NBA Game Picks & Analysis
New York Knicks vs. Orlando Magic
Knicks (20-10) at Magic (19-13)
Friday, 7 p.m. EST
The New York Knicks travel to Orlando fresh off a thrilling 117-114 victory over the Spurs, highlighted by Mikal Bridges’ 41-point outburst. New York has been electric behind its high-powered offense, scoring nearly 117 points per game and ranking second in the East in three-point efficiency (39.6%).
However, the Orlando Magic’s resilient defense and home-court advantage make them a strong bet to cover the +7 spread. Despite injuries to key players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic have shown an ability to keep games close, especially on their own floor. Orlando excels at slowing the pace, and opponents have averaged only 103.5 points against them this season.
Look for Orlando’s depth and defensive intensity to keep this matchup tight, even against the Knicks’ dangerous offense. The Magic may not pull off the upset, but they have enough to stay within the spread.
Our Pick: Magic +7
Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics
Pacers (15-16) at Celtics (22-8)
Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST
The Pacers head to Boston riding a five-game road win streak, hoping to slow down one of the league’s top offenses. The Celtics dominate Eastern Conference foes and average a scorching 118.9 points per contest, led by Jayson Tatum’s 29.0 points per game.
However, Indiana’s strong play in the paint (50.5 points per game) and recent success away from home suggest they can keep this matchup competitive. Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking (17.3 points, 8.7 assists) fuels a Pacers offense that averages 114.7 points—enough firepower to stay within the +12.5 spread, even against Boston’s high-scoring attack.
Our Pick: Pacer +12.5
San Antonio Spurs vs. Brooklyn Nets
Spurs (15-15) at Nets (12-18)
Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST
The Nets return home after the Spurs’ narrow 117-114 loss to the Knicks, where Victor Wembanyama erupted for 42 points. Despite Brooklyn’s 5-8 home record, the Nets remain deadly from three, averaging 14.8 made triples on 37.4% shooting. Cameron Johnson’s marksmanship (3.2 makes per game at 42.9%) fuels an offense capable of keeping pace with any opponent.
San Antonio is just 4-8 on the road and allows 112.8 points per game—a vulnerability the Nets can exploit if they heat up from beyond the arc. While the Spurs have talent, Brooklyn’s perimeter advantage and home-court energy give them a strong chance to keep this one within single digits. Look for the Nets to cover the +8 spread.
Our Pick: Nets +8
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets
Timberwolves (15-14) at Rockets (21-9)
Friday, 8 p.m. EST
The Rockets aim to extend their three-game home winning streak, boasting one of the league’s top paint-scoring attacks (51.5 points per game). Alperen Sengun (18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds) powers Houston with efficient inside play.
However, the Timberwolves enter with a solid 12-9 record against Western Conference foes, outscoring opponents by 2.2 points per game. Anthony Edwards (25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists) fuels a balanced Minnesota offense that shoots 45.7% from the field—better than what Houston typically allows.
Thanks to their stingy defense and Edwards’ scoring punch, the Timberwolves have enough firepower to keep this game tight and cover the +1 spread on the road.
Our Pick: Timberwolves +1
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Hornets
Grizzlies (21-10) at Pelicans (5-26)
Friday, 8 p.m. EST
The Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant’s fast-paced attack (4.2 fast-break points per game), head to New Orleans after winning seven of their last ten. Memphis piles up 123.7 points per contest, but the Pelicans can still make this competitive despite their struggles.
While New Orleans has lost five straight at home, they can cover the +7.5 spread by slowing the game down, protecting the ball, and capitalizing on the Grizzlies’ occasionally shaky defense. Even without key players like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, the Pelicans still average over 105 points per game and have enough firepower to keep it close in front of their home crowd.
Our Pick: Pelicans +7.5
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets
Cavaliers at Nuggets
Friday, 9 p.m. EST
The Cleveland Cavaliers kick off a four-game Western swing in Denver after winning five straight, fueled by rising star Evan Mobley and the potent backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Cleveland is missing key forwards Isaac Okoro (shoulder) and Dean Wade (knee), which could leave them vulnerable on the road.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets seek to avenge a December loss to the Cavs and have Nikola Jokic in MVP form, averaging 30.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 9.4 assists. Even with Aaron Gordon sidelined, Denver’s depth—plus home-court advantage—should be enough to cover the +3 spread. Expect Jamal Murray to bounce back from a slow return and help propel the Nuggets to a strong finish.
Our Pick: Nuggets +3
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns
Mavericks (without Luka) Visit Suns
Friday, 10 p.m. ET
The Dallas Mavericks start a four-game road trip in Phoenix without star Luka Doncic, who will be re-evaluated in a month after straining his calf on Christmas. Even though Dallas is 6-2 without Doncic this season—thanks to players like P.J. Washington stepping up—the Mavs face a tough challenge.
Phoenix is also missing Devin Booker (groin), but Kevin Durant (27 points vs. Denver) and Bradley Beal (27 points) just led the Suns to a big home win over the Nuggets. The team’s improved energy and defense suggest Phoenix can keep rolling, especially at home. Look for the Suns to cover the -1.5 spread behind Durant’s scoring and a renewed focus on hustle plays.
Our Pick: Suns -1.5
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Clippers Host Warriors Amid Key Absences
Friday, 10 p.m. ET
The Los Angeles Clippers welcome the Golden State Warriors in Inglewood on Friday with both teams dealing with notable absences. The Warriors will rest Stephen Curry on the front end of a back-to-back, while Draymond Green’s status (back contusion) remains in question. The Clippers are still awaiting Kawhi Leonard’s season debut as he works his way back from a knee issue.
Los Angeles has won three of its last four games, anchored by Norman Powell’s efficient scoring (29 points vs. Memphis) and James Harden’s all-around production (21 points, nine assists, eight boards). Ivica Zubac dominated inside against the Grizzlies with 20 points and 19 rebounds, helping the Clippers hold Memphis to just 20 points in the fourth quarter.
Even though the Warriors showed fight on Christmas, they’ve lost five of their last six. With Curry resting, the Clippers’ depth and defensive prowess should tilt this matchup in L.A.’s favor—making them a strong pick on the moneyline.
