NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Lakers vs. 76ers Preview
Tuesday at Wells Fargo Center
Our Pick: Lakers -4.5
The Los Angeles Lakers head to Philadelphia on Tuesday night, riding a wave of momentum after winning six of their last seven contests. They’re fresh off a 112-107 triumph over Charlotte, where Anthony Davis dominated with 42 points and 23 rebounds while LeBron James added 22 points and eight assists. Despite shooting just 6-of-28 from three, L.A. built a commanding 20-point first-quarter advantage and never relinquished control. This hot streak bodes well for the Lakers, who are still missing Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura but remain in solid shape behind Davis and James.
Meanwhile, the 76ers have rebounded from a seven-game skid, recording back-to-back wins, including a 109-97 victory over Chicago. Tyrese Maxey showcased his all-around skill with 31 points and nine assists, supported by Kelly Oubre Jr. (22 points, 12 rebounds) and Eric Gordon (13 points). Even so, Philadelphia is without Paul George, Andre Drummond, and Joel Embiid, a significant loss of firepower. The Sixers rallied from a seven-point third-quarter deficit in that win over the Bulls but face a tougher challenge against a Lakers squad firing on all cylinders.
Given Philadelphia’s injury woes, the Lakers stand a strong chance to capitalize. They have historically struggled in Philly, but this year’s Sixers squad is thinner in the frontcourt without Embiid. Davis’s dominance inside and James’s playmaking could be too much for the Sixers to overcome. L.A.’s overall form, along with the short -4.5 spread, makes the Lakers the more appealing pick as they continue to rack up wins despite missing a few rotation pieces. Expect them to cover in this East-West matchup.
Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks
Rockets vs. Hawks Preview
Tuesday at State Farm Arena
Our Pick: Rockets -5.5
The Houston Rockets bring their scorching form to Atlanta on Tuesday night, winners of nine of their last 11, including a thrilling 114-112 upset of the Celtics on Monday. In that victory, Dillon Brooks sank a career-best 10 threes en route to 36 points, while rookie Amen Thompson posted 33 points and 10 rebounds on 13-of-19 shooting. Despite trailing by 12 in the fourth quarter, Houston unleashed a 13-0 run late, capped by Thompson’s game-winner with 1.1 seconds left. Although they’re on the second leg of a back-to-back, the Rockets’ success this season—particularly on the road—can’t be understated.
Meanwhile, Atlanta has dropped nine of its last 13 and arrives on a five-game skid after falling 100-92 to the Timberwolves on Monday. De’Andre Hunter poured in 35 off the bench, but the Hawks managed just 39% shooting, including 12-of-43 from deep. With Trae Young and Jalen Johnson sidelined, Atlanta’s offense lacks its usual punch, and it’s facing a team that ranks among the league’s hottest in recent weeks.
The Rockets come in boasting a solid track record as favorites away from home against Southeast Division opponents, prevailing in 10 consecutive such games. Moreover, Houston is 8-1 against the spread in its last nine road contests, showcasing their consistency and resilience. By contrast, the Hawks have struggled against Southwest Division foes that hold winning records. Despite playing on zero rest, Houston’s impressive chemistry, balanced scoring, and newfound confidence suggest they can cover the -5.5 spread and extend their road success.
Utah Jazz vs. Golden State Warriors
Jazz vs. Warriors Preview
Tuesday at Chase Center
Our Pick: Warriors -11
The Utah Jazz head to San Francisco on the second leg of a back-to-back, already beset by injuries and searching for answers. They’ve lost their last two—most recently to the Bucks and Grizzlies—and they now face a road test against Golden State. Utah is scoring 111.3 points on 45.5% shooting, but it also surrenders 118.6 points while ranking last in turnovers (17.8 per game). Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton provide some offense, but the Jazz’s porous defense and banged-up frontcourt, with question marks around Walker Kessler and John Collins, make a tough job even harder.
Meanwhile, the Warriors, at 111.3 points on 44.7% shooting, have struggled to reach their usual lofty standards this season. However, Stephen Curry (22.3 ppg, 6.4 apg) leads a roster that’s still potent, especially at home, where the Chase Center atmosphere often energizes their offense. Even without Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State’s strong rebounding (46.3 per game, third in the league) and transition firepower should help them control the tempo.
While the Warriors haven’t always covered big spreads, this game sets up nicely for them to build momentum and pad their win column. The Jazz have lost 10 straight night games against Pacific Division foes, and they appear severely hampered by injuries on a back-to-back. With Curry controlling the perimeter, the Warriors’ depth and ball movement should overwhelm Utah’s lax defense. Expect Golden State to seize control early and notch a comfortable double-digit victory, ultimately covering the -11 spread at home on Tuesday night.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Portland Trail Blazers
Trail Blazers vs. Bucks Preview
Tuesday at Moda Center
Our Pick: Bucks -6
The Milwaukee Bucks visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, looking to maintain the winning momentum they’ve built in recent weeks. Despite arriving on the second leg of a back-to-back, the Bucks have claimed victory in eight of their last ten games, showcasing a top-tier defense that surrenders just 44.8 percent shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to put up stellar numbers (31.4 points, 12.0 rebounds), while Damian Lillard brings his scoring prowess to bolster Milwaukee’s already formidable offense. Even if Bobby Portis and Tyler Smith remain questionable, the Bucks have thrived by leveraging their depth and efficient scoring inside and out.
Meanwhile, Portland is riding an upswing, having quietly won four of its last five contests, covering in each of those. Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe spearhead the Blazers’ attack, but questions linger around Deandre Ayton’s availability (knee) and the absence of Matisse Thybulle. Their offense manages just 23.1 assists per game—near the bottom of the league—and they often struggle in first quarters (30.4% Q1 win percentage). Additionally, the Blazers’ defense is vulnerable, allowing 115.3 points on 47.3 percent shooting.
Though Portland’s recent improvement is noteworthy, Milwaukee’s balanced roster, defensive consistency, and drive to stay near the top of the Eastern Conference suggest a mismatch. The Bucks are also seeking revenge after the Blazers stunned them earlier this month. Expect Giannis and Dame to assert control early, capitalizing on Portland’s weaknesses and wearing them down as the game unfolds. Laying just -6, the Bucks look primed to cover and keep rolling on the road.
