NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets
Bulls (14-18) at Hornets (7-24)
Monday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Bulls -4.5
The Hornets stumble into this matchup on a seven-game losing streak and rank just 6-21 in Eastern Conference play. Charlotte struggles offensively, shooting only 42.7% from the field, and faces a Chicago team that can exploit defensive lapses.
Chicago, led by Nikola Vucevic (20.7 points, 9.9 rebounds), has a solid 12-11 record against the East. Despite allowing 121.4 points per game, the Bulls have enough scoring and experience to outlast a Hornets squad in free fall. Expect Chicago to cover the -4.5 spread on the road.
New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards
Knicks (22-10) at Wizards (5-24)
Monday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Wizards +11.5
Jalen Brunson erupted for 55 points in New York’s 136-132 OT win over Washington last time out, and the Knicks sit third in the East, scoring 117.6 points per game on 49.9% shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns (24.5 points, 13.5 rebounds) adds to their balanced attack.
However, the Wizards—led by Jonas Valanciunas (11.5 points, 8.0 rebounds) and a strong offensive rebounding unit—can keep this closer than expected. They collect 10.4 offensive boards per game and have the size to limit second-chance opportunities for the Knicks. Look for Washington to build on its hustle on the glass and cover the +11.5 spread at home.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Clippers (18-13) at Pelicans (5-27)
Monday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Clippers -4.5
The Pelicans have dropped nine straight and struggle in big-margin games (1-18 when decided by 10+ points). Meanwhile, the Clippers (13-12 vs. the West) average 109.4 points and outscore opponents by 2.3 points per game. Even with Kawhi Leonard sidelined, James Harden (21.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 8.1 assists) leads a balanced offense that should capitalize on New Orleans’ depleted lineup. Expect L.A. to cover the -4.5 spread on the road.
Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz
Nuggets (17-13) at Jazz (7-23)
Monday, 9 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Jazz +7.5
The Jazz look to snap a three-game skid at home against a potent Denver offense (120.1 PPG). Despite a tough stretch, Utah remains a top-10 rebounding team (44.9 RPG) led by Walker Kessler, and they average nearly 14 made threes per game—just shy of Denver’s 14.0 allowed.
Lauri Markkanen (19.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG) provides consistent scoring, and the Jazz’s ability to compete on the boards and stretch the floor should help them stay within the +7.5 spread against a Nuggets squad dealing with injuries. Expect Utah to fight hard on its home court to keep it close.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
Cavaliers (27-4) at Warriors (16-15)
Monday, 10 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Warriors +4.5
Cleveland arrives on a six-game win streak, leading the East at 122.7 points per contest. Donovan Mitchell (23.6 ppg) fuels an offense shooting over 50%. However, Golden State’s home court (8-7) and Dennis Schroder’s steady play (16.4 ppg, 6.1 apg) give the Warriors enough firepower to keep this one tight. Despite recent struggles, look for the Warriors’ energy in front of their fans to help them cover the +4.5 spread.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
76ers (12-17) at Trail Blazers (11-20)
Monday, 10 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Blazers +6.5
The Trail Blazers look to extend their three-game home winning streak behind Deni Avdija (13.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg), hoping to control the pace and limit turnovers (15.4 per game). Portland is a respectable 8-7 at home and 7-6 when winning the turnover battle.
Philadelphia, though 7-8 on the road, has struggled in blowouts (4-11 in games decided by 10+ points). Tyrese Maxey (26 ppg, 5.4 apg, 2.0 spg) headlines the Sixers’ offense, but the Blazers’ focus on protecting home court could keep this close. Expect Portland to cover the +6.5 spread.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Sacramento Kings
Mavericks (20-12) at Kings (13-18)
Monday, 10 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Mavericks +7
Dallas heads to Sacramento after Kyrie Irving’s 46-point effort in a close loss to the Blazers. Even with Luka Doncic (calf) sidelined, the Mavericks still rank fifth in the West in fast-break scoring (16.3 per game) and sit at 14-10 in conference play.
Meanwhile, Sacramento (10-14 vs. the West) boasts a high-octane offense led by De’Aaron Fox (26.2 ppg), but the Kings have been inconsistent, posting a 3-6 mark over their last nine contests. The Mavs’ solid recent form (6-4 in their last 10) and Irving’s scoring punch give Dallas a strong chance to stay within the +7 spread on the road.
