NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls
Pistons vs. Bulls Preview
Wednesday at United Center, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Pistons -6
The Detroit Pistons (28-26) travel to Chicago aiming to extend their three-game winning streak. Detroit stands sixth in the Eastern Conference, posting a 20-20 record against fellow East teams. The Pistons excel in transition, leading the conference with 18.3 fast-break points per contest, fueled by Jaden Iveyâs 2.9. Despite Ivey currently sidelined (leg), the Pistons still have solid offensive depth, highlighted by Jalen Durenâs 10.7 points and 10.1 rebounds, and Cade Cunningham pouring in 25.8 points over his last 10 outings.
Meanwhile, Chicago (22-32) sits 10th in the East, holding a 17-19 mark versus conference opponents. The Bulls boast a 4-1 record in tight games decided by fewer than four points. Nikola Vucevic paces Chicago with 19.1 points on 53.8% shooting, while Coby White has added 2.4 made three-pointers in his past 10 contests. Over those last 10, the Bulls average 111.7 points on 44.8% shooting but surrender 123.1âa glaring issue against an opponent that has found its stride offensively.
Detroit allows 113.1 points on 47.3% shooting, a bit more efficient than the Bullsâ typical field-goal defense. In their latest 10 games, the Pistons score 118.1 on 47.1% shooting, holding opponents to 114.1. Injuries remain a factor: Lonzo Ball (knee) and Adama Sanogo (knee) are day to day for Chicago, while Ivey (leg) sits for Detroit.
Why the Pistons Will Cover -6
Detroitâs recent scoring surge, combined with Chicagoâs struggles on defense, sets the tone for a decisive Pistons advantage. The Pistons thrive on fast breaks and limit turnovers enough to exploit the Bullsâ defensive lapses. Expect Detroitâs balanced scoring and improving defense to maintain momentum and secure a victory of at least six points.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Bucks vs. Timberwolves Preview
Wednesday at Target Center, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Timberwolves -9.5
The Minnesota Timberwolves (30-24) return home to face the Milwaukee Bucks (28-24) on Wednesday evening. Minnesota hopes to bounce back from a 128-107 loss to Cleveland, despite Anthony Edwards pouring in 44 points. The Timberwolves hold a 15-12 record at Target Center and are 8-8 in games decided by fewer than four points. They shoot 46.3% from the fieldâslightly above the 45.4% typically allowed by Milwaukeeâand surrender 12.6 made three-pointers per contest.
On the other side, the Bucks average 114.5 points and outscore opponents by 1.4 per game, though theyâve struggled on the road with a 10-15 record. Damian Lillard directs Milwaukeeâs offense, delivering 25.8 points and 7.5 assists, while Gary Trent Jr. has contributed 11.2 points in his last 10 outings. The Bucks drain 14.5 threes, 1.9 more than the Timberwolves typically concede.
In their last 10 games, Minnesota is 7-3, scoring 118.4 points and allowing 109.1. Edwards continues to excel with 27.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on the season. Naz Reid provides additional range, connecting on 2.7 three-pointers recently. Milwaukee, meanwhile, has gone 3-7 in the same span, posting 115.5 points but yielding 123.2. Both squads face injuries, with Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) out for the Bucks and Mike Conley (finger) missing for the Timberwolves.
Why the Timberwolves Will Cover -9.5
Minnesotaâs balanced offense, boosted by Edwardsâ prolific scoring, should thrive against a Bucks defense allowing 123.2 points over their last 10. The Timberwolvesâ home-court advantage and strong recent form suggest they can build a comfortable margin. Expect Minnesota to maintain pressure on both ends, leading to a double-digit win that covers the 9.5-point spread.
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Hornets
Pelicans vs. Kings Preview
Wednesday at Smoothie King Center, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Kings -7
The New Orleans Pelicans (12-41) return home hoping to halt a tough stretch after losing nine of their last 10 games. Currently last in the Western Conference, New Orleans stands at 6-25 versus conference foes and allows 119.2 points per contest, resulting in a -9.2 point differential. Trey Murphy III (22.6 points, 5.1 rebounds) and Jose Alvarado (1.5 made threes over the last 10) offer some scoring punch, but the Pelicans have struggled on both ends. They average 12.3 made three-pointersâ2.2 fewer than opponents typically sink against the Kingsâwhile giving up 127.8 points over their last 10 outings.
The Sacramento Kings (27-26) arrive ninth in the West, looking to build momentum after a 129-128 overtime thriller against Dallas, in which DeMar DeRozan dropped 42 points. Sacramento holds an 18-17 record in conference play, featuring a 4-6 mark in games decided by under four points. Domantas Sabonis drives the Kingsâ offense, averaging 20.4 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Keon Ellis contributes from beyond the arc with 1.8 made threes in his past 10 contests. The Kings tally 114.8 points but have surrendered 123.0 over the same span, emphasizing the need for improved defense.
Why the Kings Will Cover -7
Despite some defensive lapses, Sacramentoâs explosive scoring and the Pelicansâ recent woes position the Kings to control the pace. Sabonisâs versatility should create mismatches inside, while Ellis and others stretch the floor. Given New Orleansâ struggles (1-9 in its last 10) and depleted roster, Sacramento is poised to pull away and secure at least a seven-point margin on Wednesday night.
Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Heat vs. Thunder Preview
Wednesday at Paycom Center, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Thunder -14
The Oklahoma City Thunder (43-9) look to extend their six-game winning streak as they host the Miami Heat (25-26). Oklahoma City boasts a 25-3 home record and ranks third in the West with 118.2 points per game on 47.6% shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunderâs potent offense, averaging 32.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and six assists, while Jalen Williams adds 18.9 points across his last 10 contests.
On the other side, Miami stands seventh in the East, sporting a 13-15 road mark and a defense that limits foes to 110.5 points on 46.0% shooting. The Heat average 14.1 made threesâ1.5 more than Oklahoma City typically concedesâbut have struggled to generate consistent offense lately, evident in their 104.8 points over the previous 10 outings. Terry Rozier contributes 12.4 points on 40.7% shooting, while Nikola Jovic hits 2.6 triples during that same span.
While the Thunder have scored a scorching 125.7 points in their last 10 games, the Heat come off a 4-6 stretch, tallying 104.8 and surrendering 112.5. Injuries could affect both lineups, with Miami missing Dru Smith (Achilles) and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (illness), and the Thunder missing multiple players, including Isaiah Joe (knee).
Why the Thunder Will Cover -14
Oklahoma Cityâs dynamic scoring attack, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, poses significant problems for Miamiâs recent offensive woes. The Thunderâs ability to put up big numbers, combined with their stellar home record, should secure a comfortable double-digit margin. Expect Oklahoma City to maintain its high-scoring pace and cover the 14-point spread on Wednesday.
Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets
Suns vs. Rockets Preview
Wednesday at Toyota Center, 8:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Rockets -9
The Houston Rockets (33-20) return home on Wednesday night to face the Phoenix Suns (26-27), aiming to extend momentum despite roster changes and recent injuries. Houston stands fifth in the Western Conference and holds a 19-12 record against fellow West opponents. Even though the Rockets rank near the bottom of the conference in assists (22.5), led by Fred VanVleetâs 5.8, they have found success through balanced scoring and a scrappy defense, particularly at Toyota Center.
Meanwhile, Phoenix is looking to snap a three-game road losing streak. The Suns are 17-16 in Western Conference play and stand 14-19 against teams with winning records. Devin Booker leads the offense with 26.2 points and four rebounds per game, while Grayson Allen chips in 2.7 made three-pointers over his last 10 outings. Phoenix shoots 47.3% from the fieldâslightly higher than the 45.4% Houston usually concedesâbut must contend with a Rockets squad that can protect its home floor effectively.
Although the Rockets average just 109.4 points over their last 10 contests, theyâve contained opponents to 112.2 in that stretch. Alperen Sengun (19.0 points on 49.1% shooting) and Dillon Brooks (3.0 triples in his last 10) provide inside-out threats. Injuries loom large for both sides, with VanVleet (ankle) out, along with other key contributors for each team.
Why the Rockets Will Cover -9
Houstonâs ability to slow Phoenixâs offense at home, combined with Sengunâs post presence and Brooksâ perimeter shot, points to a comfortable margin of victory. If the Rockets maintain a defensive edge and limit turnovers, they should establish control early, eventually covering the nine-point spread on Wednesday.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets
Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets Preview
Wednesday at Ball Arena, 9 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Nuggets -10.5
The Denver Nuggets (35-19) look to maintain their momentum on Wednesday after a 146-117 victory over Portland in which Nikola Jokic racked up 40 points. Denver stands third in the West and holds a 5-4 record within its division, leading the conference in defensive rebounds (34.6 per game)âpowered by Jokicâs 9.5. The Nuggets average 109.0 points, while allowing 115.8.
Portland (23-31) visits with a 14-26 conference mark, conceding 114.5 points and being outscored by 5.5 on average. Deni Avdija leads the way for the Blazers, averaging 14.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, while Anfernee Simons chips in 19.3 points. Over their last 10 games, Portland posts 113.7 points on 45.5% shooting, outscoring opponents by 4.2. However, theyâll face a potent Denver squad thatâs tallying 123.0 points and 33.0 assists over the same stretch, hitting an impressive 53.7% from the field.
Jamal Murray supports Jokicâs scoring load, sinking 1.6 three-pointers per contest in his last 10. The Nuggets convert 11.8 triples, slightly fewer than the 12.9 Portland usually surrenders. Both teams deal with injuries, including Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring) and Robert Williams III (knee), potentially affecting rotations.
Why the Nuggets Will Cover -10.5
Denverâs elite offensive efficiency, led by Jokicâs scoring and rebounding, presents significant challenges for Portlandâs defense. The combination of home-court advantage, the Nuggetsâ ball movement, and the Blazersâ inconsistencies on both ends suggests Denver can establish a double-digit margin. Expect a strong performance from Jokic and company to comfortably cover the 10.5-point spread.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz
Jazz vs. Lakers Preview
Wednesday at Vivint Arena, 9 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Lakers -9
The Los Angeles Lakers (31-19) visit the Utah Jazz (12-39) on Wednesday, looking to build on a 124-117 triumph over Indiana in which Austin Reaves erupted for 45 points. The Lakers stand fourth in the Western Conference and hold a 19-11 record against conference opponents. Despite ranking last in the West with 41.8 rebounds per game, they manage to limit foes to 112.1 pointsâjust enough for a consistent advantage. Luka Doncic leads Los Angeles with 28.1 points and 8.3 rebounds, while LeBron James adds 24.4 points and 8.3 boards in his last 10 outings. Over that stretch, the Lakers have gone 9-1, scoring 119.0 points on an efficient 52.2% from the field.
Utah, meanwhile, sits second from the bottom in the conference and struggles mightily in West matchups, recording a 4-30 mark. The Jazz also hold a 6-22 record in games decided by double digits. Walker Kessler (11.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.4 blocks) and Keyonte George (16.6 points, 6 assists in his last 10) supply sparks, but Utah allows an average of 122.9 points over its past 10 gamesâfar outstripping the 111.8 it scores. The Jazz concede 14.4 three-pointers per game, and the Lakers convert 12.1 from beyond the arc.
Why the Lakers Will Cover -9
Los Angelesâ recent hot streak, highlighted by Reavesâ breakout performance and steady contributions from James and Doncic, suggests it can exploit Utahâs inconsistent defense. The Lakersâ ability to score in transition and maintain scoring efficiency points toward a comfortable victory, making a nine-point margin attainable on Wednesday.
Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks
Warriors vs. Mavericks Preview
Wednesday at American Airlines Center, 9:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Warriors -6.5
The Golden State Warriors (27-26) visit the Dallas Mavericks (28-26) in a Western Conference clash on Wednesday night. Golden State sits 10th in the West, posting a 17-18 record against conference rivals and leading the conference in rebounding with 46.0 boards per game, thanks to Kevon Looneyâs 6.9. The Warriors allow opponents to shoot 46.3% from the field and hold them to 113.8 points across their last 10 contests. Stephen Curry leads Golden State with 4.1 made three-pointers over his last 10 outings, averaging 11.8 points from Buddy Hield and a collective 117.5 points per game in that span.
Dallas, meanwhile, ranks eighth in the West, going 20-18 in conference play. The Mavs secure 44.4 rebounds, with Anthony Davis grabbing 12.0 to anchor the paintâthough heâs currently out (groin). Daniel Gafford shoots a sizzling 69.9%, averaging 12.3 points, but also appears day to day (knee). Kyrie Irving has been consistent, scoring 20.8 points per game in his last 10. Despite shooting 47.9% overall, Dallas has allowed 121.4 points over that same stretch, indicating defensive lapses the Warriors may exploit.
Golden Stateâs offense averages 117.5 points and dishes out 30.0 assists in its last 10, though it converts just 44.0% of field goals. The Mavericks, conversely, light up the scoreboard at 118.5 points on 48.6% shooting, but give up 121.4. With multiple Dallas players on the injury list, the Warriors aim to capitalize on potential mismatches.
Why the Warriors Will Cover -6.5
Golden Stateâs robust rebounding and ball movement could overwhelm a shorthanded Mavericks squad. If Curry maintains his hot three-point shooting and the Warriors control the glass, they should pull away and cover the 6.5-point spread on the road.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Grizzlies vs. Clippers Preview
Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena, 10:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Clippers -5.5
The Los Angeles Clippers (29-23) return home to face the Memphis Grizzlies (36-17), who carry a three-game road win streak. Los Angeles stands sixth in the Western Conference and prides itself on defense, yielding just 107.8 points on 45.5% shootingâsecond in the conference. The Clippers average 110.5 points themselves, five fewer than Memphis typically surrenders (115.5). Norman Powell has led the Clippersâ offense with 24.0 points per game, and James Harden adds 19.3 points while hauling down 4.7 rebounds over his last 10 contests.
Meanwhile, Memphis sits at second in the West, posting a 20-13 record in conference play. The Grizzlies thrive in transition, ranking fourth in the conference with 16.9 fast-break points per game, keyed by Desmond Baneâs 3.8. Jaren Jackson Jr. propels the interior scoring with 23.2 points, six rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. In their last 10 outings, Memphis has gone 8-2 and puts up a dynamic 125.1 points, backed by 28.1 assists.
Los Angeles stands 5-5 over its most recent stretch, averaging 114.6 points on 48.8% shooting. The Clippers also haul down 44.8 rebounds and distribute 25.8 assists, limiting opponents to 112.4 points. On the Grizzliesâ side, a strong offense (49.1% from the field) and solid rebounding edge present challenges. Both teams deal with injuries, as the Clippers list Ben Simmons, Drew Eubanks, and Bogdan Bogdanovic, while Memphis misses Cam Spencer and potentially Marvin Bagley III.
Why the Clippers Will Cover -5.5
With one of the leagueâs top defenses, the Clippers can contain Memphisâ high-tempo attack, especially at home. Powellâs scoring surge and Hardenâs playmaking should give Los Angeles enough of an edge to create separation. Expect the Clippers to capitalize on timely stops and cover the 5.5-point spread.
