NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets
Clippers vs. Hornets Preview
Friday at Spectrum Center
Our Pick: Clippers -13.5
The Los Angeles Clippers head to Charlotte on Friday, eager to keep their hot streak rolling after besting the Spurs, 128-116, on Wednesday. In that victory, Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell paced the team with 27 points each, Ivica Zubac went off for 21 points and an impressive 22 boards, and James Harden supplied a steady 21 points with 11 assists. After a balanced first half, the Clippers hit another gear late, closing with a 13-0 run that sealed the deal. Winners of seven of their last 10, LA is clicking on all cylinders, aiming to climb higher in the West standings.
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets are trending the opposite way, having lost four of five after a crushing 104-83 home defeat to the Nets. While Miles Bridges (23 points, 13 rebounds) and Vasilije Micic (15 points) tried to keep things interesting, the Hornets never found their footing, shooting just 33 percent from the field. They scored only 37 points by halftime, and the deficit ballooned from there. Charlotteâs lack of consistencyâparticularly on offenseâis becoming a major concern.
Why the Clippers Cover (-13.5)
Los Angeles has not only been winning but also covering with consistency, especially in ânight games.â Their defense has tightened, theyâre forcing more turnovers, and the Leonard-Powell-Zubac-Harden quartet is proving tough to handle. Meanwhile, Charlotte is plagued by injuries and poor shooting, failing to crack 90 points against a Nets squad that had been struggling. The Hornets have also dropped 14 straight night games against winning teams, highlighting their uphill battle here. Expect the Clippers to control pace, dominate late, and cover the -13.5 spread in a decisive road performance.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons
Dallas Mavericks at Detroit Pistons
Friday, 7 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Mavericks -1
The Detroit Pistons enter Fridayâs clash on a three-game losing skid, coming off a string of tough performances in which their offense has stagnated. At 10-11 at home, theyâve struggled to establish a consistent identity, giving up over 113 points per contest and typically getting outscored by close margins. Despite solid individual efforts from franchise centerpiece Cade Cunninghamâwhoâs shooting an efficient 45.4 percent while averaging 25 points per gameâDetroit has found wins hard to come by lately. Malik Beasley has helped with perimeter production, but the supporting cast needs to step up if the Pistons hope to snap their losing streak.
On the other side, the Dallas Mavericks are 12-12 away from home and looking to bounce back on the road. They sit at 26-22 on the season, positioning themselves in the thick of the Western Conference playoff picture. Although star guard Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a calf issue, Dallas still boasts the electric scoring of Kyrie Irving, whoâs pouring in 24.2 points per game, and timely contributions from sharpshooter Klay Thompson.
Even without Doncic, the Mavericks bring a more reliable defense and a proven ability to eke out close games, especially against teams struggling to put up consistent scoring runs. The Pistonsâ offense can be explosive in spurts, but it lacks the continuity to outduel Dallas when it counts. With Irvingâs shot creation and Klay Thompsonâs accuracy from deep, the Mavs have enough firepower to exploit Detroitâs defensive lapses. Expect Dallas to hold firm defensively and pull away late, covering the modest one-point spread on the road.
Denver Nuggets vs. Philadelphia n76ers
Denver Nuggets at Philadelphia 76ers
Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Nuggets -9
The Denver Nuggets aim to snap a three-game skid when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. Denver has lost its past few outings, including a 122-112 defeat at the New York Knicks on Wednesday. While Jamal Murray poured in 33 points and Nikola Jokic added 17 points, the Nuggets struggled to generate offense outside their main core, with the bench contributing just 24 points. Denverâs defense also faltered, allowing the Knicks to dominate every quarter. Still, with their roster largely intact and a talented core, the Nuggets are primed to refocus against a shorthanded 76ers squad.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, is on a four-game win streak following a 117-104 home victory over the Sacramento Kings. Tyrese Maxey led with 30 points and eight assists, while Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 15 points. The 76ers shot 52 percent from the field and pulled away with a stout fourth-quarter run. However, they remain without star center Joel Embiid and key contributors Paul George and Andre Drummond, which significantly limits their inside presence and overall depth.
The Nuggets, despite recent struggles, still possess a formidable lineup spearheaded by the two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and an elite shot-creator in Murray. With Phillyâs frontcourt options severely diminished, Denver has a strong edge in the paint. Moreover, the 76ersâ recent success belies the fact theyâre missing crucial pieces and face a more complete Nuggets team determined to end its losing streak. Expect Denver to push the tempo, exploit mismatches inside, and cover the nine-point spread against an injury-depleted 76ers lineup.
Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors
Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors
Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Raptors -4
The Chicago Bulls face an uphill climb when they visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Chicago has dropped eight of its last 10 games, most recently a 122-100 setback in Boston. In that defeat, Patrick Williams and Coby White each scored 16 points, but the Bulls shot just 40 percent from the field and 15-of-49 from three-point range. They also allowed 41 points in the second quarter, digging themselves too big a hole to climb out of. With Zach LaVine sidelined, the Bullsâ offensive ceiling looks limited, and theyâve struggled to keep pace in recent outings.
Toronto, on the other hand, is surging with wins in seven of its last eight contests. The Raptors cruised past the Wizards 106-82 on Wednesday, with Scottie Barnes (24 points) leading a balanced attack that saw eight different Raptors reach double figures. Toronto shot a solid 47 percent while holding Washington to just 82 points. Theyâve also demonstrated good depth, evident in no starter playing more than 27 minutes in that blowout victory.
Torontoâs defense is rounding into form, holding opponents to modest scoring outputs during its hot streak. Meanwhile, the Bulls have looked disjointed on offense, missing key contributors like LaVine. Additionally, the Raptorsâ recent five-game winning run features balanced scoring and steady defensive pressure. At home, they should be able to seize control early and maintain a comfortable cushion. With the Bulls struggling to string together consistent scoring and shooting poorly from deep, itâs difficult to see them matching Torontoâs intensity. Expect the Raptors to stay hot, defend their home court, and cover the four-point spread.
Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Boston Celtics at New Orleans Pelicans
Friday, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Celtics -12
The Boston Celtics look to build on their momentum when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Boston most recently downed the Bulls before stumbling against the Rockets, but overall remains one of the top teams in the NBA. Jayson Tatum (26.7 PPG, 9 RPG) and Jaylen Brown (23.2 PPG, 6 RPG) form a dynamic duo, while Kristaps Porzingis adds interior scoring and rim protection. The Celtics shoot 36.5 percent from beyond the arc and typically get big leads thanks to a balanced attack and steady defense.
New Orleans has dropped two straight, including a tough loss to Dallas, and remains shorthanded with Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones on the sidelines. Thatâs forced Zion Williamson (23.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG) to carry more of the load. With additional contributions from CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy, the Pelicans can score in bursts. However, they struggle on defense, giving up 118.1 points per game and 36.5 percent shooting from deep. Against a Celtics squad that excels from the outside, thatâs a concerning matchup.
Even as road favorites, Boston has the firepower to overwhelm this Pelicans defense, especially without Ingram and Jones to help contain Tatum or Brown. The Celtics are one of the NBAâs top clubs on both ends of the floor, outscoring opponents by nearly nine points a game. Meanwhile, New Orleans has fallen in each of its last five contests and rarely covers at home when facing a top-tier opponent. Look for the Celtics to set the tone early and maintain a comfortable lead, resulting in a double-digit victory.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. San Antonio Spurs
Milwaukee Bucks at San Antonio Spurs
Friday, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Bucks -2.5
The Milwaukee Bucks travel to the Frost Bank Center on Friday to face the San Antonio Spurs in what promises to be an exciting NBA showdown. Milwaukee comes in with an offense that averages 114.5 points per game on 48.6 percent shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to dominate with 31.7 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, and Damian Lillard is steadily finding his rhythm, adding 25.3 points. Even with Bobby Portis sidelined, the Bucks boast a deep roster that can push the tempo and find easy baskets in transition.
On the other side, San Antonio enters with an offense averaging 112.1 points on 45.9 percent shooting. Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama leads the team at 24.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest, showing flashes of brilliance. Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson also bring energy, but the Spurs have struggled to close out games, as indicated by a 2-8 record in their last 10. While the Spurs can be competitive at home, they often rely on young talent still learning to handle late-game pressure.
Despite being on a road trip, the Bucks have several advantages. They have covered the spread in seven of the Spursâ last eight home games as a road favorite. Milwaukee also benefits from having a rest edge, which historically leads to strong performances under head coach Adrian Griffin. Meanwhile, the Spurs have failed to cover in each of their last four night games at the Frost Bank Center.
Look for the Bucksâ veteran leadership and firepower to prevail, covering the -2.5 spread.
Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors
Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors
Friday, 10 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Suns -1
The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors clash Friday at the Chase Center in an exciting Western Conference matchup. The Suns are coming off a victory against the Clippers and a loss to the Timberwolves, while they also look ahead to games against the Trail Blazers, Thunder, and Jazz. Kevin Durant continues to lead Phoenix, averaging 27.3 points and 6.3 rebounds, while Devin Booker adds 25.5 points per game. The Suns shoot 37.7 percent from three and are pulling down 42.5 boards per game. Their defense allows opponents to shoot just 36 percent from deep.
On the other side, the Warriors have won two straight against the Jazz and Thunder. Golden State is led by Stephen Curry, who puts up 22.3 points and 6.3 assists, while Andrew Wiggins contributes 17.4 points. However, the Warriors are missing Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga, which could hamper their interior defense and depth. They average 111.5 points on 44.6 percent shooting, and allow 111.2 points on 45.9 percent shooting.
Despite Golden Stateâs strong home record, Phoenix has had recent success, winning seven of the last 10 matchups with the Warriors. Furthermore, the Warriors have dropped their last six games against winning Pacific Division teams, indicating potential issues against quality opponents. With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker both healthy and no injuries reported for Phoenix, the Suns should capitalize on the shorthanded Warriors. Take the Suns to cover the -1 spread, relying on their improved form and star power to secure a crucial road victory.
