NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets
Mavericks (20-16) at Hornets (9-25)
Monday, 2 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Mavericks -4.5
Charlotte returns home on a bid for its first three-game win streak, but the Hornets face injury setbacks—including the loss of key swingman Brandon Miller (wrist). Meanwhile, Dallas (coming off a 106-98 win over OKC) aims to snap a five-game road skid and continues to integrate a resurgent Kyrie Irving (25 points last outing).
Though Charlotte’s Nick Smith Jr. and Seth Curry combined for 30 points in Friday’s victory at Chicago, Miller’s absence complicates the Hornets’ momentum. Look for the Mavericks, buoyed by Irving’s scoring and improved health, to cover the -4.5 spread in a matchup that favors Dallas’s deeper roster.
Detroit Pistons vs. Houston Rockets
Pistons (21-21) at Rockets (28-13)
Monday, 2 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Rockets -7.5
Houston (14-6 at home) leads the West in offensive boards (14.6 rpg), with Alperen Sengun (3.4 orpg) fueling second-chance points. Jalen Green’s scoring (21.6 ppg) further bolsters a Rockets attack that averages 116.9 points over the last 10 games.
Despite Cade Cunningham’s all-around play (24.3 ppg, 9.4 apg) for Detroit, the Pistons face a tough road environment against a surging Houston squad. Expect the Rockets to control the glass and cover the -7.5 spread.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Timberwolves (22-20) at Grizzlies (27-15)
Monday, 2:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Grizzlies -6.5
Memphis averages a scorching 123.4 points—15.4 more than Minnesota allows. Led by Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.6 ppg) and Desmond Bane’s outside shooting, the Grizzlies (14-12 vs. the West) thrive from deep, hitting 14.2 threes per game.
While the Timberwolves (16-12 in conference) ride a four-game road streak, their 14.8 turnovers could be costly against Memphis’s aggressive defense. Expect the Grizzlies’ high-powered offense and home-court edge to help them cover the -6.5 spread.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
Hawks (22-19) at Knicks (27-16)
Monday, 3 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Knicks -6.5
New York (20-10 vs. the East) hosts an Atlanta squad riding a three-game win streak. The Knicks, who allow just 111.1 points on 47.0% opponent shooting, also shoot 49.4% themselves—outpacing the Hawks’ typical defensive numbers. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson (26.0 ppg, 7.4 apg) fuels an offense poised to exploit Atlanta’s occasional struggles beyond the arc.
Even with Trae Young (23.2 ppg, 11.8 apg) and strong rebounding (45.7 rpg) for the Hawks, the Knicks’ balanced attack and defensive edge make them likely to cover the -6.5 spread at home.
Phoenix Suns vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Suns (21-20) at Cavaliers (35-6)
Monday, 3:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Cavs -7.5
Cleveland (20-2 at home) showcases an elite offense shooting 50% from the field—3.6% higher than Phoenix typically allows—while holding opponents to just 112.1 points. Darius Garland (6.8 apg) orchestrates the Cavaliers’ ball movement (29.1 apg), and Donovan Mitchell (23.1 ppg) provides the scoring punch.
Despite the Suns’ solid 6-4 run and Devin Booker’s 25.8 points per game, Cleveland’s dominant home record and efficient offense position them to cover the -7.5 spread. Expect the Cavs’ depth and ball distribution to be the deciding factor.
Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors
Celtics (29-13) at Warriors (21-20)
Monday, 5 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Celtics -10
Golden State defends well at home (11-10 record, 110.8 points allowed), but Boston’s potent offense (117.5 ppg, 14-5 on the road) heads to San Francisco with Jayson Tatum (27.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg) leading the charge. Despite Stephen Curry’s scoring punch (23.0 ppg), expect the Celtics’ depth and efficient scoring to earn them a decisive win, covering the -10 spread.
Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Jazz (10-30) at Pelicans (11-32)
Monday, 8 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Pelicans -11
New Orleans (winners of three straight) hosts a Utah team struggling in conference play (3-23). The Pelicans, led by CJ McCollum (21.6 ppg), average 12.2 made threes per game—2.2 fewer than the Jazz typically allow (14.4). Meanwhile, Utah’s 45.8% shooting is 2.5% lower than the 48.3% the Pelicans allow.
Expect New Orleans to use its momentum and defensive edge to secure a double-digit victory, covering the -11 spread against a Jazz squad that’s 5-16 in games decided by 10 or more points.
Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Bulls (18-25) at Clippers (24-17)
Monday, 10:30 p.m. ET
Our Pick: Clippers -6
Los Angeles (15-6 at home) has won four in a row, powered by Ivica Zubac’s rebounding (12.7 rpg) and a defense holding opponents to just 106.5 points. Meanwhile, Chicago—though scoring 117.2 points on 47.0% shooting—allows a hefty 120.5 points, opening the door for the Clippers’ efficient offense.
Expect L.A.’s defense and home-court momentum to shine, making the Clippers a solid bet to cover the -6 spread.
