NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Washington Wizards
Lakers vs. Wizards Preview
Thursday at Capital One Arena
Our Pick: Lakers -6.5
The Los Angeles Lakers head into Washington on Thursday night, eager to bounce back from Tuesday’s setback against the Sixers. Despite that loss, the Lakers (winners in six of their past eight games) have showcased a versatile offense around LeBron James, who nearly notched a triple-double last time out with 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. While Anthony Davis’s absence due to an abdominal strain reduces Los Angeles’ interior dominance, there’s still plenty of scoring potential: Dalton Knecht just poured in 24 points off the bench, and Austin Reaves is steady in a combo guard role.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are mired in a 15-game losing streak and coming off a dismal 106-82 defeat to Toronto. In that outing, Washington shot a shaky 38 percent from the field and a miserable 5 of 30 from beyond the arc. Jordan Poole, who’s expected to be a primary scorer, managed only 3 points on 1-of-9 shooting. The Wizards’ confidence appears drained, especially on the second night of a back-to-back, a situation in which they’ve lost 25 consecutive times.
Given how Los Angeles has fared lately, plus the Wizards’ ongoing tailspin, the Lakers find themselves heavily favored. Even missing Davis, LeBron’s leadership and the Lakers’ capable supporting cast should outmatch a Washington squad struggling on both ends of the floor. With the Wizards having trouble sustaining offense and allowing opponents to dictate tempo, the Lakers’ balanced approach is likely to result in a comfortable victory. Lay the -6.5 with confidence, as Los Angeles aims to recapture its winning rhythm against an ice-cold Wizards team.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Hawks vs. Cavaliers Preview
Thursday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Our Pick: Cavaliers -10.5
The Atlanta Hawks head to Cleveland on Thursday, desperately trying to end a six-game losing streak. Their most recent contest was a 100-96 loss against Houston, where they shot just 40% from the field and 11-for-47 from deep. Although Trae Young delivered 21 points and nine assists, he also committed eight turnovers, and the bench struggled to provide offensive spark beyond De’Andre Hunter’s 16 points. That lack of efficiency, especially from three-point range, has left the Hawks (still short-handed without Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic) searching for answers on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have won four of their last seven overall, including a dominant 126-106 victory over the Heat on Wednesday. Donovan Mitchell was unstoppable, posting 34 points on 14-for-23 shooting, while Evan Mobley contributed an impressive 22-point, 15-rebound line. Ty Jerome added 20 points and seven assists off the bench, emphasizing Cleveland’s depth. The Cavs’ stifling defense held Miami to just 41 first-half points, and they shot a solid 54% from the field themselves.
Laying 10.5 points can seem steep, but the Hawks’ form has been dismal lately, particularly on the road, and they remain vulnerable to ballhandling issues and cold three-point stretches. By contrast, Cleveland is clicking on both ends, especially at home, and Darius Garland should be back after resting. Plus, the Cavs own a robust record of winning—and covering—when they’re favored in their own building. With Atlanta struggling to find secondary scoring and the Cavs showcasing balanced attack and defensive toughness, look for Cleveland to pull away and cover the double-digit spread.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Utah Jazz
Timberwolves vs. Jazz Preview
Thursday at Delta Center
Our Pick: Timberwolves -6
The Minnesota Timberwolves arrive in Utah riding a four-game winning streak and boasting a strong 9-4 record over their last 13. Anthony Edwards continues to shine, pouring in 33 points on an efficient 13-of-21 last night, while Julius Randle’s 28-point outing offered a perfect complement. Even without Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid, the Timberwolves’ firepower was on full display against Phoenix, as they shot 56% from the field and buried 13 three-pointers.
Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz are stuck in a major rut. They’ve lost 10 of their past 11, including a 114-103 setback to the Warriors on Tuesday. Collin Sexton produced a commendable 30-point effort, but consistent shot-making from deep remains elusive, as the team sank just eight threes. Adding to the woes, they’ve got multiple names on the injury report—Walker Kessler, John Collins, and Johnny Juzang all questionable.
Although Minnesota enters the second half of a back-to-back, they’ve proven they can thrive under such conditions thanks to a solid defensive identity. Their ability to clamp down late, combined with strong offensive outings from Edwards, Randle, and a surprisingly productive bench, makes them dangerous. The Jazz, meanwhile, have struggled significantly at home against winning Western Conference teams, dropping 14 straight in that scenario.
Despite being on the road, look for the Wolves to establish control early and maintain momentum. The line at -6 may seem high, but Minnesota’s superior form and defense should carry them to another convincing victory, easily covering the spread in Salt Lake City.
Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Rockets vs. Grizzlies Preview
Thursday at FedExForum
Our Pick: Grizzlies -3
The Houston Rockets arrive in Memphis riding a wave of momentum after wins over Atlanta and Boston, showcasing their newfound defensive edge and a high-flying backcourt led by Jalen Green. Green has been dropping more than 21 points per game, while Fred VanVleet provides veteran leadership and Alperen Sengun dominates inside with a double-double nightly. Houston’s youth has been surprisingly effective, propelling the Rockets to recent victories against contenders.
However, the Memphis Grizzlies stand tall at home, where they’ve won eight straight outings following a loss. Memphis is anchored by Jaren Jackson Jr., who’s posting 22.8 points per game while remaining a rim protector, and Ja Morant, who averages 20 points and over 7 assists. Though they stumbled in their last outing against the Knicks, the Grizzlies generally thrive at FedExForum, showcasing an uptempo offense and suffocating perimeter defense. Desmond Bane further bolsters the lineup, adding reliable scoring and efficient three-point shooting.
For Houston, there’s concern about Alperen Sengun’s status; if he’s out, the Rockets lose a big presence in the paint. And while the Rockets have been impressive overall, they’ve occasionally faltered as underdogs against tough Western Conference opponents, especially coming off wins.
With just a three-point line, this is an appealing spot for Memphis on their home floor. History also favors the Grizzlies, who continue to cover after losses at FedExForum. Expect Jackson and Morant to set the tone early, plus the Grizzlies’ bench depth to overwhelm a Rockets squad that might be missing key pieces. Look for the Grizzlies to seize control, pull away late, and cover the modest spread on their home court.
Orlando Magic vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Magic vs. Trail Blazers Preview
Thursday at the Moda Center
Our Pick: Magic -5.5
The Orlando Magic head to Portland on Thursday, looking to snap out of a recent skid and prove that their talented young core can still make noise in the East. Despite dropping eight of their last ten, the Magic arrive nearly at full health. Franz Wagner (24.7 PPG) and Paolo Banchero (23.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG) lead an intriguing offensive attack that also features Jalen Suggs—who’s questionable but likely to suit up. Orlando prides itself on its rugged defense, allowing just 105 points on the season, and they’ll rely on better perimeter shooting to counter Portland’s home-floor advantage.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers are riding momentum, having won five of six, including a signature upset over Milwaukee. Anfernee Simons (18.5 PPG) leads the scoring, with Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija chipping in. However, Portland’s overall defense remains an issue, conceding 115.2 points per game. The Blazers simply haven’t been consistent at home, especially on short rest, and they may lack the length to handle Orlando’s size in the paint if Jerami Grant (ankle) can’t go.
The Magic have covered six straight road games after an overtime loss, showing they often respond with a sharp effort. They’re also set to exploit a Blazers squad that frequently struggles on short rest (one day off or less). With Moritz Wagner as their only confirmed missing piece, Orlando’s near-complete rotation should find success inside and out, pressuring a Blazers team missing critical defensive anchors.The Trail Blazers have been respectable lately, but the Magic’s superior length, health, and defensive potential should wear Portland down. Back Orlando to regroup and cover the -5.5 spread in a solid road win.
