NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks
Heat (15-13) at Hawks (16-15)
Saturday, 3 p.m. ET
Trae Young and the Hawks welcome the Miami Heat in a key Eastern Conference matchup. Atlanta is 11-7 against East rivals, scoring nearly 120 points per game—but giving up almost as many. Still, their home-court advantage and Young’s playmaking (22 points, 12.1 assists) tip the scales in their favor.
Miami is no slouch, ranking fourth in the East in three-point shooting (37.8%). However, the Hawks shoot 46.5% from the field—slightly better than Miami’s opponents typically manage—and they’re also used to high-scoring affairs.
Expect Atlanta’s explosive offense to power them to victory. Taking the Hawks on the moneyline is the best bet.
Our Pick: Hawks ML
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Charlotte Hornets
Thunder (24-5) at Hornets (7-23)
Saturday, 6 p.m. ET
The Thunder head into Charlotte fresh off a 45-point outburst by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in their 120-114 win over Indiana. Oklahoma City boasts a stellar 12-3 road record and has cruised to a 9-1 mark in its last 10 games—outscoring opponents by nearly 14 points per contest in that span.
Meanwhile, the struggling Hornets are just 5-11 at home and have lost nine of their last 10. Despite LaMelo Ball’s scoring surge (30.1 points per game), Charlotte’s offense hasn’t been enough to keep pace.
Expect the Thunder’s balanced attack and road toughness to overwhelm the Hornets, making OKC a strong bet to cover the -11.5 spread.
Our Pick: Thunder -11.5
New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards
Knicks (21-10) at Wizards (5-23)
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
The Knicks carry a six-game winning streak into Washington, with Karl-Anthony Towns (24.3 points, 13.5 rebounds) leading the way. However, the Wizards—despite their struggles—still offer value at +13. Jordan Poole (21.3 points, 5 assists) could spark a competitive showing at home, and Washington’s frontcourt has enough size to disrupt New York’s rhythm. Expect the Wizards to keep it closer than expected and cover the spread.
Our Pick: Wizards +13
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls
Bucks (16-13) at Bulls (13-18)
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET
The Bulls enter Saturday’s matchup with three straight losses, despite leading the East in fast-break scoring (17.6 per game) behind Zach LaVine’s 4.6. Meanwhile, the Bucks—5-4 in Central Division play—should have enough offensive punch, led by Damian Lillard (25.7 points), to outlast Chicago.
Even though the Bulls shoot 47.0% from the field, Milwaukee’s solid defense (holding opponents to 45.2%) and superior depth give them the edge. Expect the Bucks to cover the -3.5 spread against a struggling Chicago squad.
Our Pick: Bucks -3.5
Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors
Suns (15-15) at Warriors (15-15)
Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Golden State hopes to halt its three-game skid at home, but Stephen Curry (knee) and Draymond Green (back) are both day-to-day. The Warriors have struggled offensively, shooting just 44.8% from the field, while the Suns hit 46.9% and get a big boost from Kevin Durant (27.5 points, 6.4 rebounds). Even with Devin Booker (groin) questionable, Phoenix’s balanced attack should keep this close. Take the Suns to cover +6.5.
Our Pick: Suns +6.5
Detroit Pistons vs. Denver Nuggets
Pistons (14-17) at Nuggets (16-13)
Saturday, 9 p.m. ET
The Pistons visit Denver on a three-game win streak, but the Nuggets have been strong at home (8-5) and lead the NBA in assists (31.1) behind Nikola Jokic (30.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, 9.5 assists). Denver’s offense is hitting 49.8% from the field—well above what Detroit usually allows. Expect the Nuggets, with Jokic’s MVP-level play and their efficient ball movement, to cover the -5.5 spread.
Our Pick: Nuggets -5.5
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Utah Jazz
76ers (11-17) at Jazz (7-22)
Saturday, 9:30 p.m. ET
Utah is looking to snap a five-game home skid, leaning on John Collins (17.7 points, 8.2 rebounds) and its three-point shooting (14.0 made threes per game) to keep Philadelphia within reach. The 76ers give up 110.5 points per contest and have a losing road record (6-8), suggesting they’re vulnerable away from home.
Despite recent struggles, the Jazz can stay competitive with their perimeter offense—especially against a Philly team that allows 13.4 threes per game. Expect Utah’s home crowd and timely shooting to help them keep it close, making the Jazz a solid pick to cover the +7 spread.
Our Pick: Jazz +7
Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Mavericks (20-11) at Trail Blazers (10-20)
Saturday, 10 p.m. ET
Dallas heads to Portland looking to extend its strong Western Conference play (14-9). Even if Luka Doncic (calf) is out, the Mavericks can lean on depth and defensive focus—holding opponents to an average of 110.3 points over their last 10 games.
Portland struggles to contain opponents (116.9 points allowed) and has been outscored by 9.3 points per game. While Deni Avdija (13 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists) shows promise, the Blazers’ 2-8 stretch signals trouble. Expect the Mavs’ balanced attack to prevail and cover the -4.5 spread.
Our Pick: Mavericks -4.5
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Kings (13-18) at Lakers (17-13)
Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET
The Kings look to end a five-game losing skid on the road against a Lakers team that’s 5-2 in divisional play. Led by Anthony Davis (25.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.1 blocks), Los Angeles shoots 47.0% from the field—slightly better than what Sacramento usually allows.
Meanwhile, the Kings are 2-5 against Pacific Division rivals and have struggled in tight games (2-6 in contests decided by three points or fewer). Expect the Lakers’ balanced attack and home-court advantage to help them cover the -1.5 spread.
