NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Detroit Pistons
Blazers (12-22) at Pistons (17-18)
Monday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Blazers +6.5
The Pistons aim to build on a big win led by Cade Cunningham’s 40 points, while Portland seeks success away from home (4-14 on the road). Detroit is 8-8 at Little Caesars Arena and 6-10 in double-digit decisions, suggesting they’re not always pulling away by large margins.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers have been competitive in tight finishes (4-2 in games decided by fewer than four points) and feature Deni Avdija (13.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.2 apg) as a steady contributor. Even if Detroit’s offense remains potent, Portland’s ability to keep games close gives the Blazers a solid chance to cover the +6.5 spread.
Phoenix Suns vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Suns (15-18) at 76ers (14-19)
Monday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: 76ers ML
Philadelphia hosts Phoenix, looking to capitalize on a 7-3 surge over its last 10 games. Tyrese Maxey (25.2 ppg, 5.5 apg) fuels an offense that averages 113.1 points during this stretch, while holding opponents to just 111.2.
The Suns have lost three straight on the road and sit at 3-7 in their last 10, surrendering 115.5 points to opponents. Despite Devin Booker’s strong play (24.6 ppg, 6.6 apg), Phoenix’s defensive issues make them vulnerable away from home.
Back the 76ers on the moneyline, as they ride recent momentum and home-court advantage to outlast the Suns.
Indiana Pacers vs. Brooklyn Nets
Pacers (18-18) at Nets (13-22)
Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Nets +10.5
Brooklyn aims to end a five-game home skid against an Indiana squad that’s 7-3 over its last 10. Despite the Pacers’ high-scoring offense (118.0 ppg in that stretch), the Nets still have weapons in D’Angelo Russell (12.4 ppg, 5.0 apg) and a solid rotation—provided their day-to-day injuries cooperate.
Indiana’s defense allows opponents to shoot nearly 48%, so if Brooklyn finds its rhythm, it can keep the score close. With the Nets hungry to snap their slump at home, look for them to cover the +10.5 spread.
Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks
Magic (21-16) at Knicks (24-12)
Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Magic +12
New York hosts Orlando fresh off a 44-point performance from Karl-Anthony Towns in a 139-126 loss to Chicago. The Knicks (17-8 vs. the East) average 13.6 made threes, but the Magic (17-10 in conference play) can slow the pace and limit possessions.
Despite injuries to key players, Orlando’s defensive intensity (just 98.8 points allowed over its last 10) could frustrate the Knicks’ high-powered offense. Look for the Magic’s grit to keep them within the +12 spread at Madison Square Garden.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors
Bucks (17-16) at Raptors (8-27)
Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Raptors +7
Toronto hosts Milwaukee in an Eastern Conference battle. Despite a rough stretch (1-9 in their last 10), the Raptors dominate the offensive glass (12.4 ORPG), led by Jakob Poeltl’s 3.8 offensive rebounds. RJ Barrett (23.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 6.2 apg) also provides a solid scoring punch.
Meanwhile, the Bucks lean heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo (32.3 ppg, 11.6 rpg) and boast a league-leading 35.1 defensive rebounds. Still, Toronto’s hustle on the boards can disrupt Milwaukee enough to keep the final margin within single digits. Expect the Raptors to cover the +7 spread at home.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Chicago Bulls
Spurs (18-17) at Bulls (16-19)
Monday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Spurs -3
San Antonio heads to Chicago looking to improve on a 6-9 road record. The Spurs turn the ball over just 14.1 times per game and are 10-3 when winning the turnover battle. Meanwhile, the Bulls—despite Nikola Vucevic’s rebounding dominance (20.4 ppg, 10.1 rpg)—sit at just 6-11 at home.
With San Antonio allowing opponents only 45.3% shooting and nailing 13.5 threes per contest, expect the Spurs’ efficiency and ball security to help them cover the -3 spread on the road.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Mavericks (20-15) at Grizzlies (23-13)
Monday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Mavericks +4.5
Dallas arrives in Memphis looking to snap a four-game losing streak. Despite the slump, the Mavericks are still 4-2 within the Southwest Division and shoot an impressive 37.3% from deep—fourth in the West. Even if Luka Doncic (calf) remains out, Kyrie Irving (24.3 ppg) can keep the offense humming.
Memphis leans on Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and Desmond Bane’s playmaking (5.2 apg). However, the Grizzlies face several injuries, and Dallas’s perimeter attack can exploit those gaps. Count on the Mavs to cover the +4.5 spread, buoyed by their three-point efficiency.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Clippers (19-15) at Timberwolves (17-17)
Monday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Timberwolves -2
Minnesota looks to rebound at home after Anthony Edwards exploded for 53 points in a loss to Detroit. The Wolves, 14-10 against Western Conference foes, feature a stingy defense allowing just 108.0 points on 46.0% shooting—fifth best in the NBA.
Los Angeles (14-14 in the West) relies on Norman Powell (23.6 ppg), but faces a defense that can disrupt its rhythm. The Wolves’ balanced attack and home-court defense give them the edge, making Minnesota the pick to cover the -2 spread.
Miami Heat vs. Sacramento Kings
Heat (17-16) at Kings (17-19)
Monday, 10 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Kings -2.5
Sacramento is riding a four-game win streak, featuring a balanced offense shooting 47.7% from the field—outpacing the 46.5% Miami typically allows. The Kings hold a 9-6 mark in double-digit decisions and boast solid home-court momentum.
Meanwhile, the Heat are 7-9 on the road, scoring just 108.2 points over their last 10 games. Even with Tyler Herro (23.8 ppg) leading Miami’s offense, expect Sacramento’s recent success and efficient shooting to secure a victory, covering the -2.5 spread.
