxi Kleber – DTD (foot).
WHY COVER -3.5:
Minnesota’s high-octane offense and dominant rebounding neutralize Los Angeles’ inside scoring. Home-court support fuels Anthony Edwards and co., while the Lakers have struggled in close, defensive battles. Expect the T-Wolves to pull away late and win by at least four.
