NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics
Bulls vs. Celtics Preview
Wednesday at TD Garden
Our Pick: Celtics -14.5
The Chicago Bulls head to Boston on Wednesday, desperately hoping to carry some momentum after an upset win over the Nuggets on Monday night. In that surprising 129-121 victory, the Bulls shot 50% from the field and drilled 24 threes, including big contributions from Zach LaVine (21 points), Nikola Vucevic (20 points, 10 rebounds), and Lonzo Ball (18 points). Still, Chicago remains in a slump, having dropped seven of its last nine overall. Theyâll need another near-perfect effort here, especially with Zach LaVine (personal reasons) possibly sidelined, and Coby White listed as questionable.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are looking to bounce back after a 114-112 stunner at home against Houston. Despite Jaylen Brownâs 28 points and a solid game from Jayson Tatum (19 points, 7 assists), Boston squandered a 12-point third-quarter lead, coming undone in the final seconds. Even so, the Celtics remain a top-tier club, boasting strong depth, an explosive offense, and a track record of covering spreads after losses. Theyâve won 13 straight night games following a home defeat, illustrating their resilience.
Yes, the Bulls recently upset Denver, and they do have a knack for playing the Celtics tough at times, but Boston appears poised for a statement performance. With the Bulls reeling from injuries and still missing consistent production, the Celticsâ balanced attackâled by Brown and Tatumâshould overwhelm Chicago. Expect Bostonâs up-tempo offense and solid defense to control the night. Laying -14.5 might seem steep, but the Celtics have consistently covered as favorites against Eastern Conference foes post-loss. They should roll to a comfortable victory at TD Garden.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat
Cavaliers vs. Heat Preview
Wednesday at Kaseya Center
Our Pick: Cavaliers -6
The Cleveland Cavaliers head to Miami on Wednesday, looking to build on their 110-91 win over Detroit. In that game, Cleveland flexed its defensive muscle, limiting the Pistons from start to finish. Darius Garland led with 22 points and seven assists, Donovan Mitchell added 21 points, and Jarrett Allen (15 points, 11 rebounds) helped control the paint. While Cleveland shot only 44% and struggled from deep (12-of-44), it maintained an edge through stifling defense and balanced scoring.
Meanwhile, the Heat escaped with a dramatic 125-119 double-overtime triumph over the Magic. Tyler Herro racked up a near triple-double (30 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists), supported by Bam Adebayoâs 26 points and Kelâel Wareâs 19. Despite shooting 52% from the field and draining 15 triples, Miami needed every last second to secure the victory after trailing by 14 points earlier in the contest. With Jimmy Butler still suspended and Josh Richardson sidelined, the Heat are relying heavily on Herro and Adebayo to carry the scoring load.
Yes, Miami topped Cleveland 122-113 back on December 8, but the Cavaliers have historically rebounded well in road matchups following a home win. While Clevelandâs perimeter shooting has been erratic, they compensate with top-tier defense and solid interior presence from Allen and Evan Mobley. Additionally, the Heatâs inconsistent play at home against Central Division opponents signals a potential letdown. Expect Donovan Mitchell to bounce back from his modest outing, energizing Clevelandâs offense. Laying -6, the Cavaliers should have enough defensive discipline and star power to secure a comfortable victory at Kaseya Center.
Denver Nuggets vs. New York Knicks
Nuggets vs. Knicks Preview
Wednesday at Madison Square Garden
Our Pick: Knicks -2.5
The Denver Nuggets head to New York on Wednesday, eager to end a two-game skid after falling 129-121 to Chicago. Nikola Jokic notched a 33-point, 12-rebound, 14-assist triple-double, and Christian Braun contributed 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting. However, Denver squandered a 12-point halftime lead by allowing 68 second-half pointsâan unexpected outcome for a team that had won eight of its previous 11. The Nuggets are healthy but struggling to close games consistently on this road trip.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have turned a corner, winning five of their last six contests, including a 143-106 dismantling of Memphis. Mikal Bridges delivered 28 points, Karl-Anthony Towns posted a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Jalen Brunson chipped in 20 points. New York shot 51% from the field and drained 17 threes, racking up 83 points after halftime. Even with questions about Josh Hartâs knee (listed as questionable), the Knicks carry considerable momentum into this matchup.
Historically, New York has dominated Denver at Madison Square Garden, winning seven straight home games in the series following a win. The Knicksâ high-powered offense and solid defense have led to them consistently covering the spread at home. Denver, for its part, has occasionally faltered as a road underdog against Atlantic Division teams.
While Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray pose a constant threat, the Knicks have shown they can handle teams with top-tier talent when playing at MSG. Expect Julius Randle and Brunson to anchor the offense, while Bridges and Towns continue their standout play. Laying just -2.5, the Knicks appear poised to extend their winning streak and cover in front of a raucous home crowd.
Sacramento Kings vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Kings vs. 76ers Preview
Wednesday at Wells Fargo Center
Our Pick: Kings -8
The Sacramento Kings (winners in seven of their last ten outings) take on a short-handed Philadelphia 76ers squad that is finishing a back-to-back and dealing with numerous injuries. With no players listed on their own injury report, the Kings should be at full strength against a 76ers roster missing Joel Embiid, Paul George, Andre Drummond, and others.
Sacramento enters the matchup averaging 117 points on 47.4 percent shooting while limiting opponents to 115 points. DeâAaron Fox (25.1 ppg) and DeMar DeRozan (21.8 ppg) are a dynamic backcourt-forward tandem, complemented by the post presence of Domantas Sabonis, who excels in rebounding and passing. Throw in Malik Monkâs energy off the bench, and itâs clear why the Kings have been so competitive lately.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia aims to continue defying the oddsâdespite winning three straight, they remain one of the leagueâs most injury-riddled groups. Tyrese Maxey (26.6 ppg) shoulders a big chunk of the scoring load, but without Embiidâs rim protection, they struggle to contain interior threats. Their defense also concedes 112.4 points on 48.8 percent shooting, meaning the 76ers can quickly fall behind if theyâre not hitting outside shots.
From a betting perspective, the Kings are favored by eight pointsâa spread that seems justified given the 76ersâ depleted lineup and the second-night fatigue factor. Sacramentoâs high-powered offense and near-full health should give it a decisive edge. Expect Fox and Sabonis to exploit mismatches, while DeRozan and Monk provide the scoring punch needed to cruise toward a comfortable victory. Lay the -8 with confidence on the road.
Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Mavericks vs. Pelicans Preview
Wednesday at Smoothie King Center
Our Pick: Mavericks -1
The Dallas Mavericks head to New Orleans on Wednesday, determined to build on a recent win over Washington after dropping a tough game to Boston earlier. Even with key pieces such as Luka Doncic and Dwight Powell sidelined, Dallas still posts an impressive 115.1 points on 47.7% shooting, primarily driven by Kyrie Irvingâs 24.4 points per game. The Mavs also benefit from PJ Washingtonâs emergence as a valuable third scorer. Despite missing several rotation players, Dallas has excelled from three (36.8%) and continues to rebound well (44.6 per contest).
Meanwhile, the Pelicans come off disappointing back-to-back losses to Toronto and Charlotte, struggling on both ends of the floor. Although Zion Williamson (22.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg) provides interior force, Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones are both out, and Dejounte Murray is questionable. That leaves New Orleans light on perimeter scoring and defense, making it tough to slow down a skillful Dallas backcourt that can spread the floor.
Yes, the Pelicans have won three straight at home, but theyâre only slightly healthier than Dallas right nowâand missing Ingram is a significant blow to their offense. Historically, the Pelicans rely heavily on Zionâs energy, yet the Mavsâ ability to pick teams apart with ball movement and outside shooting should pose problems for New Orleans. The line is Dallas -1, and despite injuries, the Mavericks have proven they can steal games on the road against solid teams (including two recent victories over OKC). Expect Dallasâs backcourt prowess and discipline to lead them to a narrow cover and road win.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs
Clippers vs. Spurs Preview
Wednesday at Frost Bank Center
Our Pick: Clippers -4
The Los Angeles Clippers head to San Antonio on Wednesday, looking to bounce back after a recent loss to the Suns. Despite that defeat, the Clippers (110 ppg, 46.8% FG) remain one of the leagueâs better defensive teams, allowing just 106.8 points on 45.1% shooting. With Norman Powell (23.9 ppg) and James Harden (21.7 ppg) leading the scoring load, plus Ivica Zubacâs reliable inside presence, Los Angeles can strike quickly in transition and smother opponents on the perimeter.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (111.7 ppg, 45.5% FG) continue searching for consistency. Even with Victor Wembanyama (24.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg) showing glimpses of stardom, San Antonio has dropped seven of its last ten. Young players like Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan are still finding their groove, and while they can be electric on any given night, the teamâs overall execution lags behind more seasoned squads. Additionally, the Spurs are returning from a mini-break following an overseas trip to Paris, which can disrupt the rhythm of a young core.
Los Angeles, on the other hand, is finally healthy and has covered seven of its last ten spreads. The Clippers also have a chip on their shoulder after being blown out 122-86 by San Antonio on New Yearâs Eve. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George rounding into form, expect a locked-in Clippers effort. Laying -4 on the road against a Spurs team that has struggled against winning Western Conference opponents looks like solid value. Look for L.A.âs experienced roster to secure a decisive cover in San Antonio.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns
Timberwolves vs. Suns Preview
Wednesday at Footprint Center
Our Pick: Suns -1
The Phoenix Suns host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, seeking to extend a three-game winning streak and continue solidifying their home-court dominance. Despite some earlier inconsistencyâand an overall low cover percentage this seasonâPhoenix has seemingly found its groove. Theyâve now won eight of their last ten games. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker headline one of the leagueâs most explosive offenses (112.8 ppg on 47.4% shooting), while Bradley Beal adds extra scoring punch. With 15 of their 24 victories coming at Footprint Center, the Suns tend to control the tempo and execute well at home.
Minnesota, meanwhile, arrives with a respectable record but faces a few injury concerns. Anthony Edwards (26.3 ppg) and Julius Randle (18.9 ppg) fuel the Timberwolves offensively, yet absences like Donte DiVincenzo and Terrence Shannon Jr. reduce their bench production. Despite winning their last five head-to-head matchups against Phoenix, the Wolves are 4-6 in their last ten, and their success can waver when theyâre away from Target Center.
Phoenixâs newfound momentumâbacked by their last trio of victoriesâmakes them an appealing pick. Yes, Kevin Durant and a few other players are on the injury report (Durant is questionable with a thumb issue), so itâs wise to check statuses. Still, the Sunsâ defense is allowing opponents to shoot just 46.1% from the field, and they typically shine against Northwest Division teams, especially at home.
With only a -1 spread, Phoenix seems primed to hold serve and avenge recent setbacks against the Wolves. Expect Durant, Booker, and Beal to continue their efficient scoring and guide the Suns to a cover on Wednesday night.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors
Thunder vs. Warriors Preview
Wednesday at Chase Center
Our Pick: Thunder -9.5
The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to San Francisco on Wednesday, aiming to build on a stretch of impressive form. Although they lost recently to the Mavericks, the Thunder still post a solid 116.6 points on 47.4% shooting, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderâs 32 points and Jalen Williamsâ balanced stat lines. Oklahoma Cityâs defense has been a revelation, holding opponents to just 104.3 points on 43.1% shootingâa big part of why they sport the leagueâs best cover percentage at 69%. They also boast efficient free-throw shooting (82.6%) and hold teams to a meager 32.4% from three.
Across the court, Golden State is in a rough patch. The Warriors average 111.3 points on 44.7% shooting, but consistency has eluded them. Theyâre missing Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Jonathan Kumingaâarguably their three most impactful players. Without Curryâs scoring punch, Greenâs defensive anchoring, and Kumingaâs energy, the Warriorsâ productivity plummets. Andrew Wiggins and Buddy Hield canât fill all those gaps by themselves, particularly against a high-powered Thunder attack.
Given that the Warriors have struggled even when healthy, itâs tough to see them competing effectively in this matchup, especially on a back foot due to injuries. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City has covered in 15 of its last 21 games as a double-digit favorite, indicating they donât take anyone lightly and often extend leads late. Expect Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams to guide a balanced offense while the Thunderâs underrated defense suffocates an undermanned Warriors roster. Lay the -9.5 points with confidence; Oklahoma City should cruise to a comfortable win at the Chase Center.
