NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Raptors (8-29) at Cavaliers (32-4)
Thursday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Raptors +14
Cleveland seeks its 10th straight home win behind a high-powered offense shooting 50.4% from the field. Evan Mobley (18.9 ppg, 57.3% FG) anchors a frontcourt that grabs 34.1 defensive rebounds per game.
However, Toronto—led by RJ Barrett (23.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg)—has enough scoring to stay within the +14 spread. Even though the Raptors have struggled, they can lean on Barrett’s offense and a sense of urgency against a Cavs squad that might overlook them. Expect Toronto to cover in a closer battle than most anticipate.
Golden State Warriors vs. Detroit Pistons
Warriors (18-18) at Pistons (19-18)
Thursday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Warriors -3
Detroit (9-8 at home) looks to extend a four-game home winning streak, leaning on Cade Cunningham’s all-around game (24 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 9.3 apg). However, Golden State’s defense allows just 111.1 points, and the Warriors have enough scoring punch to break through, even away from home.
Despite injuries, Golden State’s balanced offense (111.8 ppg) can keep pace with a Pistons team that’s 8-12 against winning opponents. Expect the Warriors’ experience and defensive discipline to help them cover the -3 spread on the road.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic
Timberwolves (19-17) at Magic (22-16)
Thursday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Magic +5.5
Orlando (13-5 at home) looks to flex its rebounding prowess (10.9 offensive boards per game) led by Goga Bitadze’s energy inside. Though Minnesota boasts a stingy defense (107.7 ppg allowed), the Magic’s frontcourt depth and strong home record make them tough to beat in Orlando.
Expect the Magic to lean on Franz Wagner’s dynamic scoring (24.4 ppg) and hustle on the glass to cover the +5.5 spread.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks
Trail Blazers (13-23) at Mavericks (21-16)
Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Mavericks -7.5
Dallas hosts Portland in a key Western Conference clash. The Mavericks, 15-13 against West foes, boast a solid home-court advantage and plenty of scoring threats—even without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers’ defense allows 116.4 points, matching what Dallas averages offensively.
Though Portland has played well in close games (4-3 in contests decided by fewer than four points), the Mavs’ well-rounded roster and defensive edge (allowing just 109.5 points over their last 10) give Dallas enough firepower to cover the -7.5 spread.
Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Rockets (24-12) at Grizzlies (24-13)
Thursday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Grizzlies -2.5
Memphis welcomes Houston, which is on a four-game road win streak. The Grizzlies (11-10 in the West) lean on Jaren Jackson Jr.’s two-way play (22.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.6 bpg), while dominating the glass with a league-high 35.8 defensive rebounds.
Though the Rockets thrive in tight games (3-3 in one-possession contests) and boast a stout defense (106.8 ppg allowed), they’ll have their hands full against a Memphis offense scoring 125.7 over the last 10 games. Look for the Grizzlies to cover the -2.5 spread at home, backed by their rebounding edge and explosive scoring.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Phoenix Suns
Hawks (19-18) at Suns (16-19)
Thursday, 9 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Hawks +6.5
Devin Booker and the Suns (10-8 at home) look to rebound after a tough 2-8 stretch. However, Phoenix is just 5-9 in double-digit decisions, which could open the door for Atlanta. The Hawks lead the East in paint scoring (55.0 ppg), anchored by Jalen Johnson’s presence inside.
With Trae Young’s dynamic playmaking (22.6 ppg, 12.2 apg) and a capable supporting cast, Atlanta can exploit the Suns’ recent struggles and cover the +6.5 spread on the road.
Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz
Heat (18-17) at Jazz (9-26)
Thursday, 9 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Heat -5.5
Utah looks to snap an eight-game home losing streak, but faces a Miami squad that’s 10-6 in double-digit games. The Jazz (2-13 at home) give up 118.5 points and have been outscored by nearly seven per contest.
Meanwhile, the Heat—led by Terry Rozier (12.1 ppg)—have a solid track record on the road (8-10) and can exploit Utah’s porous defense. Expect Miami’s steady offense and experience to help them cover the -5.5 spread in Salt Lake City.
