NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics
Raptors (7-25) at Celtics (23-9)
Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Raptors +16.5
Boston sits second in the East with a high-octane attack (119.5 ppg), powered by Jayson Tatum’s 28.5 points per game. However, Toronto—though on a tough stretch—ranks third in the conference in fast-break scoring (17.2 ppg) behind RJ Barrett and can use that uptempo style to keep things closer than expected.
Despite their defensive lapses, the Raptors’ speed and Jakob Poeltl’s rebounding presence (15.4 ppg, 10.9 rpg) give them a fighting chance to stay within the +16.5 spread against a Celtics squad missing key contributors (Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis).
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers
Bucks (16-14) at Pacers (16-17)
Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Pacers +1.5
Indiana and Milwaukee clash in an Eastern Conference tilt. The Pacers are shooting a sizzling 48.8% from the field, outpacing the 45.3% the Bucks allow. Tyrese Haliburton (17.8 ppg, 8.7 apg) leads an Indiana squad that has gone 7-3 over its last 10, averaging nearly 118 points in that span.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee is 5-5 in its last 10 and faces uncertainty around Giannis Antetokounmpo (32.7 ppg), who’s day-to-day with an illness. Expect the Pacers’ hot offense and home-court edge to keep this close, making Indiana a strong pick to cover the +1.5 spread.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs
Clippers (19-13) at Spurs (16-16)
Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Spurs -4.5
The Clippers ride a three-game winning streak into San Antonio, but the Spurs (13-13 in Western Conference play) pose a tough challenge. Behind Chris Paul’s steady leadership (9.5 ppg) and solid team defense, San Antonio has shown it can score (111.7 ppg over its last 10) and dictate the tempo on its home floor.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles (14-12 vs. the West) may be without Kawhi Leonard, and although Norman Powell (24.6 ppg) has been efficient, the Clippers face a Spurs team looking to tighten up defensively after giving up 112 points per contest. Expect San Antonio’s balanced attack and home-court spark to help the Spurs cover the -4.5 spread.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Timberwolves (17-14) at Thunder (26-5)
Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Thunder -6.5
The Thunder have been on a tear, going 10-0 in their last 10 and boasting a stifling defense that allows just 101.6 points per game. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-level play (31 ppg, 6.2 apg), Oklahoma City is 17-5 against the West and sits atop the conference.
Although Minnesota has won three straight, the Timberwolves (109.3 ppg) will struggle to keep pace with OKC’s efficient offense (46.6% shooting) and relentless pressure. Expect the Thunder’s balanced attack and momentum to help them cover the -6.5 spread at home.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns
Grizzlies (22-11) at Suns (15-16)
Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Suns ML
Phoenix hosts Memphis in a key Western Conference showdown. The Suns (13-9 in conference play) shoot 46.8% from the floor—well above the 44.2% the Grizzlies typically allow. Kevin Durant (27.7 ppg on 50.9% shooting) leads an offense capable of matching Memphis’s high-scoring pace.
Although the Grizzlies have been pouring in 123.4 points per game, they’re missing multiple key players, including Ja Morant. With Phoenix playing at home, betting the Suns moneyline is your best pick, especially given their strong record (4-2) in close games.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Cavaliers (28-4) at Lakers (18-13)
Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Lakers +5
Cleveland aims to extend its seven-game winning streak, boasting an impressive 11-3 road mark. The Cavaliers rely on strong defensive rebounding (34.1 per game) led by Jarrett Allen (7.7), plus an explosive offense averaging 122.4 points.
However, the Lakers are 10-4 at home and have Anthony Davis (26.0 ppg, 11.5 rpg) anchoring both ends. Despite the Cavs’ high-scoring numbers, Los Angeles has held its last 10 opponents to around 112 points per game—just enough defensive grit to keep this matchup tight. Expect the Lakers’ home-court edge to help them cover the +5 spread.
