NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Charlotte Hornets vs. Detroit Pistons
Hornets vs. Pistons Preview
Sunday at Little Caesars Arena, 1 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Pistons -9.5
The Detroit Pistons (26-26), sixth in the Eastern Conference, welcome the Charlotte Hornets (13-36), who sit near the bottom of the standings at 14th. Detroit is 18-20 in conference play, showing a knack for tight contests with a 7-6 mark in games decided by fewer than four points. Behind Cade Cunninghamâs 25.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 9.4 assists, the Pistons boast a balanced offense. Malik Beasley contributes 17.7 points over his last 10 outings, bolstering Detroitâs perimeter attack.
Meanwhile, Charlotte has found the going tough in the East, sporting a 7-27 conference record. The Hornets shine on the glass, ranking third in the NBA with 46.0 rebounds per game behind Miles Bridges (7.7 boards). Brandon Miller, averaging 21.0 points, remains a key scorer, though injuries have hurt the teamâs depth. Recently, Charlotte has gone just 2-8, managing 107.1 points and shooting 43.5%.
Detroit, over its last 10, stands 5-5 while scoring 115.8 points on 46.7% shooting, holding foes to 114.7. The Pistons drain 13.0 threes per contestâslightly below Charlotteâs average allowance of 13.3. Though they give up 113.8 points, the Hornets have struggled offensively and face multiple injuries, possibly diminishing their scoring punch.
Why the Pistons Will Cover -9.5
Detroitâs recent form, anchored by Cunninghamâs playmaking and Beasleyâs shooting, positions the Pistons to assert control against a depleted Hornets lineup. Their capacity to produce points in bunches, coupled with Charlotteâs lackluster offense, favors a double-digit outcome. Expect the Pistons to manage the tempo, exploit mismatches, and maintain enough defensive pressure to secure a victory exceeding the 9.5-point spread.
Toronto Raptors vs. Houston Rockets
Raptors vs. Rockets Preview
Sunday at Toyota Center, 1 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Raptors +9.5
The Toronto Raptors visit the Houston Rockets on Sunday, with both teams looking to break out of recent slumps. Toronto has dropped four of its last five contests, most recently falling 121-109 to the Thunder on Friday. Scottie Barnes led the way in that loss with 21 points, five rebounds, and four blocks, while Gradey Dick contributed 17 points and JaâKobe Walker added 12 off the bench. The Raptors shot 42% from the floor and 19 of 41 from deep but trailed by as many as 22 points before a late rally.
Meanwhile, Houston comes into this matchup on a six-game losing streak. The Rockets were outplayed by the Mavericks on Saturday, losing 116-105 despite Alperen Sengunâs 30-point, eight-rebound effort. Jalen Green scored 24 points, and rookie Amen Thompson posted 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Houston shot only 40% from the field and 8 of 28 from three, struggling to close the gap after falling behind by 21 points early.
Why the Raptors Will Cover +9.5
The Raptors have a chance to cover the +9.5 spread because Houston has lost six straight games, is missing Fred VanVleet, and has struggled in day games at home following a road loss. Despite Toronto dealing with its own injuries, Barnesâ strong production and an underdog-friendly trend at Toyota Center should help the Raptors remain competitive. Even though the Rockets have a home-court edge, Torontoâs determination to rebound suggests they can keep this matchup within single digits.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
76ers vs. Bucks Preview
Sunday at Fiserv Forum, 2 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Bucks -2
The Milwaukee Bucks (27-23) host the Philadelphia 76ers (20-31) on Sunday afternoon in an Eastern Conference matchup featuring two star guards: Tyrese Maxey for Philadelphia and Giannis Antetokounmpoâthough officially a forwardâfor Milwaukee. Currently fifth in the East, the Bucks hold a 22-16 record against conference opponents and score 114.2 points per game, outscoring opponents by 1.6 on average. Antetokounmpo anchors Milwaukeeâs offense with 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, while Gary Trent Jr. has chipped in 2.8 made three-pointers per contest over his last 10 outings.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia stands 11th in the East at 14-17 versus conference teams, posting a 4-2 mark in games decided by fewer than four points. Tyrese Maxey leads the 76ersâ charge, tallying 32.8 points in his last 10 appearances, alongside Kelly Oubre Jr.âs 14.3 points and 6.5 rebounds. As a whole, the Sixers hit 12.8 threes per game, which is slightly less than the 14.0 Milwaukee concedes. Conversely, Milwaukee drains 14.4 threesâ0.8 more than the 76ers typically allow.
Over their past 10 contests, the Bucks are 4-6, averaging 115.7 points and shooting 47.4% from the field, but yielding 118.5. Philadelphia posts a 5-5 record during that span, with 116.0 points on 48.4% shooting, surrendering 118.2 to opponents.
Why the Bucks Will Cover -2
Milwaukeeâs edge in three-point shooting and Giannisâs interior dominance can keep the 76ers at bay, particularly on the Bucksâ home court. With Antetokounmpo driving the offense and Trent Jr. contributing outside firepower, expect the Bucks to exploit Philadelphiaâs defense, secure a close victory, and cover the modest two-point spread.
