NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Phoenix Suns vs. Chicago Bulls
Suns vs. Bulls Preview
Chicago; Saturday, 5 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Bulls +5
The Phoenix Suns (26-29) travel to Chicago in an Eastern Conference matchup where the Suns will try to break their five-game road losing streak. However, we believe the Chicago Bulls will cover the +5 spread thanks to their strong fast-break efficiency and home-court advantage.
Game Overview
The Bulls have struggled at home, posting a 10-19 record, yet they remain dangerous on the fast break, ranking fourth in the East with 17 fast-break points per game, led by Coby Whiteâs quick transition scoring. On the other side, the Suns are 10-18 on the road and have been 8-14 in games decided by 10 or more points, highlighting inconsistency in close contests.
Defensively, the Bulls shoot 46.3% from the fieldâjust slightly higher than the 46.2% that the Suns allow. Offensively, Chicago averages 113.1 points per game, which is 7.5 fewer than what the Suns typically allow, suggesting that the game might be closer than expected.
Key Performers
For the Bulls, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have been pivotal, combining for high-scoring performances and fast-break efficiency. Coby White adds speed and creativity on transition. For the Suns, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant continue to lead the scoring, but recent road struggles have dampened their impact.
Recent Form & Injuries
In their last 10 games, the Bulls are 3-7 while the Suns are 2-8. Injuries are a concern for both teams, with key Bulls players like Patrick Williams and Jalen Smith listed as day to day, and the Sunsâ Cody Martin also day to day.
Why the Bulls Will Cover +5
Despite being underdogs, the Bullsâ ability to generate fast-break points and maintain solid defensive effort at home should keep the game close. With the Sunsâ inconsistency on the road, Chicago is well-positioned to cover the +5 spread.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
76ers vs. Nets Preview
Philadelphia; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Nets +11.5
The Philadelphia 76ers (20-35) visit the Brooklyn Nets (20-35) in a tight Eastern Conference matchup on Saturday night. Although the 76ers look to end their three-game home slide, we believe the underdog Nets will cover the +11.5 spread.
Game Overview
The 76ers have struggled in the Atlantic Division, going 3-7 against those opponents and averaging 12.7 turnovers per game. Meanwhile, Brooklyn is 2-8 in Atlantic Division matchups but ranks eighth in the league for defense, allowing only 111.0 points per game while forcing opponents to shoot 47.7% from the field. The 76ers score about 109.0 points per game, which is very close to what the Nets give up, setting the stage for a close contest.
Key Performers
For Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey is lighting it up with 27.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, while Kelly Oubre Jr. has been a spark off the bench, averaging 16.6 points over his last 10 games. For Brooklyn, Cameron Johnson leads the offense with 19.1 points, and Keon Johnson adds 14.8 points in his recent stretch.
Recent Form & Injuries
Over their last 10 games, the 76ers are 2-8, averaging 112.2 points per game, whereas the Nets are 6-4, averaging 100.4 points while holding opponents to just 99.4. Injury woes have hit both teams, with key 76ers players like Jared McCain and Eric Gordon sidelined, and Brooklyn missing Cam Thomas, with DâAngelo Russell and others listed as day-to-day.
Why the Nets Will Cover +11.5
Despite their overall struggles, the Nets have shown grit in close contests. Their strong defensive metrics and ability to limit opponentsâ scoring provide hope that they can keep the game within 11.5 points. Expect Brooklynâs resilience to shine through as they battle to make this a tight game.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets
Nuggets vs. Lakers Preview
Denver; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Nuggets -6
The Los Angeles Lakers (33-21) travel to Denver to face the mighty Denver Nuggets (37-19) in a crucial Western Conference matchup. Coming off a standout performanceâwhere LeBron James dropped 40 points in a 110-102 overtime win against the Portland Trail Blazersâthe Lakers hope to continue their momentum on the road. However, we believe the Nuggets will cover the -6 spread thanks to their superior efficiency and recent dominance.
Game Overview
Denver is a powerhouse at home, holding a strong record against conference opponents at 22-12. The Nuggets average 121.7 points per game on an impressive 50.9% shooting from the field, while also connecting on 12.0 three-pointers per contest. Their ball movement is elite, with Nikola Jokic dishing out 10.2 assists per game and averaging 29.8 points on 57.6% shooting. Jamal Murray has also been reliable, contributing significantly over his last 10 games.
In contrast, the Lakers are 21-12 in conference play but have struggled in blowout games, with a 13-14 record in contests decided by 10 or more points. Los Angeles averages 112.1 points per game while allowing opponents to shoot 47.8% from the field, and they make 12.3 three-pointers per gameâjust slightly above the 12.0 that the Nuggets allow.
Why the Nuggets Will Cover -6
With their high-powered offense, efficient ball movement, and home-court advantage, the Nuggets are poised to control the game. Their superior shooting percentages and Jokicâs leadership should enable them to build a comfortable lead, making it likely theyâll cover the 6-point spread on Thursday night.
Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz
Jazz vs. Rockets Preview
Salt Lake City; Saturday, 9:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Jazz +8.5
The Utah Jazz (13-42) host the Houston Rockets (35-21) on Saturday. While the Rockets are favored by -7.5, we believe the Jazz will cover the +8.5 spread by keeping the game close and exploiting any defensive lapses on the road.
Game Overview
The Rockets are 21-13 in Western Conference play, known for holding opponents to 108.8 points per game. However, the Jazz, despite a rough record, score an average of 112.2 points per gameâonly 3.4 points more than the Rockets allow. This narrow scoring gap suggests the Jazz have the potential to stay competitive.
Key Performers
For Utah, Walker Kessler is a defensive anchor, averaging 11.2 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. Keyonte George has been a bright spark, posting 18 points and 6.5 assists over his last 10 games. On the Rocketsâ side, Jalen Green leads the offense with 21.5 points per game, while Amen Thompson adds 14.4 points and 8.3 rebounds in his recent outings, shooting 50% from the field.
Recent Form & Injuries
Over their last 10 games, the Jazz are 3-7, averaging 117.2 points on 47.1% shooting, with opponents scoring 124.3 points. The Rockets are also 3-7, averaging 108.3 points on 43.3% shooting. The Jazz are without Taylor Hendricks (out for season) and have Collin Sexton day-to-day. The Rockets miss Fred VanVleet, and Cody Zeller is out for personal reasons.
Why the Jazz Will Cover +8.5
If Utahâs key performers step up and keep the scoring margin tight, they can overcome their struggles and keep the game within 8.5 points, making the spread a smart bet.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Trail Blazers vs. Hornets Preview
Portland, Oregon; Saturday, 10 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Blazers -5.5
The Portland Trail Blazers (23-33) host the Charlotte Hornets (14-40) on Saturday night, and the Blazers are favored by -5.5. After a four-game losing streak, Portland is looking to bounce back against a Hornets team that has struggled on the road.
Game Overview
The Trail Blazers have been competitive at home with a 15-14 record, though theyâve lost 10-22 in games decided by 10 or more points. In contrast, the Hornets have been dismal on the road, posting a 5-20 record and a 3-21 mark in blowout losses. The Blazers shoot 45.0% from the field, slightly below the 46.4% opponentsâ shooting allowed by Charlotte, and they give up 13.1 three-pointers per game, a bit lower than the Hornetsâ average of 13.7.
Key Performers
Anfernee Simons leads Portland, averaging 18.4 points and five assists, while Shaedon Sharpe has been a key spark, knocking down 2.0 threes per game over the last 10 contests. For Charlotte, Brandon Miller has been a strong scorer with 21 points and 3.6 assists, and Miles Bridges is contributing 23.6 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 42.9% from the field.
Recent Form & Injuries
Over their last 10 games, the Blazers are 6-4, averaging 115.0 points per game, compared to the Hornetsâ 2-8 record, averaging only 103.3 points. The Hornets are hampered by significant injuries, including season-ending losses for Grant Williams and Brandon Miller.
Why the Trail Blazers Will Cover -5.5
With home-court advantage and improved recent performance, Portlandâs ability to generate scoring opportunities and exploit Charlotteâs defensive weaknesses should enable them to win by at least six points, making the -5.5 spread an attractive bet.
