NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors
Raptors vs. Celtics Preview
Toronto; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Raptors +11
The Philadelphia 76ers might be the official favorites in this Eastern Conference clash, but we believe the underdog Toronto Raptors, at +11, will cover the spread by keeping the game closer than expected.
Game Overview
The Celtics (41-16) have been dominant, winning five straight and boasting a 9-2 record in division games. They average 117.4 points per game and are strong inside, scoring 12.0 fast-break points per game. However, the Raptors (18-39) have struggled, going 11-25 in conference play and 9-30 against teams with a winning record. Despite their poor record, Toronto has potential on offense and on the perimeter; their teams hit an average of 11.7 three-pointers per game, only slightly below the 12.6 that the Celtics allow.
Key Performers
For Toronto, Scottie Barnes leads with 19.9 points and solid shooting at 44.7%, while Immanuel Quickley provides scoring from beyond with 2.5 made threes in his last 10 games. For Boston, Jayson Tatum is averaging 26.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, and Derrick White contributes 3.7 three-pointers per game over his recent stretch.
Recent Form & Injuries
In their last 10 games, the Celtics are 9-1, averaging 118.2 points per game, while the Raptors are 3-7, averaging 109.1 points. Injuries have hit Toronto hard, with Ulrich Chomche, Brandon Ingram, P.J. Tucker, and Jakob Poeltl sidelined, while Bostonâs Xavier Tillman and Neemias Queta are day-to-day.
Why the Raptors Will Cover +11
With the Celtics possibly overperforming due to momentum and home-court confidence, the injury-riddled Raptors have a chance to keep the score close. Their potential to exploit any complacency in Bostonâs defense could keep the final margin within 11 points, making the +11 spread an attractive bet for underdogs.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic
Cavaliers vs. Magic Preview
Orlando, Florida; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Magic +6
The Cleveland Cavaliers (47-10) host the Orlando Magic (29-30) in a highly anticipated matchup. While Cleveland is riding a seven-game win streak and looks poised to dominate, we believe the Magic will cover the +6 spread by keeping the game closer than expected.
Game Overview
The Cavaliers have been outstanding in conference play, posting a 31-7 record and averaging 122.9 points per game. They outscore opponents by 11.2 points and are strong inside, with high efficiency from the paint. In contrast, the Magic are 23-16 in conference games and struggle against teams with winning records, holding a 10-21 mark. However, the Magicâs overall shooting is competitive; they hit 44.0% from the field, only 1.5 percentage points lower than the 45.5% that the Cavaliers allow.
Key Performers
For Orlando, Franz Wagner has been a bright light, averaging 26.2 points over his last 10 games, while Goga Bitadze is contributing 8.5 points at an impressive 62.5% shooting. On the Cavaliersâ side, Donovan Mitchell leads with 24.2 points and 4.8 assists, and Evan Mobley adds 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.3 blocks over his recent 10 games.
Recent Form & Injuries
In their last 10 games, the Magic are 5-5, averaging 106.6 points per game, while the Cavaliers are 9-1, posting 127.8 points on 50.3% shooting. With key players like Darius Garland out for Cleveland (hip) and the Magic missing Moritz Wagner for the season, the Magic have a chance to slow the pace and keep the score closer.
Why the Magic Will Cover +6
Despite being underdogs, the Magicâs resilient play and ability to disrupt Clevelandâs rhythm should allow them to narrow the gap. Their potential to force turnovers and exploit any defensive lapses makes covering the +6 spread a smart bet on Tuesday night.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Houston Rockets
Bucks vs. Rockets Preview
Houston; Tuesday, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Bucks +3.5
The Houston Rockets (35-22) host the Milwaukee Bucks (32-24) on Tuesday as the Bucks, despite being underdogs at +3.5, look to continue their momentum and cover the spread.
Game Overview
The Rockets have been strong at home with an 18-9 record and are among the worst in the West from beyond the arc, shooting only 34.3% from three-point range. In contrast, the Bucks are 12-15 on the road but excel when controlling turnoversâthey are 15-7 when they commit fewer turnovers than their opponents, averaging 13.1 per game. Houston is shooting 44.7% from the field, just 0.5 percentage points lower than the 45.2% the Bucks allow. Offensively, the Bucks score about 114.2 points per game, 5.2 more than the 109.0 that the Rockets give up.
Key Performers
For Houston, Jalen Green leads the scoring with 21.5 points per game at 42.7% shooting, while Alperen Sengun has been solid with 14.8 points over his last 10 games. For the Bucks, Brook Lopez averages 12.5 points on 48.1% shooting, and Damian Lillard has been reliable from deep, knocking down 2.7 three-pointers over his last 10 games.
Recent Form & Injuries
In their last 10 games, the Rockets are 3-7, averaging 107.9 points per game, whereas the Bucks are 6-4, averaging 112.6 points on 46.1% shooting. The Rockets face injury concerns with Tari Eason, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams listed as day-to-day, while the Bucks miss Pat Connaughton (calf).
Why the Bucks Will Cover +3.5
Despite being slight underdogs, the Bucksâ strong ball control and ability to limit turnoversâcombined with efficient scoring from Lopez and Lillardâshould allow them to keep the game close and cover the modest +3.5 spread.
Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Grizzlies vs. Suns Preview
Memphis, Tennessee; Tuesday, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Suns +8
The Memphis Grizzlies (37-20) host the Phoenix Suns (27-30) in Western Conference play. While the Grizzlies are heavy favorites, we believe the Suns will cover the +8 spread by keeping the game closer than expected.
Game Overview
Memphis has been strong in conference play, boasting a 20-14 record. The Grizzlies rank second in the NBA with 13.3 offensive rebounds per game, led by Zach Edey averaging 3.3 boards. They currently shoot 48.2% from the field, which is 2.0 percentage points higher than the 46.2% allowed by the Suns. Meanwhile, the Suns are 17-18 in Western Conference contests and are known for their long-range shooting, averaging 13.9 made 3-pointers per game at 37.3% from deep. Devin Booker leads the Suns, averaging 26.1 points while connecting on 2.6 threes per game, slightly lower than his teammates.
Key Performers
For Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 22.8 points, six rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, and Desmond Bane is putting up 15.5 points over his last 10 games. On the Sunsâ side, Booker remains the offensive leader, while Royce O’Neale contributes with 3.2 made 3-pointers over his last 10 games.
Recent Form & Injuries
Over their last 10 games, the Grizzlies are 6-4, averaging 120.4 points per game, compared to the Sunsâ 2-8 record with an average of 113.8 points. Key injuries for Memphis include Cam Spencer (out, thumb) and Vince Williams Jr. (day-to-day, knee). The Suns are missing Cody Martin (abdomen) and Monte Morris (back).
Why the Suns Will Cover +8
Despite the Grizzliesâ strong play, the Sunsâ elite long-range shooting and Bookerâs leadership can keep the margin within 8 points. With their ability to limit opponentsâ scoring on the perimeter and maintain offensive pace, Phoenix has a solid chance to narrow the gap and cover the spread.
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Pelicans vs. Spurs Preview
New Orleans; Tuesday, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Pelicans -3
The New Orleans Pelicans (14-43) host the San Antonio Spurs (24-31) in Western Conference play. Although the Spurs have been competitive, we believe the Pelicans will cover the -3 spread thanks to their potential to tighten the game at home.
Game Overview
The Pelicans have struggled against Western Conference teams, posting an 8-27 record and giving up 118.9 points per game while being outscored by an average of 8.4 points. In contrast, the Spurs are 17-19 in conference matchups and hold a 5-6 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer. New Orleans averages 110.5 points per game, slightly lower than what the Spurs allow, and their overall performance suggests they can keep the contest close.
Key Performers
For the Pelicans, CJ McCollum leads the scoring at 22.1 points with 3.8 assists per game, while Trey Murphy III has been on a tear, averaging 25.3 points over the last 10 games. The Spurs are led by Chris Paul, who averages 9.0 points and 3.9 rebounds, with De’Aaron Fox contributing 17.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in his recent outings.
Recent Form & Injuries
Over the last 10 games, the Pelicans are 2-8, averaging 117.1 points per game on 46.7% shooting, while the Spurs are 3-7, averaging 112.5 points per game on 46.0% shooting. Significant injuries have affected both teams; the Pelicans are missing Brandon Boston Jr., Herbert Jones, and Dejounte Murray, while the Spurs have lost Victor Wembanyama for the season.
Why the Pelicans Will Cover -3
Despite their overall struggles, playing at home gives New Orleans an edge. With key players like McCollum and Murphy driving the offense, the Pelicans can limit the Spursâ scoring and keep the game within a 3-point margin, making the spread an attractive bet.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Golden State Warriors
Warriors vs. Hornets Preview
San Francisco; Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 10 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Hornets +11
The Golden State Warriors (30-27) are set to host the Charlotte Hornets (14-41) at the Chase Center. While most expect a blowout in favor of the Warriors, we believe the Hornets will cover the +16 spread, keeping the game closer than anticipated.
Game Overview
The Warriors have been on an upswing, winning five of their last six games since acquiring Jimmy Butler. In their recent 126-102 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Stephen Curry led with 30 points and seven assists, while Brandin Podziemski contributed 17 points and 13 rebounds. However, the Warriors face a setback as Jonathan Kuminga is sidelined with an ankle injury.
Conversely, the Hornets are struggling offensively, averaging only 106 points per gameâthe 28th-best in the leagueâand have a poor road record of 5-21. On Monday, they played against the Sacramento Kings, and prior to that, suffered a heavy 141-88 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, where LaMelo Ball, returning from injury, managed just five points on 1-for-10 shooting. Additionally, the Hornets are on the second night of a back-to-back, a factor that could sap the Warriorsâ energy more than it affects the underdog Hornets.
Why the Hornets Will Cover +16
Despite their overall struggles, the Hornets may keep the game surprisingly close. Fatigue from consecutive nights can impact the Warriorsâ performance, especially with key players limited by injuries. If the Hornets can tighten their defense and capitalize on any lapses by Golden State, they could limit the margin of defeat to under 16 points, making the spread an attractive bet for underdogs.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Mavericks vs. Lakers Preview
Los Angeles; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Mavericks +8
The Dallas Mavericks (31-27) host the Los Angeles Lakers (34-21) on Tuesday night. Despite the Lakers being favored by -8, we believe the Mavericks will cover the +8 spread thanks to their balanced offensive attack and strong rebounding.
Game Overview
The Mavericks have shown flashes of consistency against Western Conference opponents, posting a 22-19 record and ranking sixth in the league with 33.4 defensive rebounds per gameâled by Anthony Davis, who averages 9.1 boards. Meanwhile, the Lakers have been solid on the road with a 12-15 record and are 3-4 in one-possession games, indicating close contests can go either way. The Lakers are efficient from the field, shooting 48.2%, which is 2.4 percentage points higher than what the Mavericks allow. On the perimeter, the Mavericks average 13.1 three-pointers per game, nearly matching the 13.4 that the Lakers give up.
Key Performers
For the Mavericks, P.J. Washington has been productive, averaging 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving has been reliable, posting 21.8 points over his last 10 games. On the Lakersâ side, Luka Doncic leads with 26.7 points and 8.2 rebounds, and LeBron James consistently contributes 25.8 points and 7.6 rebounds.
Recent Form & Injuries
In their last 10 games, the Lakers are 8-2, averaging 120.9 points per game on 50.7% shooting, while the Mavericks are 5-5, scoring 113.2 on 47.1%. With key Lakersâ players like Maxi Kleber out (foot) and several Mavericks on the injury report, the Mavericksâ depth and resilience suggest they can keep the game close.
Why the Mavericks Will Cover +8
Expect Dallas to control the pace, limit turnovers, and exploit any defensive lapses, keeping the margin within 8 points and covering the spread.
