NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks
Bucks (20-16) at Knicks (25-14)
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Knicks -5
Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 41 in Milwaukee’s win over Orlando, but now the Bucks face a New York squad excelling against the East (18-9), scoring 116.6 points while outscoring foes by over six per game. Karl-Anthony Towns (25.3 ppg, 13.9 rpg) powers a Knicks offense shooting nearly 48% in its last 10.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee averages 112.9 points, slightly below New York’s offensive output. Expect the Knicks to ride their balanced attack on their home floor and cover the -5 spread.
Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks
Nuggets (22-15) at Mavericks (22-16)
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Mavericks +6
Nikola Jokic and Denver (14-10 vs. the West) boast a high-octane offense scoring 120.6 points per game. However, Dallas—led by Kyrie Irving (24.3 ppg)—ranks ninth in the NBA in rebounding (45.2 per game) and can hang tough on its home floor, even with some key injuries.
Despite Denver’s strong shooting (49.9%), the Mavericks’ ability to protect the glass and limit second-chance points makes them a strong pick to cover the +6 spread. Expect a competitive showdown in Dallas.
Sacramento Kings vs. Chicago Bulls
Kings (19-19) at Bulls (18-20)
Sunday, 3:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Bulls +5
Chicago looks to extend its four-game home win streak, anchored by Nikola Vucevic (20.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg) and a league-leading 35.9 defensive rebounds per game. The Bulls (8-11 at home) score 118.2 points—4.9 more than Sacramento typically allows (113.3).
Despite the Kings’ solid road record (9-7), Chicago’s rebounding dominance and home-court momentum make the Bulls a strong pick to cover the +5 spread.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics
Pelicans (8-31) at Celtics (27-11)
Sunday, 6 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Pelicans +15
Jayson Tatum (27.8 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 5.5 apg) powers a Boston team that’s 13-7 at home. Even so, New Orleans—which averages 15.8 fast-break points—could take advantage of transition opportunities led by CJ McCollum (22.7 ppg) and Trey Murphy III. The Pelicans’ recent offensive output (114.7 ppg in their last 10) suggests they can keep this closer than expected. Look for them to cover the +15 spread.
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Pacers (21-18) at Cavaliers (33-4)
Sunday, 6 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Pacers +9.5
Cleveland, led by Darius Garland’s recent 40-point outburst, is an Eastern Conference powerhouse with a stingy defense (111.4 ppg allowed on 45.6% shooting). However, Indiana has won 7 of its last 10, averaging 116.9 points with Tyrese Haliburton (18.5 ppg, 8.9 apg) fueling an efficient offense (49.1% FG).
Despite the Cavaliers’ strong form and home-court edge, the Pacers’ balanced scoring and paint production (51.3 ppg inside) should keep things closer than expected, making them a good bet to cover the +9.5 spread.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic
76ers (15-21) at Magic (22-18)
Sunday, 6 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Magic +1
Orlando looks to snap a three-game home skid despite having the NBA’s lowest-scoring offense (104.8 ppg). However, the Magic hold a solid 18-11 record against Eastern Conference foes and boast Franz Wagner’s all-around production (24.4 ppg, 5.7 apg, 1.7 spg).
Meanwhile, Philadelphia (12-10 vs. the East) is 6-13 in double-digit decisions and allows opponents to shoot 48.0%. Even with limited offensive firepower, Orlando’s steady defense and home-court advantage can keep this tight—making them a good bet to cover the +1 spread.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Washington Wizards
Thunder (31-6) at Wizards (6-30)
Sunday, 6 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Thunder -16.5
Oklahoma City (14-4 on the road) rides a 9-1 stretch, averaging nearly 118 points while holding opponents to just 105.1. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.5 ppg), the Thunder face a Washington team that’s lost five straight and is 2-27 in double-digit games.
The Wizards (5-15 at home) surrender 122.6 points on average in their last 10, making it tough to contain OKC’s balanced attack. Expect the Thunder to cover the -16.5 spread with ease.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Utah Jazz
Nets (13-25) at Jazz (9-28)
Sunday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Nets +4.5
Utah (2-14 at home) enters on a three-game losing skid, allowing nearly 118 points per game. Meanwhile, Brooklyn—though 3-16 in double-digit outcomes—can lean on an improving road presence (8-13 away) to keep this one tight.
With Collin Sexton (18.1 ppg) and Nic Claxton (9.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg) each leading their squads, the Nets’ ability to grind out lower-scoring contests suggests they can stay within the +4.5 spread against a Jazz team struggling on its own floor.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Phoenix Suns
Hornets (8-27) at Suns (18-19)
Sunday, 9 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Suns -7.5
Phoenix, which is 12-8 at home, aims to capitalize on Kevin Durant’s efficiency (27.1 ppg, 52.2% FG). Meanwhile, Charlotte (2-14 on the road) struggles away from home and allows 46.4% shooting.
With the Hornets dropping six straight on the road and averaging just 104.7 points over their last 10, expect Durant and company to exploit turnovers and cover the -7.5 spread in front of a supportive home crowd.
