NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons
Magic (20-14) at Pistons (14-18)
Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Magic +2
Detroit hosts an Orlando team that’s 16-9 against Eastern Conference foes and ranks fourth in the East. The Pistons crash the offensive boards (11.1 per game), thanks to Jalen Duren’s presence inside, but they also allow 115.2 points on average—a concern against a scrappy Magic squad.
Orlando, led by Goga Bitadze’s efficient 65.6% shooting, has held opponents to just 104.7 points over its last 10. Despite a few key injuries, the Magic’s depth and defense give them an edge. Expect Orlando to keep it close and cover the +2 spread.
Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards
Bulls (15-18) at Wizards (5-25)
Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Bulls -6
Chicago heads to Washington after a 115-108 overtime win against Charlotte, riding momentum in its push up the Eastern Conference standings. The Bulls (13-11 in conference matchups) are second in the East in fast-break points (17.6 per game), driven by Zach LaVine’s athleticism.
Meanwhile, the Wizards have struggled mightily, going 4-17 against the East. Though Washington grabs offensive boards (10.5 per game), the team’s defense allows 14.3 made threes per contest—potentially problematic against a Bulls squad averaging 16.5. Expect Chicago’s speed and outside shooting to carry them to a comfortable victory, covering the -6 spread.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Miami Heat
Pelicans (5-28) at Heat (16-14)
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Heat -8.5
New Orleans has dropped 10 in a row and is just 1-14 on the road, struggling on both ends of the court. Meanwhile, Miami is 9-5 at home and an impressive 8-4 in double-digit contests, showing it can pull away from opponents.
Tyler Herro (24 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.2 apg) spearheads a balanced Heat attack, which averages 111.0 points—plenty to exploit the Pelicans’ leaky defense (117.9 ppg allowed). With New Orleans lacking key players and facing yet another tough road game, expect Miami to cover the -8.5 spread comfortably.
Utah Jazz vs. New York Knicks
Jazz (7-24) at Knicks (23-10)
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Jazz +12.5
Utah looks to snap a four-game skid in New York, where the Knicks shine with a 10-4 home record and average 117.8 points on nearly 50% shooting. However, the Jazz excel at snagging offensive boards (11.8 per game), led by Walker Kessler’s hustle, and they’ve been hitting 13.9 threes per contest—slightly above what the Knicks concede.
Even though Karl-Anthony Towns (24.7 ppg, 13.5 rpg) leads a potent Knicks attack, John Collins (17.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg) and Utah’s rebounding edge could keep this one closer than expected. Look for the Jazz to cover the +12.5 spread.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors
Nets (12-20) at Raptors (7-26)
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Raptors -2
Toronto aims to end a seven-game home skid against a Nets team that’s also struggled, going 1-5 in division matchups and being outscored by five points per game. The Raptors (3-13 in double-digit games) have Jakob Poeltl anchoring the paint (15.1 ppg, 10.9 rpg) and should benefit from Brooklyn’s 45.2% shooting—lower than the 47.1% Toronto typically allows.
Despite recent woes, the Raptors can exploit the Nets’ inconsistent defense and protect home court. Look for Toronto to cover the -2 spread by controlling the boards, limiting mistakes, and capitalizing on Brooklyn’s shooting struggles.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets
Mavericks (20-13) at Rockets (21-11)
Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Rockets ML
The Rockets (6-1 in the Southwest Division) host a banged-up Mavericks squad missing stars like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Alperen Sengun (18.9 ppg, 49.1% FG) leads a Houston offense that averages 113.0 points and outscores opponents by 6.4 per game. Meanwhile, Dallas’s scoring punch takes a big hit without its top players. Despite the Mavs typically putting up 117.1 points, the Rockets’ stingy defense (allowing 106.6 ppg) should prevail at home. With Houston’s strong divisional record and the Mavs’ injury woes, betting the Rockets moneyline is your best play.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets
Hawks (18-15) at Nuggets (18-13)
Wednesday, 9 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Hawks +6
Atlanta aims to push its win streak to five, powered by Trae Young (22.0 ppg) and an offense averaging 120.7 points over the last 10. The Hawks (8-8 away) face a tough road test against a Denver squad (9-5 at home) led by Nikola Jokic’s near triple-double averages (31 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 9.5 apg).
Though the Nuggets shoot a league-best 50.1% from the field, Atlanta’s balanced scoring and improved defense can keep the contest close. With momentum on their side, look for the Hawks to cover the +6 spread in this fast-paced, high-scoring showdown.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Sacramento Kings
76ers (12-17) at Kings (14-19)
Wednesday, 10 p.m. ET
Our Pick: 76ers +6.5
Philadelphia rides a three-game win streak into Sacramento, boasting an 8-8 road record and showing it can win close contests (2-1 in games decided by fewer than 4 points). Meanwhile, the Kings are just 7-12 at home and have struggled in tight finishes (2-6 in games decided by 3 or fewer).
Led by Kelly Oubre Jr.’s scoring (12.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and a defense allowing only 108.1 points over the last nine games, the 76ers can keep this one tight. Expect Philadelphia’s momentum and road toughness to help them cover the +6.5 spread against the inconsistent Kings.
