NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets
Hornets vs. Wizards Preview
Charlotte, North Carolina; Saturday, 6 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Hornets -3.5
The Charlotte Hornets (14-43) host the Washington Wizards (10-48) on Saturday night, and we expect the Hornets to cover the -3.5 spread thanks to their home-court advantage and potential to tighten up their play.
GAME OVERVIEW
The Hornets have struggled in Eastern Conference matchups, posting a 7-30 record and going 4-22 against teams with winning records. Despite these challenges, Charlotte averages 105.2 points per gameâ16 points fewer than the 121.2 that the Wizards allowâindicating an opportunity to exploit defensive weaknesses. The Wizards, while 5-5 against Southeast Division teams, have been hampered by frequent turnovers, averaging 15.5 per game and winning only 3-13 when controlling the ball.
Offensively, the Hornets rely on their three-point shooting, averaging 13.4 made threes per game, which is a bit more than the Wizardsâ 11.5. Additionally, Charlotteâs field-goal percentage sits around 46.6%, slightly above the 44.0% that Washington manages.
KEY PERFORMERS
Miles Bridges leads the Hornets with 19.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while Nick Smith adds 11.0 points over his last 10 games. For the Wizards, Bilal Coulibaly averages 12.5 points and 4.9 rebounds, and Corey Kispert contributes from beyond the arc with 2.9 made three-pointers per game.
RECENT FORM & INJURIES
Over their last 10 games, the Hornets are 2-8, and the Wizards are 3-7. With key players sidelined on both sides, Charlotteâs home-court energy and improved offensive focus could allow them to narrow the margin.
WHY THE HORNETS WILL COVER -3.5
Despite overall struggles, the Hornetsâ ability to capitalize on the Wizardsâ turnover issues and their solid three-point shooting makes the -3.5 spread an attractive bet.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Detroit Pistons
Pistons vs. Nets Preview
Detroit; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Pistons -12
The Detroit Pistons (33-27) host the Brooklyn Nets (21-38) on Saturday night. Although the Nets have struggled, we believe the Pistons will cover a -12 spread thanks to their strong offensive firepower and home-court advantage.
GAME OVERVIEW
Detroit has been solid in conference play, boasting a 23-20 record and winning games decisively, with a 16-14 mark in contests decided by 10 or more points. The Pistons average 105.0 points per game, which is 8.4 points fewer than what the Nets allow. On the perimeter, Detroit makes 13.0 three-pointers per gameâalmost identical to the 13.1 the Nets give upâhighlighting their efficiency on both ends. In contrast, Brooklyn is struggling in Eastern Conference play at 12-25 and has a poor record in blowouts, going 7-23 in games decided by 10 or more points.
KEY PERFORMERS
For Detroit, Cade Cunningham is leading the team, averaging 25.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 9.4 assists, while Malik Beasley has been impressive over his last 10 games, averaging 18.4 points and 2.6 rebounds while shooting 48.1%. The Nets are led by DâAngelo Russell, who is averaging 12.9 points on 40.2% shooting, and Ziaire Williams, who is contributing 2.1 made three-pointers per game.
RECENT FORM & INJURIES
Over their last 10 games, the Pistons are 8-2, averaging 122.7 points per game on 49.1% shooting, whereas the Nets are 5-5, scoring just 102.4 points per game. With key injuries hampering BrooklynâRussell day-to-day with an ankle, Melton and Clowney out for the seasonâand with Jaden Ivey out for Detroit, the Pistonsâ balanced play and scoring edge should allow them to cover the -12 spread.
Sacramento Kings vs. Houston Rockets
Rockets vs. Kings Preview
Houston; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Rockets -5
The Houston Rockets (37-22) host the Sacramento Kings (30-28) on Saturday night. With a strong home record and efficient play, the Rockets are favored at -5, and we believe they will cover the spread.
GAME OVERVIEW
The Rockets are 22-14 in conference matchups and have a solid 7-5 record in one-possession games, demonstrating their ability to win tight contests. In contrast, the Kings are 20-19 in Western Conference play. Sacramento averages 13.0 turnovers per game and is 16-12 when winning the turnover battle, indicating inconsistency on the offensive end. Houston scores an average of 112.8 points per game, which is 2.8 fewer than the 115.6 points the Kings allow, highlighting a slight edge for the Rockets. Defensively, the Kings allow 12.5 made 3-pointers per game, just 0.4 more than the Rockets give up.
KEY PERFORMERS
For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun is in strong form, averaging 18.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Jalen Green has also been impressive, posting 22.0 points and 4.7 rebounds over his last 10 games. The Kings are led by Domantas Sabonis, who averages 19.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, while Zach LaVine contributes 2.6 made 3-pointers per game in recent matchups.
RECENT FORM & INJURIES
Over their last 10 games, the Rockets are 5-5, averaging 108.1 points per game on 43.6% shooting, while the Kings are 6-4, averaging 118.9 points on 49.1% shooting. With key Rockets players like Tari Eason (day-to-day, rest), Fred VanVleet (day-to-day, ankle), and Cody Zeller (out, personal) managing minor setbacks, Houstonâs balanced play and disciplined defense should allow them to cover the -5 spread on Saturday night.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Warriors vs. 76ers Preview
Philadelphia; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Warriors -8
The Golden State Warriors (32-27) welcome the Philadelphia 76ers (20-38) on Saturday night. After Stephen Curryâs incredible 56-point performance in a 121-115 win over the Magic, Golden State looks to extend their win streak. We believe the Warriors will cover the -8 spread thanks to their strong offense and solid defense.
GAME OVERVIEW
The 76ers have struggled at home, holding a 10-20 record. They are the worst team in the Eastern Conference in rebounding, averaging just 39.2 boards per game, led by Kelly Oubre Jr. In contrast, the Warriors are 15-14 on the road and have been efficient, scoring 112.9 points per game while outscoring opponents by 1.8 points. The 76ers shoot 45.3% from the field, slightly below the 46.2% that the Warriors allow, and the Warriors make 15.3 three-pointers per gameâ1.6 more than the 76ers give up.
KEY PERFORMERS
Stephen Curry leads Golden State, averaging 24.0 points and 4.4 rebounds, while Buddy Hield adds 2.6 made 3-pointers per game in his recent 10-game stretch. For Philadelphia, Kelly Oubre Jr. is averaging 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals, and Tyrese Maxey has been strong with 22.5 points over his last 10 games.
RECENT FORM & INJURIES
In the last 10 games, the 76ers are 1-9, averaging 107.9 points per game, while the Warriors are 7-3, averaging 121.6 points per game. With key 76ers players (Jared McCain, Eric Gordon) out and others day-to-day, the Warriorsâ overall efficiency makes them a favorite.
WHY THE WARRIORS WILL COVER -8
Golden Stateâs high scoring and efficient defense should force a decisive win. Their strong three-point shooting and offensive consistency will likely create a margin of at least eight points, allowing them to cover the spread.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks
Bucks vs. Mavericks Preview
Dallas; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Bucks -3.5
The Dallas Mavericks (32-28) host the Milwaukee Bucks (33-25) on Saturday, but we expect the Bucks to cover the -3.5 spread thanks to their strong overall performance and defensive efficiency.
Game Overview
The Mavericks have been impressive at home with an 18-11 record, though they struggle against teams with winning records, posting a 16-19 mark. Dallas averages 114.9 points per game, which is 2.5 more than the 112.4 points the Bucks allow. On the perimeter, the Mavericks give up 12.8 made 3-pointers per game, while the Bucks hit 14.3, giving Milwaukee a slight edge. Despite playing on the road, the Bucks have shown consistency and are coming off solid performances in close contests.
Key Performers
For the Mavericks, Kyrie Irving leads the offense with 24.9 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, while Klay Thompson provides additional scoring and three-point shooting, averaging 14.9 points over his last 10 games. The Bucks are powered by Damian Lillard, who is averaging 25.4 points and 4.6 rebounds, and Gary Trent Jr. contributes with 2.6 made 3-pointers per game over the last 10 contests.
Recent Form & Injuries
In their last 10 games, the Mavericks are 6-5, averaging 113.1 points, while the Bucks are 7-3, averaging 112.9 points on 46.3% shooting. With key Mavericks players like Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford sidelined or day-to-day, the Bucksâ depth and defensive discipline should allow them to keep the game within a tight margin, making the -3.5 spread a smart bet.
