NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic
Magic vs. Bulls Preview
Orlando, Florida; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Magic -8
BOTTOM LINE:
The Orlando Magic (29-34) host the Chicago Bulls (24-38) on Thursday night. Despite a close loss to the Raptors recently, we expect the Magic to cover the -8 spread thanks to their defensive efficiency and home-court advantage.
GAME OVERVIEW:
The Magic have been 23-19 against Eastern Conference opponents, although they are 3-6 in one-possession games. They shoot 44.0% from the field, which is lower than the 47.2% that the Bulls allow. The Bulls, with a 19-23 record in conference matchups, excel in playmaking, averaging 28.9 assists per game led by Josh Giddey at 6.6 assists. However, the Bullsâ shooting is slightly better at 46.3%, just 0.8 percentage points lower than the 47.1% that the Magicâs opponents have posted.
KEY PERFORMERS:
For Orlando, Franz Wagner stands out, averaging 25.0 points while shooting 46.9% and providing 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Paolo Banchero has been steady from beyond the arc, hitting an average of 2.3 three-pointers over his last 10 games. For Chicago, Nikola Vucevic leads the team with 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds, while Coby White contributes 2.6 made 3-pointers per game.
RECENT FORM & INJURIES:
Over the last 10 games, the Magic are 4-6, averaging 106.0 points per game, and the Bulls are 2-8, averaging 115.4 points per game. Injuries have taken a toll on both teams. The Magic are without Jalen Suggs (quad) and Moritz Wagner (knee, out for season), while the Bulls miss Ayo Dosunmu, with Nikola Vucevic and others day-to-day.
WHY THE MAGIC WILL COVER -8:
With their disciplined defense and improved offensive rhythm at home, the Magic should keep the game within an 8-point margin despite the Bullsâ playmaking. Their ability to limit opponent shooting and capitalize on turnovers makes covering the -8 spread an attractive bet.
Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks
Pacers vs. Hawks Preview
Atlanta; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Pacers -3.5
BOTTOM LINE:
The Indiana Pacers (35-25) face the Atlanta Hawks (28-34) on Thursday night. With strong overall performance and clutch play in tight games, we expect the Pacers to cover the -3.5 spread.
GAME OVERVIEW:
The Hawks have been decent in conference play at 20-18 and are known for their interior scoring, leading the Eastern Conference by averaging 54.8 points in the paint, with Jalen Johnson contributing 11.8 rebounds per game. However, the Pacers have also been competitive with a 20-17 record in conference games and a perfect 2-0 record in contests decided by 3 points or fewer. The Pacersâ overall defense helps them limit opponents’ scoring, as they allow 116.6 points per gameâ3.1 points less than the 119.7 points the Hawks give up.
KEY PERFORMERS:
For Atlanta, Trae Young averages 23.6 points and 11.5 assists, providing the primary scoring and playmaking. Caris LeVert has also been solid recently, averaging 16.8 points over the last 10 games. On the Pacersâ side, Pascal Siakam is averaging 20.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, while Tyrese Haliburton has been in great form with 22.2 points per game over the past 10.
RECENT FORM & INJURIES:
In their last 10 games, the Hawks are 4-6, averaging 121.5 points per game, whereas the Pacers are 6-4, averaging 121.1 points while shooting 50.2% from the field. The Hawks are missing key players like Larry Nance Jr., Kobe Bufkin, Vit Krejci, and Jalen Johnson, while the Pacers face minor issues with Isaiah Jackson (out for season) and Bennedict Mathurin (day-to-day). With better overall shooting and a balanced roster, the Pacers should cover the -3.5 spread.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
76ers vs. Celtics Preview
Boston; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Celtics -13.5
BOTTOM LINE:
The Boston Celtics (44-18) host the Philadelphia 76ers (21-40) on Thursday, and we expect the Celtics to cover the -13 spread. Riding a strong home record and efficient scoring, Boston looks set to dominate despite Philadelphiaâs effort.
GAME OVERVIEW:
The Celtics have been excellent at home, going 31-11 against Eastern Conference opponents. They average 117.0 points per game while shooting 46.1% from the field, showing their offensive consistency and balanced attack. In contrast, the 76ers struggle in the Atlantic Division, with a 3-9 record against such opponents. Philadelphia, led by Tyrese Maxey, averages only 46.5 points per game in the paint, which limits their scoring inside.
The Celticsâ overall margin is notable, as they score 3.2 more points per game than the 76ers allow (117.0 vs. 113.8). While the 76ers shoot 45.5% from the field, this is only marginally higher than the 45.3% that opponents of the Celtics post, highlighting Bostonâs defensive discipline.
KEY PERFORMERS:
Jayson Tatum leads Boston, averaging 26.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. Derrick White has been a spark from beyond, knocking down 4.6 three-pointers per game over his last 10 games. For Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey is putting up 26.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.8 steals, while Quentin Grimes adds 18.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
RECENT FORM & INJURIES:
The Celtics are 8-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 115.4 points per game, compared to the 76ersâ 1-9 record, where they average just 108.8 points. With key 76ers players (Jared McCain, Joel Embiid) out for the season and others day-to-day, Bostonâs depth and efficient play should allow them to win comfortably and cover the -13.5 spread.
Golden State Warriors vs. Brooklyn Nets
Warriors vs. Nets Preview
New York; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Warriors -11
BOTTOM LINE:
The Golden State Warriors (34-28) host the Brooklyn Nets (21-40) on Thursday night, and we expect the Warriors to cover the -11 spread. Despite Brooklynâs hopes to snap their home skid, Golden Stateâs explosive offense and strong rebounding make them clear favorites.
GAME OVERVIEW:
The Warriors are 17-15 on the road and rank third in the NBA, averaging 46.0 rebounds per game, led by Kevon Looney with 6.6 boards. They have shown they can score in bunches, averaging 119.6 points per game over their last 10 contests while shooting 46.0% from the field. Meanwhile, the Nets struggle at home with a 9-20 record and are 7-25 in blowout losses. Brooklynâs overall shooting sits at 43.7%, which is 2.5 percentage points lower than the 46.2% the Warriors allow.
KEY PERFORMERS:
For Golden State, Stephen Curry is averaging 24.1 points and 6.3 assists, leading the charge. Buddy Hield supports the offense with 2.2 made three-pointers per game over his last 10 games. On the Nets side, Nic Claxton is contributing 10.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, while Cameron Johnson has been a spark off the bench, averaging 2.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
RECENT FORM & INJURIES:
In their last 10 games, the Warriors are 8-2, averaging 119.6 points per game, whereas the Nets are 4-6, scoring only 103.0 points on 41.5% shooting. Key injuries for Brooklyn include DeâAnthony Melton (out for season) and Noah Clowney (day-to-day), while the Warriors deal with minor issues for Gary Payton II and Jonathan Kuminga.
WHY THE WARRIORS WILL COVER -11:
Golden Stateâs high-powered offense, efficient shooting, and superior rebounding should allow them to win comfortably by at least 11 points, making the -11 spread an attractive bet.
Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Rockets vs. Pelicans Preview
New Orleans; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Rockets -4.5
BOTTOM LINE:
The Houston Rockets (37-25) visit the New Orleans Pelicans (17-44) on Thursday night. We expect the Rockets to cover the -4.5 spread, as their strong rebounding and overall team play should help them rebound from their recent road struggles.
GAME OVERVIEW:
The Pelicans have been inconsistent in conference play, with an 11-28 record. They allow 118.7 points per game and have been outscored by 7.7 points on average. Offensively, New Orleans makes 12.3 three-pointers per gameâonly slightly higher than the 12.2 the Rockets give up. In contrast, the Rockets have been solid against division opponents, going 10-3. They lead the NBA in rebounding with 48.3 boards per game, with Alperen Sengun averaging 10.5 rebounds. The Rockets also average 12.2 made 3-pointers, which is significantly better than the 14.7 per game the Pelicans allow.
KEY PERFORMERS:
For New Orleans, Trey Murphy III is a bright spot, averaging 21.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, while Zion Williamson adds about 21.0 points over his last 10 games. On the Rockets side, Sengun is scoring 19.2 points with 10.5 rebounds, and Jalen Green has been effective from beyond, averaging 3.4 made 3-pointers over his recent 10 games.
RECENT FORM & INJURIES:
Over their last 10 games, the Pelicans are 5-5 (averaging 115.6 points per game on 46.9% shooting), while the Rockets are 5-5 (averaging 109.8 points per game on 43.9% shooting). With key Pelicans players like Brandon Boston Jr., Herbert Jones, and Dejounte Murray sidelined, the Rocketsâ superior rebounding and efficient three-point defense should allow them to cover the -4.5 spread.
New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers vs. Knicks Preview
Los Angeles; Thursday, 10 p.m. EST
Our Pick: Lakers -3
BOTTOM LINE:
The Los Angeles Lakers (38-21) host the New York Knicks (40-21) on Thursday night. With a six-game win streak at home and a balanced offensive attack, the Lakers are expected to cover the -3 spread.
GAME OVERVIEW:
The Lakers have been strong at home with a 23-7 record, even though theyâve been involved in several one-possession games (3-4 in close contests). On the road, the Knicks hold a 19-10 record and have been competitive, winning 6 out of 7 games decided by fewer than 4 points. The Lakers shoot 48.1% from the field, slightly higher than the 47.5% that the Knicks allow, and they give up 12.6 made 3-pointers per game compared to the Knicksâ average of 11.9. These numbers indicate that Los Angeles can control the pace and limit New Yorkâs scoring efficiency.
KEY PERFORMERS:
LeBron James leads the Lakers with averages of 24.8 points, 8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. Austin Reaves has been in great form recently, putting up 19.4 points over his last 10 games. For the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns contributes 24.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, while Jalen Brunson is averaging 26.3 points and 6.6 assists in his recent games.
RECENT FORM & INJURIES:
Over their last 10 games, the Lakers are 8-2, averaging 113.7 points per game, while the Knicks are 6-4, averaging 114.6 points. Injuries remain a factor for both teams, with key Lakers players like Jordan Goodwin, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura day-to-day, and Towns for the Knicks listed as day-to-day.
WHY THE LAKERS WILL COVER -3:
With superior home-court performance, efficient shooting, and strong leadership from LeBron, the Lakers are well-positioned to win by at least three points, making the -3 spread an attractive bet.
