NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Phoenix Suns vs. Detroit Pistons
Suns (20-20) at Pistons (21-20)
Saturday, 4 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Suns -1
Detroit (10-10 at home) is tough in close games (7-4), fueled by Cade Cunningham’s all-around play (24.4 ppg, 9.4 apg). However, Phoenix—led by Devin Booker (25.5 ppg)—shoots a strong 47.4% from the field, slightly better than what Detroit allows.
Even though the Suns are 7-12 on the road, their efficient offense and Booker’s scoring punch give them the edge to cover the -1 spread in this cross-conference matchup.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics
Hawks (21-19) at Celtics (29-12)
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Celtics -9
Jayson Tatum (27.8 ppg, 9.3 rpg) leads a Boston team that’s dominant against the East (23-8), thriving on the glass with 33.9 defensive rebounds per game. Despite Atlanta’s high-scoring approach (119.5 ppg over the last 10), the Hawks surrender 119.1 points—an opening for the Celtics’ efficient offense (117.6 ppg).
Look for Tatum and Boston’s strong defense (allowing just 104.3 points in the last 10) to create enough separation to cover the -9 spread at home.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers
76ers (15-24) at Pacers (23-19)
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Pacers -9.5
Philadelphia arrives on a four-game skid, while Indiana has surged by winning 8 of its last 10. The Pacers thrive in transition (17.1 fast-break points per game), led by Bennedict Mathurin’s 4.3. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton (18.1 ppg, 8.8 apg) fuels an offense shooting nearly 49.4% in that stretch.
Even with Tyrese Maxey (26 ppg) headlining a 76ers squad that’s 2-1 in close games, Indy’s hot form at home suggests they can cover the -9.5 spread against a slumping Philly team.
Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors
Wizards (6-33) at Warriors (20-20)
Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Warriors -13.5
Washington hopes to end a 15-game road losing streak, but the Wizards (1-15 away) face a Golden State squad that averages 15.1 threes a night—fourth in the NBA. Stephen Curry (22.9 ppg, 4.4 threes per game) powers a Warriors offense poised to exploit the Wizards’ porous defense (122.8 points allowed).
Even though the Wizards boast Jordan Poole (21.4 ppg), they average just 108.7 points—2.1 fewer than the 110.8 Golden State allows. Look for Curry’s deep shooting and the Warriors’ home-court advantage to secure a cover at -13.5.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Cavaliers (34-6) at Timberwolves (22-19)
Saturday, 9 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Cavaliers -6
Minnesota, led by Anthony Edwards’ 26.1 points per game, ranks third in the West in defense (107.6 ppg allowed). However, Cleveland’s explosive offense (122.1 ppg) has produced an 8-2 run, outscoring teams by 10.1 points per game behind Donovan Mitchell (22.7 ppg) and a balanced supporting cast.
Despite the Timberwolves’ solid home record (10-9), the Cavaliers’ efficient scoring and depth should give them the advantage to cover the -6 spread on the road.
Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Rockets (27-13) at Trail Blazers (13-27)
Saturday, 10 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Rockets -11
Portland, on a four-game skid, faces a Houston squad that only allows 108.0 points—matching the Blazers’ offensive output. Despite Deandre Ayton’s glass work (2.8 offensive rebounds per game) giving Portland second-chance opportunities, the Trail Blazers struggle to shoot efficiently (just 46.5% over their last 10).
Meanwhile, Houston leans on Jalen Green’s scoring (21.5 ppg) and a defense holding opponents to 112.5 points across the last 10. Expect the Rockets’ balanced approach to cover the -11 spread in Portland.
