NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Raptors vs. 76ers Preview
Tuesday at Wells Fargo Center, 7 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Raptors +9.5
The Philadelphia 76ers (20-32) enter Tuesday’s contest hoping to end a three-game losing streak. Philadelphia sits 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 14-18 record against fellow East teams, struggling particularly in double-digit games (9-18). Tyrese Maxey propels the offense, averaging 28.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals, while Kelly Oubre Jr. contributes 17.2 points and 9.2 rebounds over his last 10 outings. The Sixers collectively hit 12.9 three-pointers per game—slightly fewer than the 13.5 Toronto typically yields—and allow opponents to shoot 48.7% from the field.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors (16-37) stand 13th in the East and hold a 10-23 mark against conference rivals. Toronto produces 110.7 points on 46.6% shooting, placing ninth in scoring in the East. Scottie Barnes leads the team at 19.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, while Gradey Dick adds 10.6 points and shoots 42.9% over his last 10. The Raptors split their most recent 10 games (5-5), scoring 109.7 and allowing 110.3 on 45.8% shooting.
Both teams have navigated injuries—Philadelphia loses Jared McCain (meniscus) for the season, and the Raptors are without Brandon Ingram (ankle) and P.J. Tucker (personal). Toronto has been forced to adapt with limited depth but continues to find scoring from Barnes and shooting from Dick.
Why the Raptors Will Cover +9.5
Despite the 76ers’ home-court advantage, Philadelphia’s recent slump and frequent double-digit losses give Toronto an opportunity to keep this game within a comfortable range. If Barnes sustains his production and the Raptors’ supporting cast capitalizes on Philadelphia’s defensive lapses, the underdog can likely stay within 9.5 points.
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
Knicks vs. Pacers Preview
Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Knicks -3
The New York Knicks (34-18), third in the Eastern Conference, travel to Indianapolis aiming to extend their three-game road winning streak against the Indiana Pacers (29-22). The Knicks hold a strong 23-11 record versus East opponents, allowing just 111.8 points on 47.2% shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns keys New York’s frontcourt, averaging 24 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, while Jalen Brunson adds perimeter scoring with 2.4 made threes over his last 10 outings. The Knicks produce 118.6 points in their most recent 10, shooting 48.1% from the field.
Meanwhile, Indiana sits fourth in the East with a 17-15 mark in conference play. Tyrese Haliburton paces the Pacers’ offense, leading the NBA’s ninth-ranked team in assists (28.6 per game) at 8.5. Pascal Siakam has also been effective, posting 23.9 points over the last 10 games. Indiana scores 115.7 per contest—3.9 more than New York typically allows—but also concedes an average of 114.5 in its recent stretch.
Both squads enter this matchup on solid form, each going 7-3 over their last 10 games. The Pacers face the possibility of missing Myles Turner (concussion) in the frontcourt, while the Knicks list OG Anunoby (foot) as day to day and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) out. Despite the injury concerns, New York’s balanced scoring and effective defense offer stability.
Why the Knicks Will Cover -3
New York’s road confidence, built on a three-game winning streak, coupled with Towns’ interior dominance and Brunson’s perimeter threat, sets the stage for a solid performance. If the Knicks control the paint and continue limiting opponents to 111.8 points, they can outlast Indiana and cover the three-point spread on Tuesday night.
Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls
Pistons vs. Bulls Preview
Tuesday at United Center, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Pistons -4.5
The Chicago Bulls (22-31) return to the United Center aiming to build momentum at home after dropping a few recent contests. Chicago sits 10th in the East and holds a 17-18 mark against conference foes. Nikola Vucevic remains the offensive anchor, averaging 19.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, while Josh Giddey contributes 15.5 points in his last 10 outings. The Bulls shoot well from deep, hitting 16.1 three-pointers per game—2.2 more than the 13.9 Detroit typically allows.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons (27-26) stand sixth in the Eastern Conference but have struggled on the road with three consecutive losses away from home. They are 2-9 in Central Division matchups. Despite that, the Pistons have performed well when limiting turnovers, going 14-9 when they commit fewer errors than their opponents. Cade Cunningham directs the offense, posting 25.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 9.5 assists, while Malik Beasley supplies perimeter firepower by averaging 4.8 three-pointers over his last 10.
Chicago has gone 4-6 in its previous 10 games, putting up 113.7 points but allowing 119.8. Detroit, on the other hand, is 5-5 across that same stretch, scoring 116.3 points on 46.8% shooting, with opponents tallying 115.3. Injuries could impact rotations, as Jaden Ivey (leg) remains out for the Pistons, while Lonzo Ball (knee) and Adama Sanogo (knee) are day to day for Chicago.
Why the Pistons Will Cover -4.5
Detroit’s balanced offense and improved defensive effort have helped them remain competitive. If Cunningham continues to orchestrate an efficient attack and the Pistons minimize turnovers, they can exploit Chicago’s defensive lapses. Expect Detroit’s strong guard play and steady rebounding to guide them past a narrow spread and snap their road skid.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns
Grizzlies vs. Suns Preview
Tuesday at Footprint Center, 10 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Suns +4.5
The Phoenix Suns (26-26) host the Memphis Grizzlies (35-17) in a Western Conference battle on Tuesday night. Phoenix enters with a 17-15 mark against conference rivals, averaging 13.2 turnovers per game and holding a 13-4 record when winning the turnover battle. Devin Booker paces the Suns with 26.4 points and 6.6 assists, while Kevin Durant adds 17.8 points over his last 10. Phoenix hits 14.2 threes per contest—slightly above the 13.9 allowed by Memphis—and concedes 114.8 points overall.
Memphis stands second in the West with a 19-13 record in conference matchups, sporting a 4-3 mark in games decided by fewer than four points. Jaren Jackson Jr. headlines the Grizzlies, averaging 23.3 points, six rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. Luke Kennard knocks down 2.4 three-pointers over his last 10 outings, as Memphis posts 123.5 points—8.7 more than the Suns typically surrender. Over its previous 10 games, Memphis has gone 8-2, scoring 124.0 points on 49.2% shooting.
Phoenix carries a 5-5 record in its last 10, netting 115.7 points but allowing 116.5. The team’s key is ball security, as limiting turnovers often propels them to victory. A handful of players remain day to day for both sides, with potential absences such as Bradley Beal (toe) and Kevin Durant (ankle) for the Suns, plus Cam Spencer (thumb) for the Grizzlies.
Why the Suns Will Cover +4.5
Phoenix has proven it can protect the ball and capitalize on opponents’ slip-ups. Booker’s scoring, Durant’s versatility, and home-court energy could keep the margin close against a high-powered Memphis offense. If the Suns minimize turnovers and maintain efficient perimeter shooting, they stand a strong chance of finishing within the 4.5-point spread.
