NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Charlotte Hornets
Trail Blazers vs. Hornets Preview
Friday at Spectrum Center
Our Pick: Hornets -5.5
The Portland Trail Blazers aim for a fourth consecutive victory after dismantling the short-handed Magic, 101-79, on Thursday. Anfernee Simons poured in 21 points, Tounami Camara added 16, and Deni Avdija chipped in 13 points and five assists. Portland shot 48 percent and played suffocating defense, limiting the Magic to just 18 second-quarter points and controlling the game from there.
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets seek to rebound following a 132-120 road loss to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. Mark Williams erupted for 38 points, nine boards, and five assists, while LaMelo Ball contributed 22 points and six assists. Charlotte shot 47 percent from the field but dug a massive hole by halftime, trailing 78-48. Despite a high-scoring second half, the Hornets couldnât fully recover.
Several trends suggest Charlotte can cover the -5.5 spread. For one, the Hornets have thrived against Northwest Division teams with losing records, winning four of their last five such matchups. Theyâve also covered the spread in every meeting with the Blazers following a road loss. Meanwhile, the Blazers are playing on no rest after Thursdayâs win, a disadvantage likely to sap their energy. Although Portland has racked up three straight wins, traveling overnight to face a team eager to redeem itself may prove daunting.
Mark Williamsâs all-around dominance and the Hornetsâ improved chemistry bode well for a bounce-back performance. Look for Charlotte to capitalize on the Blazersâ fatigue and notch a home victory by a comfortable margin, covering the -5.5 spread at Spectrum Center.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Cavaliers vs. 76ers Preview
Friday at Wells Fargo Center
Our Pick: Cavaliers -10.5
The Cleveland Cavaliers (winners of 15 of their last 18) head into Philadelphia seeking a bounce-back after a narrow 109-108 loss to Houston on Wednesday. In that game, Darius Garland led Cleveland with 26 points and five assists, while Donovan Mitchell provided 19 points. Jarrett Allen added a double-double (17 points, 13 rebounds), and Ty Jerome contributed a scoring spark off the bench. The Cavs shot just 42 percent from the field and 13-of-41 from distance, and Garland missed two critical free throws in the final moments. Despite the heartbreak, Clevelandâs overall form remains impressiveâparticularly with their potent offense and typically tight defense.
Meanwhile, the 76ers stumble in amid a seven-game slide, having lost 10 of their last 12. They were dismantled in a 144-109 road defeat to Denver on Tuesday, despite 28 points and 10 assists from Tyrese Maxey. Paul George tallied 11 points, five boards, and nine assists, while Guerschon Yabusele chipped in 22 off the bench. Philadelphia allowed a staggering 67-42 second-half run and shot just 45 percent overall. Injuries have piled up, with Joel Embiid, Kyle Lowry, and Andre Drummond still out.
Although Cleveland may be missing Evan Mobley and has Caris LeVert listed as questionable, that pales in comparison to Phillyâs extensive list of absentees. With the 76ers struggling mightily at homeâespecially on the defensive endâand the Cavaliers looking to rebound, Cleveland is well-positioned to dominate. Expect the Cavsâ balanced scoring and superior health to help them cover the -10.5 spread at Wells Fargo Center.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Pelicans vs. Grizzlies Preview
Friday at FedExForum
Our Pick: Grizzlies -11
The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night in what could be a challenging road test. New Orleans recently notched wins over Utah and Dallas, but they now face Memphis without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herbert Jonesâmajor absences that greatly affect their offense and defense. CJ McCollum (22.4 ppg) and Trey Murphy III will need to carry much of the scoring load, while Dejounte Murray and Yves Missi remain probable. The Pelicans are shooting 44.3% from the field and giving up 117.3 points, which is concerning against any explosive offense.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have thrived this season, highlighted by a 17-5 home record and a 29-15 mark against the spread. Memphis scores 123.3 points per game behind Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.6 ppg) and Ja Morant (21.1 ppg, 7.7 apg). Even with some injuriesâMarcus Smart and Cam Spencer remain sidelinedâthe Grizzlies still boast depth. Santi Aldama is questionable due to illness, but Memphisâs robust lineup has powered them to one of the NBAâs highest-scoring offenses on 48.4% shooting.
Historically, the Grizzlies have been excellent at FedExForum, and they rank first in free throw attempts (24.4 per game). That spells trouble for a Pelicans team missing key players and traveling to face one of the leagueâs best home sides. While New Orleans has shown grit in recent outings, this short-handed roster faces an uphill climb against an efficient Memphis squad that consistently covers at home.
Expect Memphis to use its home-court advantage and imposing offense to pull away, covering the -11 spread in front of its lively home crowd.
