NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Charlotte Hornets vs. Detroit Pistons
Hornets (7-25) at Pistons (15-18)
Friday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Pistons -6.5
Charlotte aims to snap a four-game road skid but faces a Detroit team that averages 17 fast-break points (eighth in the league) led by Jaden Ivey. The Hornets have struggled in big-margin games (1-13 when decided by 10+ points) and shoot just 42.7%âwell below the 47.3% the Pistons allow.
Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham (23.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 9.7 apg) powers a Pistons squad scoring 112.0 points per contest. Given the Hornetsâ recent form (1-9 in their last 10), expect Detroit to stay in control and cover the -6.5 spread at home.
Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors
Magic (20-15) at Raptors (8-26)
Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Raptors +1.5
Toronto hosts Orlando, eager to snap its three-game home skid. The Raptors, led by RJ Barrett (23.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 6.2 apg), face a Magic team that struggles from beyond the arc (just 30.6%). Despite their overall record, the Magic have lost three straight on the road and may find it tough to pull away in a tight contest. Look for the Raptors to lean on their home-court energy and cover the +1.5 spread.
Boston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets
Celtics (25-9) at Rockets (22-11)
Friday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Rockets +2
Alperen Sengun (19.1 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 5.1 apg) leads a Houston squad thatâs 12-5 at home and boasts one of the leagueâs stingiest defenses (allowing 106.4 points on 43.9% shooting). The Celtics, guided by Jayson Tatumâs 28.5 points per game, rank eighth in the East in assists and bring a high-powered offense.
Still, Houstonâs strong home record and defensive grit should keep this game tight. Look for the Rockets to cover the +2 spread.
Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Wizards (6-25) at Pelicans (5-29)
Friday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Wizards +7
Washington looks to end a 12-game road skid against a struggling New Orleans squad (0-10 in its last 10). The Pelicans allow opponents to shoot 48.6%, while the Wizardsâdespite their recordâcan still capitalize on Jordan Pooleâs 21.7 points and a strong rebounding presence (33.6 defensive boards per game).
Even though New Orleans hits the glass hard (12.4 offensive rebounds), its defense has given up 121.5 points on average during this losing streak. Expect Washingtonâs scoring and defensive rebounding to keep this one within striking distance and cover the +7 spread.
New York Knicks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Knicks (24-10) at Thunder (28-5)
Friday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Knicks +5
Oklahoma City looks to extend its eight-game win streak, fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderâs stellar play (31.2 ppg). The Thunder average 115.4 points on 46.7% shooting at home, where theyâve gone 15-2.
However, the Knicks are just as hot, boasting a 9-1 record over their last 10 while scoring 118.2 points and shooting nearly 50% from the field. Karl-Anthony Towns (24.9 ppg, 13.7 rpg) anchors an explosive offense, and New Yorkâs ability to share the ball (28.0 assists per game) keeps opponents off-balance.
Even with the Thunderâs strong defense, expect the Knicksâ efficient attack and recent momentum to keep the contest tightâmaking them a solid bet to cover the +5 spread.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Dallas Mavericks
Cavaliers (29-4) at Mavericks (20-14)
Friday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Mavericks +7.5
Cleveland has been dominant on the road (12-3), putting up 122.4 points per game and winning by an average of nearly 12. However, Dallas is no pushover at home, boasting a 10-5 record in its own building. Even without Luka Doncic, the Mavericks have Kyrie Irving (24.3 ppg) to lead the offense, and Dallasâs defense allows just 111.4 pointsâgood enough to keep this matchup within single digits. Look for the Mavericks to cover the +7.5 spread on their home court.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Denver Nuggets
Spurs (17-16) at Nuggets (19-13)
Friday, 9 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Nuggets ML
The Nuggets enter on a three-game win streak, keyed by their league-leading 31.7 assists per gameâfueled by Nikola Jokic (9.7 apg). Denverâs ball movement and high-octane offense make them an intimidating opponent at home.
Despite Victor Wembanyamaâs impressive play for San Antonio (25.6 ppg, 10 rpg, 3.9 bpg), the Spurs face a scorching Nuggets offense thatâs averaged 126.3 points over the last 10 contests. Betting on Denverâs moneyline is the smart move, as their balanced attack and home-court advantage should carry them to another victory.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings
Grizzlies (23-11) at Kings (15-19)
Friday, 10 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Kings -2.5
Sacramento (11-14 vs. the West) hosts Memphis in a key conference clash. The Kings rely on DeâAaron Foxâs dynamic scoring (26.8 ppg) and Domantas Sabonisâs glass-cleaning (13.8 rpg) to spark an offense that averages 113.3 points in its last 10 games.
Memphis has been explosive, scoring 127.7 per contest over its last 10. However, with several key players sidelined or questionable, the Grizzlies could be vulnerable on the road. Look for the Kingsâ rebounding advantage and home-court energy to help them cover the -2.5 spread.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Hawks (18-16) at Lakers (18-14)
Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Lakers -3
Los Angeles (11-5 at home) squares off against an Atlanta team that leads the East in rebounding (45.8 per game). The Hawks rely on Trae Youngâs playmaking (22.3 ppg, 12 apg), but the Lakersâ Anthony Davis (26.1 ppg, 11.6 rpg) anchors both ends for a squad limiting opponents to just 108.4 points in its last nine contests.
Despite Atlantaâs rebounding edge, L.A.âs strong home record and defensive tenacity give the Lakers a solid advantage. Expect them to cover the -3 spread at home.
