NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Golden State Warriors vs. Indiana Pacers
Warriors (19-18) at Pacers (20-18)
Friday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Warriors +11
Indiana seeks its fifth straight win behind a high-powered offense led by Tyrese Haliburton (18.4 ppg, 8.9 apg). The Pacers (10-6 at home) average 115.6 points—4.7 more than the Warriors allow.
Still, Golden State (9-8 on the road) keeps opponents to 110.9 points and boasts Dennis Schroder (15.5 ppg, 6.0 apg) fueling a balanced attack. Despite Indiana’s momentum, the Warriors’ road toughness and defensive discipline make them a good bet to cover the +11 spread in Indianapolis.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
Bucks (19-16) at Magic (22-17)
Friday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Magic +6.5
Orlando (18-10 vs. the East) hosts Milwaukee in a key conference clash. The Magic hold opponents to just 103.2 points per game, which could disrupt the Bucks’ typically potent offense (113.0 ppg). With Jalen Suggs (16.4 ppg) leading the way, Orlando’s defensive intensity and home-court advantage give them a solid chance to stay within the +6.5 spread. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s star power, the Magic’s ability to control the pace and limit scoring makes them a sneaky pick to cover.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Pelicans (7-31) at 76ers (15-20)
Friday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: 76ers -7
Tyrese Maxey (25.5 ppg, 5.7 apg) leads a Philadelphia squad looking to capitalize on New Orleans’ road struggles (2-15 away). Despite some inconsistent home results (6-10), the 76ers can leverage a stingy defense and Maxey’s offensive firepower against a Pelicans team allowing 117.2 points per game.
Meanwhile, Yves Missi (9.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg) anchors the Pelicans, but New Orleans has struggled mightily against winning teams (3-19). Expect Philadelphia’s edge in overall talent and home-court advantage to secure a comfortable victory, covering the -7 spread.
Sacramento Kings vs. Boston Celtics
Kings (18-19) at Celtics (27-10)
Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Kings +12
Sacramento comes off an impressive 123-118 overtime win over Miami and heads to Boston where the Celtics are 13-6 at home, led by Jayson Tatum’s 28.1 points and 9.2 rebounds. Domantas Sabonis (20.6 ppg, 13.8 rpg) fuels a Kings squad that ranks eighth in the West with 44.1 boards per game.
Boston’s high-powered offense (118.5 ppg) may still find it tough to run away from a Sacramento team that shares the ball well (27.3 assists per game) and has a solid road record (8-7). Look for the Kings to keep it closer than expected, covering the +12 spread.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New York Knicks
Thunder (30-6) at Knicks (25-13)
Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Thunder -4
Oklahoma City rides a blistering 9-1 run into New York, powered by its stingy defense (42.9% opponent shooting) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance in the paint (13.5 points per game inside). The Knicks, even with Karl-Anthony Towns (25.3 ppg, 14 rpg) patrolling the interior, face a Thunder squad holding opponents to just 104.7 points over the last 10. Expect OKC’s momentum and balanced attack to help them cover the -4 spread on the road.
Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls
Wizards (6-29) at Bulls (17-20)
Friday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Wizards +11
Chicago hosts Washington, looking for a fourth straight home victory. The Bulls (14-13 vs. the East) rely on Nikola Vucevic’s balanced play (20.2 ppg, 10.1 rpg), while the Wizards allow a league-high 121.9 points per game.
However, Washington—led by Jordan Poole’s 21.8 points—can still generate enough offense to keep things closer than expected. Despite their defensive struggles, the Wizards have shown flashes of competitiveness. Back them to cover the +11 spread on the road.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Denver Nuggets
Nets (13-24) at Nuggets (21-15)
Friday, 9 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Nets +14.5
Denver has thrived at home (11-7), led by Nikola Jokic’s near triple-double production (31.5 ppg, 13 rpg, 9.7 apg). Yet, the Nets—despite a three-game skid—can lean on Cameron Johnson (19.5 ppg) and decent perimeter shooting (Brooklyn allows only 12.0 made threes compared to Denver’s 13.6 turnovers).
Even with the Nuggets’ explosive offense (50.3% over their last 10), Brooklyn can keep it closer than the 14.5 spread if they limit mistakes and get timely scoring. Expect the Nets to cover in a surprisingly competitive matchup.
