NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Phoenix Suns vs. Charlotte Hornets
Suns (16-18) at Hornets (7-27)
Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Suns -3.5
Charlotte aims to break a 10-game skid, but the Hornets (5-13 at home) shoot just 42.6%—nearly four percentage points below what the Suns allow. Phoenix, despite a 3-7 stretch, ranks among the league’s better teams in made threes (14.2 per game) and sports a solid 4-2 record in tight contests decided by fewer than four points.
Led by Devin Booker’s well-rounded game (24.1 ppg, 6.7 apg), the Suns should exploit the Hornets’ offensive woes and dominate from beyond the arc. Expect Phoenix to cover the -3.5 spread on the road.
Houston Rockets vs. Washington Wizards
Rockets (23-12) at Wizards (6-27)
Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Rockets -10.5
Houston aims to extend its three-game road win streak against a Washington team that’s 5-14 at home, allowing 121.8 points and being outscored by nearly 13 per contest. While the Rockets only dish out 21.7 assists per game, they hold opponents to just 106.7 points—far fewer than the Wizards’ 108.9 scoring average.
With Alperen Sengun (18.8 ppg, 10.4 rpg) leading a solid Houston defense, expect the Rockets to cover the -10.5 spread against a struggling Wizards squad missing key contributors.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
Mavericks (20-16) vs. Lakers (20-15)
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Mavericks +6
Dallas hopes to snap a five-game skid, but still boasts strong defensive rebounding (33.9 per game), especially if Luka Doncic (7.6 DREB) plays. Even with notable injuries, the Mavericks can rely on Kyrie Irving’s scoring punch (24.3 ppg) to keep pace.
Though the Lakers have performed well against the West (16-8), they’re only 8-11 vs. teams above .500 and could be shorthanded with Anthony Davis and LeBron James listed as day-to-day. Look for Dallas to capitalize on any weakened Lakers lineup and cover the +6 spread at home.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Timberwolves (18-17) at Pelicans (7-29)
Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Timberwolves -5.5
Minnesota heads to New Orleans, boasting a 15-10 record against Western Conference opponents. Anthony Edwards (25.6 ppg) drives the Timberwolves’ offense, which averages 15.1 threes per game—slightly more than the Pelicans allow.
New Orleans struggles within the West (3-17), and though Yves Missi pulls down 3.8 offensive boards per contest, the Pelicans’ overall shooting (44.2%) lags behind Minnesota’s defensive capabilities (45.9% allowed). Expect the Timberwolves’ solid shooting and Edwards’ scoring punch to secure a win, covering the -5.5 spread.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Utah Jazz
Hawks (18-18) at Jazz (9-25)
Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Jazz +6.5
Utah hopes to defend its home floor and snap Atlanta’s three-game road skid. Despite allowing a league-high 118.4 points, the Jazz can lean on John Collins (17.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg) to spark offense. Meanwhile, the Hawks (8-11 away) rely on Jalen Johnson (19.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg) but have struggled with consistency on the road.
Look for Utah’s frontcourt to force enough stops to keep this one tight. With Atlanta’s road woes, the Jazz have a solid shot at covering the +6.5 spread.
Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets
Celtics (26-10) at Nuggets (20-14)
Tuesday, 10 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Nuggets +5
Nikola Jokic erupted for 46 points in Denver’s OT win over the Spurs, showcasing why the Nuggets (10-6 at home) can challenge Boston. Denver’s star center averages 31.5 points, 13 rebounds, and 9.7 assists, also leading a strong defensive rebounding unit (34.4 per game).
While the Celtics (13-4 on the road) boast Jayson Tatum (28.1 ppg, 9.4 rpg), they face a high-octane Nuggets offense that averages 124.5 points over its last 10. Look for Denver’s home-court advantage and Jokic’s all-around dominance to keep this game close—and cover the +5 spread.
Miami Heat vs. Golden State Warriors
Heat (17-16) at Warriors (18-17)
Tuesday, 10 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Warriors ML
Golden State hosts Miami in a cross-conference tilt. The Warriors, boasting a solid home mark (10-9), lead the NBA in offensive rebounds (12.7 per game), thanks to Kevon Looney’s hustle. Meanwhile, the Heat struggle in tight finishes (2-6 in one-possession games) and face a Warriors offense that makes 15.2 threes a night.
Stephen Curry (22.5 ppg, 6.3 apg) gives Golden State a lethal edge at home, making the moneyline a smart choice for bettors. Expect the Dubs to protect their home floor and secure the win.
