NBA Game Picks & Analysis
San Antonio Spurs vs. Charlotte Hornets
Spurs vs. Hornets Preview
Friday at Spectrum Center, 7 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Hornets +10
The Charlotte Hornets (12-36) return home looking to snap a six-game losing streak. Despite an 8-20 record at Spectrum Center, they hope to turn the tide against the San Antonio Spurs (22-26). Charlotte averages 14.6 turnovers per game and struggles when losing the turnover battle (3-12). The Hornets shoot 43.0% from the floor, 3.3 percentage points lower than the 46.3% San Antonio typically allows. Miles Bridges leads Charlotte with 19.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, while Nick Smith adds 13.0 points over his last 10 outings.
San Antonio travels with a 9-13 road mark. The Spurs are 11-18 against opponents over .500, aiming for a stronger showing against the struggling Hornets. Victor Wembanyama stands out, posting 24.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.9 blocks per game. Devin Vassell contributes 17.6 points over his past 10 contests, helping the Spurs reach 117.0 points per game recentlyâthough they also allow a hefty 124.7 in that span.
Both teams grapple with injuries. The Hornets miss Grant Williams (ACL) and Brandon Miller (wrist) for the season, while Cam Reddish (personal) and Cody Martin (core) remain day to day. LaMelo Ball is also sidelined with an ankle injury. For San Antonio, Charles Bassey is day to day with a knee issue.
Why the Hornets Will Cover +10
Charlotteâs losing skid may temper expectations, but the Spurs have been giving up 124.7 points over their last 10 games. If Bridges continues his solid play and the Hornets minimize turnovers at home, they can stay within striking distance. Expect a spirited effort from Charlotte, covering the +10 spread before their home crowd.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards
Cavaliers vs. Wizards Preview
Friday at Capital One Arena, 7 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Cavaliers -17
The Cleveland Cavaliers (41-10) visit the Washington Wizards (9-41), seeking to maintain their hold atop the Eastern Conference. Cleveland boasts a stellar 27-7 record within the East and scores 122.2 points per gameâsecond-best in the leagueâwhile shooting 49.7% from the field. Darius Garland (21.8 points, 6.8 assists) steers the Cavsâ offense, and Donovan Mitchell contributes 24.4 points on 47.0% shooting over his last 10 outings. In their previous 10 contests, the Cavaliers have averaged 122.6 points, consistently outpacing opponents by double digits.
The Wizards, meanwhile, aim to end a seven-game home skid. Washington struggles in lopsided contests, going just 4-36 in games decided by 10 points or more. They average 107.5 points on 40.8% shooting in their last 10, trailing foes who put up 115.2 during that same stretch. Alex Sarr (11.5 points, 6.6 rebounds) and Jordan Poole (15.0 points, 3.5 rebounds in his last 10) are key contributors, but injuries to Saddiq Bey, Marvin Bagley III, and potential day-to-day concerns for Khris Middleton and Sarr further strain the roster.
Clevelandâs defense, limiting opponents to 110.8 points over its last 10, should challenge a Wizards squad that shoots just 40.8% in that span. With the Cavaliers also owning a higher field-goal percentage (49.7%) than Washington typically allows, the mismatches loom large.
Why the Cavaliers Will Cover -17
Clevelandâs potent offense and stingy defense present a clear advantage over Washingtonâs depleted lineup. The Wizards, who routinely falter in double-digit games, will have difficulty keeping pace. Expect the Cavs to showcase their high-scoring attack, capitalize on mismatches inside and out, and cruise to a decisive victory that covers the 17-point spread.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks
Bucks vs. Hawks Preview
Friday at State Farm Arena, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Hawks +5.5
The Atlanta Hawks (23-28) look to snap a five-game home losing streak when they host the Milwaukee Bucks (27-22). Atlanta stands ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 16-13 mark against conference foes. A key strength for the Hawks is their offensive rebounding, grabbing 11.9 per gameâsecond in the Eastâprimarily through Clint Capelaâs 3.3 offensive boards on average. Although Atlanta has struggled lately (1-9 in its last 10), the home crowd will hope to spark a turnaround.
Meanwhile, the Bucks sit fifth in the Eastern Conference, posting a 22-15 record against conference opponents. Milwaukee leads the league in defensive rebounding (35.4), guided by Giannis Antetokounmpoâs 9.9 per contest. Antetokounmpo also scores 31.8 points per outing, while Damian Lillard contributes 23.0 points over his past 10 games. As a whole, the Bucks average 117.7 points in their last 10, allowing 118.2.
Offensively, the Hawks produce 114.2 points per game, slightly below Milwaukeeâs usual defensive allowance. Trae Young paces Atlanta with 23.2 points and 11.5 assists, aided by Vit Krejciâs 2.3 made three-pointers across his last 10. On the other side, Milwaukeeâs strength lies in attacking the paint and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities off the boards.
Why the Hawks Will Cover +5.5
Despite the recent slump, Atlantaâs hustle on the offensive glass can wear down opponents, especially if Capela remains active in the paint. With Trae Young facilitating and hitting clutch shots, the Hawks possess the firepower to keep this matchup tight. Expect a spirited effort at State Farm Arena, where Atlantaâs desperation to end the home skid could push them to cover the +5.5 spread against the Bucks.
Miami Heat vs. Brooklyn Nets
Heat vs. Nets Preview
Friday at Barclays Center, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Nets +5.5
The Brooklyn Nets (17-34) host the Miami Heat (25-24) in an Eastern Conference clash on Friday night. Brooklyn has struggled this season, posting an 8-23 mark against conference opponents, yet the Nets hold a decent 13-12 record when they commit fewer turnovers than their opponents. DâAngelo Russell contributes 12.9 points per game and 2.8 rebounds, while Keon Johnson has provided a recent spark by averaging 15.6 points over his last 10 outings.
Brooklyn scores 105.3 points per contest, falling short of the 110.8 points the Heat typically allow. Over their last 10 games, the Nets have averaged just 98.9 points on 42.4% shooting. However, theyâve limited opponents to 104.9 in that span, highlighting a respectable defensive effort. The Nets also average 13.9 turnovers per game and benefit when they take better care of the ball.
Miami, meanwhile, sits at 25-24 and 14-14 within the Eastern Conference. The Heat lead the league in defensive rebounding at 34.5 per game, propelled by Bam Adebayoâs 7.4. Terry Rozier chips in 12.3 points and 4.2 rebounds, while Tyler Herro has elevated his performance lately, scoring 20.2 points per game over his last 10. Despite going 5-5 in that stretch, the Heat have surrendered 116.0 points on average.
Why the Nets Will Cover +5.5
Even though Miamiâs defense is solid, Brooklynâs recent defensive improvement can keep the game close. If the Nets minimize turnovers and capitalize on open looks, their balanced attack led by Johnson, Russell, and role players can edge within 5.5 points. Playing at home also boosts the Netsâ confidence as they look to spring a modest upset.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons
76ers vs. Pistons Preview
Friday at Little Caesars Arena, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: 76ers -4.5
The Philadelphia 76ers (20-30) visit the Detroit Pistons (25-26) in an Eastern Conference matchup on Friday. Philadelphia sits 11th in the East, holding a 14-16 record in conference play, and looks to improve its 9-17 mark in games decided by double digits. Tyrese Maxey paces the Sixers with 27.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, while Kelly Oubre Jr. has contributed 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in his last 10 appearances.
Detroit, currently seventh in the East, stands 17-20 in conference contests. Cade Cunningham remains the Pistonsâ catalyst, averaging 25.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 9.4 assists. Malik Beasley has provided a scoring boost lately, knocking down 3.9 three-pointers over his past 10. Despite a 10-13 record in games decided by 10 or more points, Detroit generates 115.4 points per contest over its last 10 outings.
From beyond the arc, the Pistons connect on 12.9 threes per game, just under the 13.5 that Philadelphia typically allows. Meanwhile, Philly averages 12.8 made triplesâ1.1 fewer than the 13.9 permitted by Detroit. In their previous 10 contests, the 76ers have put up 115.7 points on 48.0% shooting, though theyâve given up 118.0 per outing.
Why the 76ers Will Cover -4.5
With Maxey spearheading the offense and Oubre providing support, Philadelphia can exploit Detroitâs defensive lapses. If the Sixers limit the Pistonsâ transition game and maintain steady shooting from deep, they should create enough separation to cover the 4.5-point spread. Given Detroitâs struggles in double-digit margins, Philadelphia has a solid chance to secure a comfortable victory on the road.
Toronto Raptors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Raptors vs. Thunder Preview
Friday at Paycom Center, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Raptors +19
The Oklahoma City Thunder (40-9) return home after an impressive 140-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for 50 points. Oklahoma City holds a dominant 23-3 record on its home court, with a remarkable 32-1 mark in games decided by at least 10 points. The Thunder thrive on their offensive prowess, hitting 13.8 three-pointers per outing and limiting opponents to just 43.0% shooting from the field.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors (16-35) aim to snap their road woes, having gone 4-19 away from home. Although they struggle in double-digit contests (8-18), the Raptors boast emerging talents like Scottie Barnes, who averages 19.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, and RJ Barrett, who contributes 14.5 points in his last 10 games. Torontoâs recent form shows promise: theyâre 6-4 in their last 10, pouring in 112.2 points and connecting on 47.8% of their shots.
Gilgeous-Alexander spearheads the Thunderâs attack, averaging 32.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and six assists. Isaiah Joe offers a perimeter boost by draining 3.0 triples over his last 10 outings. Oklahoma Cityâs swarming defense limits opponents to 109.5 points per game across its latest 7-3 stretch, complementing the teamâs high-powered offense, which tallies 123.3 points.
Why the Raptors Will Cover +19
Though the Thunder dominate at home, the Raptors have shown improved offense and respectable defense in their recent performances. Barnesâs all-around game and Torontoâs balanced scoring could keep this contest closer than expected. If the Raptors control turnovers, capitalize on transition opportunities, and maintain their shooting efficiency, they can stay within 19 points and cover the large spread.
Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns
Jazz vs. Suns Preview
Friday at Footprint Center, 10 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Suns -8.5
The Phoenix Suns (25-25) host the Utah Jazz (12-37) in a Western Conference contest on Friday night. Phoenix sits 10th in the West, holding a 16-14 record against conference foes and hoping to capitalize on its home-court advantage to improve its 14-17 mark against teams over .500. Devin Booker leads the Suns in scoring, averaging 26.0 points on 45.0% shooting, while Kevin Durant contributes 2.8 made three-pointers per game over his last 10 contests.
Utah stands at 14th in the West with a 4-28 conference record and comes in trying to end a six-game road losing streak. The Jazz average 16.7 turnovers per outing and fare better when committing fewer mistakes than their opponents. Walker Kessler adds an interior presence, posting 11 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks, while rookie Keyonte George chips in 17.6 points and 6.2 assists over the last 10 games.
In their recent 10 contests, Phoenix averages 113.4 points, shooting 48.3% from the field, but allows 115.5. Meanwhile, Utah puts up 114.0 on 46.0% shooting, though it surrenders 122.3âone of the leagueâs higher defensive marks. With Lauri Markkanen out day to day (back) and Collin Sexton sidelined (ankle), the Jazz face a tough task against a Suns team that hits 47.6% of its shots.
Why the Suns Will Cover -8.5
Phoenixâs efficient shooting and Bookerâs scoring prowess should exploit Utahâs defensive struggles. By limiting turnovers and maintaining consistent production from both Booker and Durant, the Suns can establish a comfortable margin. Expect Phoenix to seize control in the second half and cover the 8.5-point spread at home.
