NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Celtics (26-9) at Thunder (29-5)
Sunday, 3:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Thunder -2
Oklahoma City looks to keep rolling at home (16-2) and extend its five-game home streak. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 6.1 apg) powers an offense that has dominated opponents by double digits (22-1 in games decided by 10+).
Boston is strong on the road (13-3) and relies on Jayson Tatum (28.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg), but the Thunder’s momentum and electric home court give them the edge. Expect OKC to cover the -2 spread.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Hornets (7-26) at Cavaliers (30-4)
Sunday, 6 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Hornets +15.5
Cleveland is cruising atop the East, led by Donovan Mitchell (23.4 ppg) and a potent offense hitting 16.4 threes per game. Meanwhile, Charlotte hopes to snap a five-game road skid behind LaMelo Ball’s prolific scoring (30.1 ppg) and the league’s fourth-best offensive rebounding unit (12.8 ORPG).
Though the Cavs appear dominant, the Hornets’ hustle on the boards can generate enough second-chance points to keep things closer than expected. Look for Charlotte to cover the +15.5 spread.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Washington Wizards
Pelicans (6-29) at Wizards (6-26)
Sunday, 6 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Wizards +5
Washington hosts a New Orleans team that just saw CJ McCollum explode for 50 points in a 132-120 win—ironically against the Wizards. However, the Pelicans are only 1-15 on the road this season, while Washington (5-13 at home) looks to break through defensively, despite allowing 122.2 points per game.
Jordan Poole (21.8 ppg, 5.0 apg) leads the Wizards, who can lean on their home crowd and newfound motivation to contain a Pelicans squad giving up 118.0 points on average. Expect Washington to take advantage of the Pelicans’ road struggles and cover the +5 spread at home.
Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic
Jazz (8-25) at Magic (21-15)
Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Magic -6
Orlando boasts a 13-4 mark at home and leads the East in defense, surrendering just 103.4 points per contest. The Jazz, meanwhile, allow a Western Conference–worst 119.2 points on nearly 48% shooting. Despite injuries to key players like Paolo Banchero, the Magic’s disciplined defense and strong home-court advantage should be enough to cover the -6 spread against Utah, which has struggled on the road (6-13).
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
Lakers (19-14) at Rockets (22-12)
Sunday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Lakers +4.5
Los Angeles seeks its fourth straight road win, visiting a Houston team shooting a league-low 32.5% from three. Despite the Rockets’ solid record in Western Conference play (14-8), they rely heavily on Alperen Sengun’s interior presence (18.9 ppg, 10.6 rpg).
Meanwhile, the Lakers (16-7 vs. the West) rack up 15.9 fast-break points per game—sixth in the conference—fueled by LeBron James (4.6 FBP). Even with some key injuries, L.A.’s balanced offense and current road momentum make them a strong bet to cover the +4.5 spread in Houston.
Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors
Kings (16-19) at Warriors (18-16)
Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Warriors -3
Sacramento brings a three-game winning streak into Golden State, but the Warriors (1-5 in division play) look to defend their home floor. Led by Stephen Curry (22.3 ppg, 6.5 apg), the Warriors shoot 45%—just below the 46.6% the Kings allow. Meanwhile, Domantas Sabonis (20.5 ppg, 13.7 rpg, 6.1 apg) spearheads a surging Sacramento offense.
Despite the Kings’ recent momentum, Golden State’s home-court edge and deeper scoring threats make them a solid bet to cover the -3 spread. Expect the Warriors’ balance and experience to outlast Sacramento in a competitive matchup.
