NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat
Pacers (16-18) at Heat (17-14)
Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Heat -2
Tyler Herro (24.3 ppg) and the Heat host Tyrese Haliburton’s Pacers in a key Eastern Conference matchup. Miami (11-10 vs. the East) relies on Bam Adebayo’s work on the boards (7.5 defensive rebounds per game), helping anchor a defense that allows just 107.8 points over its last 10 games.
Indiana (9-14 vs. the East) finds success inside, scoring 50.6 paint points per game behind Pascal Siakam. However, the Pacers give up 116.9 points—well above Miami’s average of 111.3. Look for the Heat’s improved defense and home-court advantage to secure a win, covering the -2 spread.
Boston Celtics vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Celtics (24-9) at Timberwolves (17-15)
Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Celtics -3
Boston travels to Minnesota for a non-conference showdown, boasting an impressive 11-3 road record and scoring 119.6 points per game—significantly higher than the 107.4 the Timberwolves allow. Even with the Wolves’ solid home mark (9-6) and Anthony Edwards (24.8 ppg), the Celtics’ balanced offense, led by Jayson Tatum (28.3 ppg, 9.5 rpg), should give them the edge. Count on Boston to pull ahead and cover the -3 spread in Minneapolis.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Nets (12-21) at Bucks (17-14)
Thursday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Nets +13
Brooklyn aims to halt a three-game skid against a Milwaukee team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo (32.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg). Despite the Nets’ recent struggles, they still make 14.6 threes per game—slightly more than the Bucks typically allow.
With D’Angelo Russell (12.7 ppg, 4.8 apg) running the offense and facing a potentially shorthanded Milwaukee squad, Brooklyn can keep the contest closer than expected. Look for the Nets to cover the +13 spread by leveraging their perimeter shooting and creating just enough defense to stay in range.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Clippers (19-14) at Thunder (27-5)
Thursday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Clippers +11
Oklahoma City is on a roll with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pouring in 40 in the last game, leading the Thunder to a perfect 10-0 over their last 10. They sit atop the Western Conference, thriving off fast-break points (16.5 per game).
However, the Clippers still boast solid perimeter shooting (36.7% from three) and have Norman Powell (24.3 ppg) in top form. Even without Kawhi Leonard, L.A.’s steady defense and veteran presence can slow down OKC’s up-tempo attack enough to keep this matchup within range. Look for the Clippers to cover the +11 spread on the road.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Golden State Warriors
76ers (13-18) at Warriors (16-16)
Thursday, 10 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Warriors -3.5
Golden State (8-8 at home) hosts Philadelphia (8-9 on the road) in a cross-conference matchup. The Warriors have shown they can handle double-digit games (8-7 in contests decided by 10+ points) and boast Stephen Curry’s all-around play (22.0 ppg, 6.4 apg).
Even though Philadelphia has won 7 of its last 10, the Sixers are just 4-11 against winning teams and shoot 47.7% from the field—an area the Warriors can exploit with tight defense at home. Expect Golden State to maintain its edge and cover the -3.5 spread.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Trail Blazers (11-21) at Lakers (18-14)
Thursday, 10:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Lakers -7.5
Portland hopes to end a seven-game road skid, but they’re allowing 117.3 points per contest and face a Los Angeles team excelling in the paint (50.1 paint points per game). Anthony Davis (26.1 ppg, 11.6 rpg) dominates inside, fueling a Lakers offense that averages 112.9 points over its last 10 games.
Even though the Blazers boast Anfernee Simons (17.5 ppg, 4.9 apg), their defense has surrendered nearly 122 points per game in the last 10. Expect L.A.’s balanced attack to control the pace and cover the -7.5 spread at home.
