NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Charlotte Hornets
Bucks vs. Hornets Preview
Wednesday at Spectrum Center, 7 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Bucks -10.5
The Charlotte Hornets (12-35) aim to end a five-game home losing streak when they host the Milwaukee Bucks (26-22). Charlotte ranks near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, standing at 7-26 in conference play. The Hornets emphasize reboundingâfourth in the league at 46.0 per gameâled by Moussa Diabateâs 6.8 boards. However, injuries have been a concern, with key contributors like Brandon Miller (wrist) and LaMelo Ball (ankle) sidelined.
On the other side, Milwaukee enters fifth in the East, sporting a 21-15 record against conference opponents. The Bucks rely on their potent three-point shooting, ranking sixth in the NBA with 14.2 made triples per contest. Damian Lillard paces the perimeter attack, averaging 25 points and 7.3 assists, while Giannis Antetokounmpo supplies 29.5 points and 11.9 rebounds on an impressive 64.5% shooting over his last 10 appearances. Though several Bucks players are listed as day to day, the team still averages 118.7 points on 49.3% shooting in its last 10 games.
Meanwhile, Charlotte struggles offensively, putting up only 108.7 points per contest over its last 10. The Hornets allow opponents to shoot 46.5% from the fieldâan inviting statistic for Milwaukeeâs efficient scorers.
Why the Bucks Will Cover -10.5
With the Hornets missing critical players and suffering from poor home form, Milwaukeeâs dynamic offense should capitalize. Giannisâs dominance in the paint and Lillardâs range from beyond the arc give the Bucks enough firepower to secure a comfortable double-digit victory, covering the -10.5 spread.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons
Cavaliers vs. Pistons Preview
Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena, 7 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Cavaliers -5
The Cleveland Cavaliers (40-10) travel to Detroit to face the Pistons (25-25) in an Eastern Conference battle. Cleveland tops the East behind Donovan Mitchell, who averages 23.8 points and 4.7 assists. Darius Garland has also been a reliable scorer, knocking down 3.0 three-pointers per game over his last 10 outings. The Cavaliers are known for their high-powered offense, putting up 122.3 points per gameâsecond-best in the NBAâwhile shooting nearly 50% from the field.
Detroit sits at sixth in the conference and relies on Cade Cunninghamâs 28.2 points per game over his last 10. Jalen Duren is another bright spot, contributing 10.7 points and 10 rebounds per contest. The Pistons are shooting 46.9% overall, slightly better than the 45.7% Cleveland typically allows. Turnovers remain a concern, though, as Detroit averages 14.8 per game, and the Pistons have been inconsistent at 13-8 when committing fewer turnovers than opponents.
Over their last 10, the Pistons are 4-6, posting 113.9 points but allowing 115.3. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are 6-4 in that stretch, scoring a robust 123.2 points while limiting opponents to 111.0. Injuries could play a role, with Jaden Ivey (leg) out for Detroit, and Isaac Okoro (shoulder) listed as day to day for Cleveland.
Why the Cavaliers Will Cover -5
Clevelandâs balanced scoring, led by Mitchell and Garland, makes it difficult for opponents to keep pace. Their ability to force turnovers and convert from beyond the arc (16.2 threes per game) should exploit the Pistonsâ defensive gaps. Expect the Cavaliersâ efficient offense and sturdy defense to help them secure a comfortable road victory and cover the -5 spread.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Atlanta Hawks
Spurs vs. Hawks Preview
Wednesday at State Farm Arena, 7 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Spurs -4.5
The Atlanta Hawks (23-27) aim to snap a four-game home skid when they welcome the San Antonio Spurs (21-26). Atlanta sits ninth in the East and has an 11-11 record at State Farm Arena. Trae Young fuels the Hawks with 11.5 assists per game, helping them rank fourth in the conference at 29.0 assists per contest. However, the team has gone 2-8 in its last 10 outings, averaging 110.8 points but surrendering 118.6.
Meanwhile, the Spurs have an 8-13 road record and enter this matchup 12th in the Western Conference. They average 14.0 turnovers per game, but when they keep that number lower than their opponents, they boast a 12-6 mark. Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama leads San Antonio with 24.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and a formidable 3.9 blocks per contest, while Devin Vassell adds 17.9 points across his last 10 games. The Spurs also generate 29.6 assists and shoot 47.8% from the floor in that span, although their defense allows 122.4 points per game.
Atlanta posts 115.9 points per nightâ1.9 more than San Antonio surrendersâbut injuries to key players like Clint Capela (back) and Jalen Johnson (shoulder) may hamper the Hawksâ interior presence. The Spurs, with no listed injuries, aim to capitalize on that advantage.
Why the Spurs Will Cover -4.5
San Antonioâs balanced scoring, led by Wembanyama, pairs well with a capable playmaking approach. If the Spurs continue to protect the ball and exploit Atlantaâs recent defensive lapses, they should control the tempo and cover the 4.5-point spread on the road.
Washington Wizards vs. Brooklyn Nets
Wizards vs. Nets Preview
Wednesday at Barclays Center, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Nets -4.5
The Brooklyn Nets (17-33) host the Washington Wizards (8-41) on Wednesday night, seeking to extend their three-game winning streak. Brooklyn holds an 8-22 record against Eastern Conference opponents and has struggled in games decided by 10 points or more (6-20). However, the Nets are finding momentum recently and look to continue building confidence at home.
Meanwhile, Washington sits at the bottom of the East standings, with a 6-20 mark in conference play. The Wizards rank eighth in the Eastern Conference with 10.8 offensive rebounds per contest, thanks largely to Jonas Valanciunasâs average of 2.4 offensive boards. Bilal Coulibaly contributes 12.5 points on 42.1% shooting, while Jordan Poole has been knocking down 3.6 three-pointers per game over his last 10.
For the Nets, Nic Claxton provides stability inside, posting 10.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. Keon Johnson chips in 13.7 points in his last 10 appearances. Though Brooklynâs 44.2% field-goal percentage is lower than the 47.6% Washington typically allows, the Netsâ recent defensive effort has helped them hold opponents to 105.6 points on average over their last 10 outings.
Injuries factor into both lineups, with the Nets missing key contributors like Cam Thomas and Bojan Bogdanovic, while the Wizards deal with the absences of Saddiq Bey and Marvin Bagley III.
Why the Nets Will Cover -4.5
With the Wizards shooting only 39.9% from the field and averaging just 101.9 points over their last 10 games, Brooklynâs defensive intensity can keep Washingtonâs offense in check. Expect the Netsâ balanced attack to capitalize on the Wizardsâ struggles and secure a victory by more than 4.5 points.
Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Heat vs. 76ers Preview
Wednesday at Wells Fargo Center, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: 76ers -1
The Philadelphia 76ers (20-29) host the Miami Heat (24-24) in a key Eastern Conference matchup. Philadelphia enters with a 14-15 record in conference play, sitting 11th overall. Tyrese Maxey leads the Sixersâ offense, putting up 27.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Kelly Oubre Jr. has also contributed 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds over his last 10 outings, adding valuable depth and energy.
Meanwhile, Miami ranks seventh in the East with a 13-14 mark against conference rivals. Tyler Herro drives the Heatâs offense, averaging 23.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, while Bam Adebayo chips in 17.2 points. Miami often finds success against top-tier opponents, going 11-13 against teams above .500. However, the Heat have allowed 117.6 points per game over their last 10 contests, highlighting a defense that has struggled at times.
Philadelphiaâs offense posts 12.8 made threes per gameâjust below the 13.8 allowed by Miamiâthough the Sixers also force opponents to shoot a modest 48.5% from the field over the past 10. Injury concerns exist for both teams, with Paul George, Jared McCain, and Andre Drummond listed for Philadelphia, while Josh Richardson and Dru Smith appear on Miamiâs report.
Why the 76ers Will Cover -1
Despite Miamiâs talent, Philadelphia has the firepower to keep pace, especially if Maxey maintains his scoring efficiency. The Heatâs recent defensive lapses could make it tough to contain the Sixersâ perimeter shooters. Additionally, the 76ers have held their own in close matchups, and a strong home-court atmosphere at Wells Fargo Center favors them down the stretch. Expect Philadelphiaâs balanced attack to prevail and cover the one-point spread.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Toronto Raptors
Grizzlies vs. Raptors Preview
Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Grizzlies -10.5
The Memphis Grizzlies (34-16) head into Toronto riding a three-game winning streak as they prepare to face the Raptors (16-34). Memphis sits second in the Western Conference and boasts a solid 13-11 record on the road. Jaren Jackson Jr. fuels the Grizzliesâ offense with 23.3 points and 6.1 rebounds, while Luke Kennard contributes 2.9 made three-pointers per game over his last 10 outings. Overall, Memphis ranks second in the West with 47.6 rebounds per game, thanks in part to Zach Edeyâs 7.6 boards.
Toronto, currently 13th in the East, is 12-15 at home. The Raptors focus on ball movement, standing third in the Eastern Conference at 29.0 assists per game, spearheaded by Scottie Barnes (6.4 assists). Barnes also averages 20.2 points and 8 rebounds, supported by Jakob Poeltlâs 11.8 points and 8.5 boards. Over their last 10 contests, the Raptors have gone 7-3, shooting an efficient 49.0% from the field and allowing just 107.0 points to opponents.
Memphis has been even hotter, winning nine of its last 10 and pouring in 125.9 points per game on 50.1% shooting. Although the Grizzlies are dealing with injuries to Desmond Bane (ankle) and others, their balanced scoring attack and strong rebounding give them a formidable edge. Toronto, meanwhile, faces absences like RJ Barrett (concussion) and a possibly limited Poeltl.
Why the Grizzlies Will Cover -10.5
Memphisâs up-tempo offense, combined with a dominating rebounding presence, should help them control the paint and the pace. Even on the road, the Grizzliesâ depth and recent form suggest they can separate from Toronto early and maintain a double-digit margin, covering the -10.5 spread.
Chicago Bulls vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Bulls vs. Timberwolves Preview
Wednesday at Target Center, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Timberwolves -11.5
The Minnesota Timberwolves (27-23) host the Chicago Bulls (22-29) on Wednesday in a non-conference matchup. Minnesota stands at an even 12-12 at home, anchored by a defense that holds opponents to just 108.0 points per game on 45.6% shootingâfourth-best in the NBA. Anthony Edwards leads the Wolves offensively, averaging 26.5 points on 44.6% shooting. Naz Reid has also been effective recently, knocking down 3.2 three-pointers over his last 10 contests.
Meanwhile, Chicago brings a 12-13 road record and an offense that averages 116.8 points while shooting 46.7% from the field. Nikola Vucevic anchors the Bulls inside with 19.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Josh Giddey adds 13.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in his last 10, although the teamâs defensive consistency remains an issue.
Over their past 10 games, the Timberwolves sport a 6-4 record, putting up 116.3 points while limiting opponents to 108.8. The Bulls, however, have gone 4-6 in their last 10, allowing 117.7 points per gameâan indicator of their defensive struggles. Both squads face minor injury concerns, with Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle out for Minnesota, and Chicago listing Talen Horton-Tucker, Adama Sanogo, and Dalen Terry as day to day.
Why the Timberwolves Will Cover -11.5
Minnesotaâs balanced attack and stout defense should overwhelm a Bulls team that has allowed nearly 118 points per contest over its last 10. Edwardsâ scoring plus the Timberwolvesâ advantage in three-pointers (15.0 made per game) could stretch the margin. Look for Minnesota to dictate pace and cover the -11.5 spread at home.
Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz
Warriors vs. Jazz Preview
Wednesday in Salt Lake City, 9 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Warriors -6
The Golden State Warriors (25-24) visit the Utah Jazz (11-37) on Wednesday, looking to climb the Western Conference standings. Golden State sits in 11th place and carries a 17-16 record against conference opponents. The Jazz, meanwhile, occupy last place at 15th in the West with a 3-28 mark against Western rivals.
Utah has had difficulty closing tight games, going 3-6 in one-possession contests. Collin Sexton leads the Jazz with 18.3 points and 4.1 assists, while rookie Keyonte George adds 2.2 made threes over the past 10 outings. Despite shooting a respectable 45.6% from the field this season, the Jazz have dropped nine of their last 10, allowing an average of 121.2 points in that span.
Golden State averages 111.8 points over its last 10 contests, winning six of them. Andrew Wiggins puts up 17.6 points per game, and Stephen Curry has contributed 18.2 points on 39.7% shooting over his last 10. The Warriors commit 13.4 turnovers per contest and hold a 14-10 record when they win that battle, underscoring the importance of ball security.
Injury-wise, the Jazz will be without Cody Williams, Taylor Hendricks, and Jalen Hood-Schifino, while Jonathan Kuminga remains sidelined for Golden State.
Why the Warriors Will Cover -6
The Jazzâs defense has struggled, giving up 121.2 points over their last 10. Meanwhile, the Warriors have enough scoring depth to capitalize on Utahâs lapses, especially if they limit turnovers and maintain a steady pace. Expect Golden State to leverage its superior experience and offensive efficiency to pull away and cover the six-point spread.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Denver Nuggets
Pelicans vs. Nuggets Preview
Wednesday at Ball Arena, 9 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Nuggets -10.5
The Denver Nuggets (31-19) look to build on a strong Western Conference record when they host the New Orleans Pelicans (12-38) on Wednesday night. Denver sits fourth in the West, boasting an 18-12 mark in conference play. The Nuggets thrive offensively, scoring 120.6 points per game and outscoring opponents by 4.2. They shoot a league-leading 50.5% from the fieldâ2.2 percentage points higher than what New Orleans typically allows.
Nikola Jokic orchestrates the offense, averaging 29.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.3 assists, and 1.8 steals, while Jamal Murray adds 22.3 points and 6.5 assists over his last 10 contests. Denver has gone 7-3 in that span, posting 122.8 points and 31.3 assists per game while connecting on 52.6% of its shots.
New Orleans arrives at 14th in the conference and has struggled against West teams (6-22). The Pelicans allow 118.3 points per contest and enter following a 125-113 defeat to these same Nuggets. Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 41 points in that loss, upping his recent average to 26.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals over the last 10. CJ McCollum is also a steady contributor, scoring 22.1 points and dishing out 3.8 assists per game.
Multiple injuries affect both sides, with Brandon Ingram (ankle) out for New Orleans and Russell Westbrook (hamstring) sidelined for Denver. Still, the Nuggets have enough depth to maintain momentum.
Why the Nuggets Will Cover -10.5
Denverâs efficient offense, led by Jokic and Murray, should overwhelm a Pelicans squad allowing 122.6 points per game in its last 10 outings. With the Nuggetsâ formidable home-court advantage and superior ball movement, expect a double-digit win to secure the 10.5-point spread.
Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Suns vs. Thunder Preview
Wednesday at Paycom Center, 9:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Thunder -13
The Oklahoma City Thunder (39-9) host the Phoenix Suns (25-23), aiming to reinforce their top spot in the Western Conference. Oklahoma City carries an impressive 22-8 mark against West rivals, fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderâs stellar 32.5 points per game. Known for attacking the paint (50.5 points per contest there), the Thunder rely on Gilgeous-Alexander to generate 14.5 of those inside points.
Meanwhile, Phoenix stands 10th in the West, sporting a 16-13 record in conference play. Devin Booker and Tyus Jones form a backcourt tandem, with Jones shooting 47.1% overall. Kevin Durant adds perimeter punch, averaging 2.7 made threes over his last 10 outings. The Suns, however, have dropped 11 of their 19 games that end in double-digit margins, suggesting they sometimes struggle to keep pace in decisive moments.
Oklahoma Cityâs recent run of seven wins in 10 games demonstrates a well-rounded approach: they score 121.1 points while holding opponents to 108.8. Phoenix, on the other hand, has gone 6-3 in its last nine, posting 115.5 points and allowing 113.8. Injuries remain minimal for the Suns, while the Thunder have a few day-to-day concerns, including Alex Caruso (ankle) and Jalen Williams (wrist).
Why the Thunder Will Cover -13
The Thunderâs balanced scoring and tight defense are poised to overwhelm Phoenix, particularly around the rim. If Gilgeous-Alexander continues his prolific output and Oklahoma City maintains its paint dominance, the Suns will face an uphill battle. Look for the Thunder to pull away and cover the 13-point spread in front of their home crowd.
Orlando Magic vs. Sacramento Kings
Magic vs. Kings Preview
Wednesday at Golden 1 Center, 10 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Kings -5.5
The Sacramento Kings (25-24) put their seven-game home winning streak on the line when they host the Orlando Magic (24-27). Currently ninth in the Western Conference, Sacramento holds a 13-12 record at Golden 1 Center and hopes to stay hot in front of the home crowd. The Kings thrive on the boards, ranking eighth in the West with 44.6 rebounds per contest. Domantas Sabonis anchors the paint, posting 20.6 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. DeMar DeRozan has also contributed offensively, scoring 24.5 points in his past 10 outings.
Orlando, meanwhile, sits eighth in the East but has struggled away from home with a 9-18 record. Franz Wagner leads the Magic with 24.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, and Paolo Banchero chips in 18.4 points over his last 10 appearances. Despite these bright spots, Orlando has dropped nine of its last 10 games, averaging just 98.7 points and shooting 40.1% from the field during that span.
Sacramento averages 117.6 points over its last 10 contests, but has allowed 122.0 points, signaling the need for a stronger defensive effort. However, the Magicâs recent slump may give the Kings an opportunity to control the game. Injuries could affect both teams, with Doug McDermott listed day to day for Sacramento and Jalen Suggs out for Orlando.
Why the Kings Will Cover -5.5
Given Sacramentoâs stellar home record and Orlandoâs offensive struggles, expect the Kings to maintain momentum behind Sabonisâs rebounding and scoring. Their uptempo style, along with the Magicâs shooting woes, should allow Sacramento to pull away and cover the 5.5-point spread.
