NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Celtics vs. Cavaliers Preview
Tuesday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Cavaliers -1
The Cleveland Cavaliers (40-9), winners of four straight, welcome the Boston Celtics (35-15) to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. EST. Cleveland stands atop the Eastern Conference and boasts a 26-6 record against conference rivals. Meanwhile, Boston sits second at 35-15 and leads the league with 17.8 made three-pointers per game.
Evan Mobley anchors Clevelandâs frontcourt, contributing 11.7 points in the paint. Donovan Mitchell pours in 23.9 points while Darius Garland shoots 52.3 percent over his last 10 outings. The Cavaliers sink an average of 16.3 threes per game, outpacing most defenses. They also hold opponents to 46.1% shooting, maintaining a balanced two-way approach.
Led by Jayson Tatumâs 26.7 points and Jaylen Brownâs 23 points, the Celtics average 116.6 points over their last 10 games. Tatum connects on 3.5 threes per outing, and Boston as a whole shoots 36.7% beyond the arc. They supplement this scoring with 28 assists per contest and limit opponents to 107.5 points in the same span, ranking among the best defensive teams in the league.
Injuries could play a role, as Isaac Okoro (shoulder) and Craig Porter Jr. (illness) remain out for Cleveland, while Payton Pritchard (illness) is sidelined for Boston. The Cavaliers thrive at home and have been red-hot offensively, posting 124.1 points over their last 10 games. With ample paint production, consistent three-point shooting, and a stingy defense, Cleveland possesses a formula. Expect the Cavaliers to dictate tempo, secure rebounds, and cover the -1 spread in this high-stakes Eastern Conference clash.
Houston Rockets vs. Brooklyn Nets
Rockets vs. Nets Preview
Tuesday at Barclays Center, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Rockets -10
The Houston Rockets (32-17) travel to face the Brooklyn Nets (16-33), looking to snap a three-game skid. Houston currently ranks third in the Western Conference and remains one of the stingiest defenses in the league, allowing just 108.8 points per contest on 45.5% shooting. Despite recent struggles, the Rockets have posted a solid 17-9 record away from home.
Brooklyn stands 13th in the Eastern Conference and has had its share of challenges, winning only five of 16 home games. The Nets hold a 4-4 mark in one-possession contests but struggle to generate consistent offense, managing just 98.7 points per game over their last 10 outings. Nic Claxton leads the team with 9.9 points and 7.5 rebounds, while Keon Johnson averages 13.5 points over his last 10. Injuries are a concern, as Bojan Bogdanovic, Ben Simmons, and several key contributors remain out.
Houstonâs offense is led by Jalen Green (21.5 ppg), with rookie Amen Thompson adding 17.4 points and 8.8 rebounds on 51.6% shooting in his last 10 appearances. During that stretch, the Rockets have scored 114.1 points per game and recorded 9.3 steals, showcasing their defensive hustle. Although Alperen Sengun, Jock Landale, and Fred VanVleet are listed as day to day, Houstonâs depth provides stability.
Houstonâs defense, combined with Brooklynâs recent scoring woes, suggests a strong advantage for the visiting team. The Rockets force tough shots and capitalize on turnovers, while their balanced offense can exploit the Netsâ depleted lineup. Expect Houston to control the tempo, limit second-chance opportunities, and pull away for a comfortable victory, covering the -10 spread on Tuesday night.
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors
Knicks vs. Raptors Preview
Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Knicks -5.5
The New York Knicks (33-17) travel to Toronto to face the Raptors (16-33), hoping to build on a 124-118 win over Houston in which Jalen Brunson poured in 42 points. New York sits third in the Eastern Conference and boasts a 22-10 record against conference opponents. The Knicks have been efficient from deep, averaging 13.0 three-pointers per game, while holding opponents to a matching 47.0% shooting.
Toronto enters this matchup with a 10-22 mark versus Eastern Conference teams. The Raptors rely on Jakob Poeltl (14.4 points on 61.1% shooting) and Scottie Barnes, who has averaged 19.7 points across his last 10 outings. Despite an 8-2 stretch over their last 10 games, the Raptors still sit 12th in the East. They average 111.4 points during that span, allowing just 105.0 on the other end.
New York, meanwhile, is 7-3 in its last 10 contests, scoring an impressive 120.5 points per game. Brunson has fueled the offense with 26 points and 7.6 assists on the season, and Mikal Bridges has chipped in 20.7 points while shooting over 50% in his last 10. Injuries could affect both teams, as Toronto may be without Bruce Brown and Chris Boucher, while the Knicks list OG Anunoby and Pacome Dadiet as day to day and Mitchell Robinson as out.
New Yorkâs balanced scoring attack, led by Brunsonâs hot hand, can stretch Torontoâs defense. Their recent offensive surge and strong conference record give them the edge. Expect the Knicks to control the tempo, hit timely threes, and cover the 5.5-point spread on the road.
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls
Bulls vs. Heat Preview
Tuesday at United Center, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Heat -3.5
The Miami Heat (24-23), sixth in the Eastern Conference, visit the Chicago Bulls (21-29), who stand tenth in the East. This crucial matchup between conference foes will see Miami look to improve its 13-13 mark against Eastern rivals, while Chicago hopes to bolster its 16-18 conference record.
Chicago averages an impressive 16.1 made three-pointers per game (third in the NBA), shooting 37.2% from beyond the arc. Zach LaVine paces the Bulls, knocking down 3.2 triples at a scorching 44.6% clip, though heâs currently listed as out (personal). Nikola Vucevic contributes 19.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, providing a steady interior presence. Despite these offensive weapons, the Bulls have dropped seven of their last 10 outings, averaging 110.4 points per game but allowing 116.3 to opponents.
On the other side, Miami sits at 24-23 and is led by Tyler Herroâs 23.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. The Heat also rely on Bam Adebayo, who adds 14.9 points in his last 10 games while helping Miami generate 45.7 points in the paint each contest. Though the Heat have gone 4-6 in their last 10, they limit opponents to 46.4% shooting and look to tighten up further on defense.
With Zach LaVine sidelined and Chicagoâs perimeter attack impacted, Miamiâs disciplined defense can focus on containing Vucevic inside. Herroâs scoring and playmaking, alongside Adebayoâs two-way impact, should allow the Heat to control the pace. Expect Miami to capitalize on its interior advantage and steady ball movement, leading to a cover of the -3.5 spread on the road.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Clippers vs. Lakers Preview
Tuesday in Inglewood, 10 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Clippers -8.5
The Los Angeles Clippers (28-21) host the Los Angeles Lakers (28-19) in a key Western Conference showdown. The Clippers boast one of the leagueâs top defenses, allowing just 107.2 points per game on 45.3% shooting. They also hold a solid 6-3 record within their division. James Harden leads the offense with averages of 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, while center Ivica Zubac contributes 13.2 points and 10.3 rebounds over his last 10 games.
Across town, the Lakers arrive as the Westâs fifth seed, posting a 17-11 record against conference opponents. LeBron James remains the heart of the team, delivering 24 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists. Austin Reaves has stepped up recently, averaging 19.5 points over the last 10 outings. The Lakers score 112.2 points per game, which is 5.0 more than the Clippers typically surrender.
In their past 10 contests, the Clippers have gone 6-4, averaging 114.0 points and holding opponents to 107.6. The Lakers have won eight of their last 10, putting up 114.5 points per contest while limiting opponents to 105.0. Injuries could impact both teams, with Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum, and Norman Powell sidelined for the Clippers, and Cam Reddish plus other key players out for the Lakers.
The Clippersâ elite defense and depth can slow the Lakersâ offense, especially given Los Angelesâs injury situation. Hardenâs playmaking, combined with reliable scoring from role players, should allow the Clippers to control tempo and secure a comfortable win. Take the Clippers to cover the 8.5-point spread on Tuesday night.
Indiana Pacers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Pacers vs. Trail Blazers Preview
Tuesday at Moda Center, 10 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Pacers -4.5
The Portland Trail Blazers (20-29) aim to extend their three-game win streak as they welcome the Indiana Pacers (28-20). Portland sits at 13-13 on its home floor and depends on limiting turnovers, boasting a 13-7 record when committing fewer turnovers than its opponents. The Blazers average 15.2 turnovers per contest and shoot 45.2% from the fieldâabout two percentage points lower than what the Pacers allow.
Indiana, on the other hand, stands fourth in the Eastern Conference and has fared well on the road (14-12). The Pacers shoot a robust 37.2% from beyond the arc, ranking near the top of the conference. Overall, they hit 49.2% of their shots, which is slightly above what Portland typically surrenders.
Key contributors for the Blazers include Deni Avdija (14.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists) and Anfernee Simons (14.8 points in his last 10 games). Meanwhile, Indiana leans on Bennedict Mathurinâs 16.3 points on 47.1% shooting, plus the steady three-point production of Tyrese Haliburton (2.4 made threes over the last 10 outings). Both teams have been strong lately: Portland is 7-2 in its last nine, while the Pacers stand at 8-2 over their last 10.
Indianaâs efficient offense, highlighted by high-percentage shooting and strong ball movement (30.3 assists over its last 10 games), can outpace a Blazers squad that tends to falter against teams that move the ball well. The Pacersâ ability to force turnovers, combined with Portlandâs average field-goal defense, should give Indiana the edge. Expect the Pacers to seize control in the second half and cover the -4.5 spread on the road.
