After a solid 6-2 showing in last night’s predictions, our season record climbs to 128-73, boosting our accuracy rate to 63.6%. Tonight, we’re set for a competitive 7-game slate and are eager to continue our strong performance.
The night begins with a rematch as the Orlando Magic take on the Philadelphia 76ers, with both teams looking to make adjustments. Meanwhile, the struggling Los Angeles Lakers face the resurgent Atlanta Hawks in a game where the Lakers need to find answers quickly.
Next, the Milwaukee Bucks clash with the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, in what promises to be a marquee matchup between two of the East’s powerhouses. The Indiana Pacers, stumbling after a tough stretch, meet the Chicago Bulls, who are playing the second game of a back-to-back and aiming for consistency.
Elsewhere, the Sacramento Kings face the San Antonio Spurs, with both teams looking to bounce back and find their rhythm. The Minnesota Timberwolves, one of the league’s top teams, take on a tough opponent in the Golden State Warriors, setting the stage for an exciting contest. Finally, the night wraps up with a battle of Western Conference bottom-dwellers as the Utah Jazz face the Portland Trail Blazers, with both teams desperate to break their slumps.
Let’s break down each matchup and aim for another strong night of predictions.
Orlando Magic At Philadelphia 76ers - 7:00 PM EST
Magic Current Record: 16-8
Sixers Current Record: 5-15
Magic Injuries: Gary Harris - Out (Hamstring), Paolo Banchero - Out (Oblique)
Sixers Injuries: Andre Drummond - Day To Day (Ankle), Adem Bona - Out (Knee), Joel Embiid - Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Magic Lead 3-2
The Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers clash for the second time in three days at the Wells Fargo Center. The Magic are riding high after defeating the Sixers 106-102 in their last meeting, thanks to a stellar 35-point performance from Franz Wagner. Wagner, averaging 26.9 points over his last ten games, has been the cornerstone of Orlando’s recent success.
The Magic have won eight of their last ten games, showcasing balanced contributions from Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, and Wendell Carter Jr. Their defense has also been impressive, allowing just 103.9 points per game during this stretch.
Philadelphia continues to struggle, missing the presence of Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined with a knee injury. Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey have tried to shoulder the offensive load, but the Sixers' lack of consistency has led to seven losses in their last ten games. Paul George is expected to return, which could provide a boost, but the team needs more cohesion to overcome Orlando’s strong defensive schemes and dynamic scoring.
The Magic’s form and Wagner’s leadership make them the favorites in this matchup. Expect Orlando to secure another hard-fought win on the road.
Prediction: Magic def. Sixers 110-105
Los Angeles Lakers At Atlanta Hawks - 7:30 PM EST
Lakers Current Record: 12-10
Hawks Current Record: 12-11
Lakers Injuries: LeBron James - Day To Day (Foot), Anthony Davis - Day To Day (Foot), Bronny James - Day To Day (Heel), Jalen Hood-Schifino - Out (Hamstring), Austin Reaves - Out (Pelvis), Jarred Vanderbilt - Out (Knee), Jaxson Hayes - Out (Ankle), Christian Wood - Out (Knee)
Hawks Injuries: Trae Young - Day To Day (Achilles), Cody Zeller - Out (Personal), Seth Lundy - Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 3-2
The Atlanta Hawks, riding a five-game winning streak, host the Los Angeles Lakers at State Farm Arena. Atlanta has been playing inspired basketball, which is highlighted by stellar defensive efforts and balanced scoring.
Over their last five games, the Hawks have held three opponents to under 105 points, showcasing their improved defensive schemes. Jalen Johnson has emerged as a versatile star, averaging 20.1 points and 9.9 rebounds, while Trae Young continues to lead the league in assists with 12.0 per game, demonstrating unselfish play.
The Lakers are looking to rebound from a tough stretch, including a lopsided 134-93 loss to the Miami Heat. Anthony Davis and LeBron James remain the team’s focal points, combining for 50+ points per game, but inconsistent performances from the supporting cast have hindered their success. On defense, Davis anchors the paint effectively, but perimeter struggles have left the team vulnerable against dynamic offenses.
The Hawks’ recent form and home-court advantage make them the favorites in this matchup. While the Lakers have the talent to challenge, Atlanta’s defensive discipline and offensive depth could overwhelm a Lakers team that is still seeking consistency.
Prediction: Hawks def. Lakers 115-109
Milwaukee Bucks At Boston Celtics - 7:30 PM EST
Bucks Current Record: 11-10
Celtics Current Record: 18-4
Bucks Injuries: MarJon Beauchamp - Day To Day (Neck), Giannis Antetokounmpo - Day To Day (Knee), Khris Middleton - Day To Day (Ankle)
Celtics Injuries: Al Horford - Day To Day (Toe), Kristaps Porzingis - Day To Day (Injury management), Jayson Tatum - Day To Day (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2
The Boston Celtics host the Milwaukee Bucks in a highly anticipated matchup at TD Garden. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 28.4 points per game, have been dominant at home, winning their last six games at the Garden. Boston's offensive firepower, featuring Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis, makes them a challenging opponent. Their league-leading 19.1 three-pointers per game underscore their ability to stretch defenses.
Milwaukee, powered by Giannis Antetokounmpo (32.6 PPG, 11.6 RPG), will look to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Damian Lillard adds a potent scoring threat, but the Bucks have struggled with consistency, particularly on the defensive end. Milwaukee’s ability to match Boston’s pace and guard the perimeter will be key factors in this contest.
Both teams boast top-tier talent, but Boston’s depth and form at home give them the edge. Expect Tatum and Brown to exploit Milwaukee’s defensive lapses, while Giannis and Lillard will need exceptional performances to keep the Bucks competitive.
Prediction: Celtics def. Bucks 120-108
Indiana Pacers At Chicago Bulls - 8:00 PM EST
Pacers Current Record: 9-14
Bulls Current Record: 10-13
Pacers Injuries: Andrew Nembhard - Day To Day (Knee), Aaron Nesmith - Out (Ankle), Ben Sheppard - Out (Oblique), Isaiah Jackson - Out (Achilles), James Wiseman - Out (Achilles)
Bulls Injuries: Lonzo Ball - Day To Day (Rest), Coby White - Day To Day (Ankle), Patrick Williams - Out (Foot)
Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 3-2
The Indiana Pacers head to the United Center to face the Chicago Bulls in what promises to be a high-scoring contest. Both teams have struggled defensively, with Indiana allowing 118.2 points per game (26th in the NBA) and Chicago conceding 123.3 (29th). However, the Pacers have dropped eight straight road games, while the Bulls are on a two-game winning streak, including a dominant 139-124 victory over the Spurs.
The Pacers rely on Pascal Siakam (20.1 PPG) and Tyrese Haliburton (17.6 PPG, 8.4 APG) to drive their offense but have lacked consistency. Chicago’s balanced scoring attack, led by Zach LaVine (21.8 PPG) and Nikola Vucevic (20.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG), gives them an edge. The Bulls’ recent form and home-court advantage should allow them to exploit Indiana’s defensive lapses.
With Chicago dominating the last two meetings and Indiana struggling on the road, the Bulls are well-positioned to extend their winning streak.
Prediction: Bulls def. Pacers 123-115
Sacramento Kings At San Antonio Spurs - 8:00 PM EST
Kings Current Record: 10-13
Spurs Current Record: 11-11
Kings Injuries: Trey Lyles - Out (Calf)
Spurs Injuries: Tre Jones - Out (Shoulder), Victor Wembanyama - Out (Back)
Last 5 Meetings: Kings Lead 3-2
The Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs face off in what promises to be a competitive matchup at Frost Bank Center. Both teams are coming off tough stretches, with the Kings struggling to find consistency and the Spurs dealing with their own ups and downs.
Sacramento has leaned heavily on De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, who have been pivotal on both ends of the court. Fox’s speed and scoring ability will be critical as the Kings look to push the tempo and exploit the Spurs' defensive lapses. Sabonis, with his inside presence and playmaking, adds a crucial dynamic to their offensive flow.
The Spurs, led by rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, continue to build chemistry. Wembanyama’s unique blend of size, skill, and defensive prowess makes him a key figure in the Spurs' game plan. Alongside Chris Paul and Keldon Johnson, the Spurs have the tools to challenge the Kings, especially at home where they have shown resilience.
Both teams are looking to rebound from recent losses, but the Kings’ offensive firepower and ability to control the tempo give them a slight edge.
Prediction: Kings def. Spurs 114-110
Minnesota Timberwolves At Golden State Warriors - 10:00 PM EST
Wolves Current Record: 11-10
Warriors Current Record: 13-8
Wolves Injuries: Joe Ingles - Out (Calf), Rob Dillingham - Out (Ankle)
Warriors Injuries: Draymond Green - Day To Day (Calf), Stephen Curry - Day To Day (Injury management), De'Anthony Melton - Out (ACL)
Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 4-1
The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Golden State Warriors in a Western Conference clash at the Chase Center. The Timberwolves, riding a three-game winning streak, have showcased defensive tenacity, holding opponents to minimal scoring. Anthony Edwards continues to lead the charge offensively, while Julius Randle has added significant scoring depth since joining the team. Their recent road victory against the Clippers highlighted their defensive prowess and balanced scoring.
The Warriors, in contrast, are struggling, dropping five straight games, before winning against the Houston Rockets last night. Returning from injury, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green aim to reinvigorate a team that has seen its offense falter and defensive intensity waver. Golden State has historically been formidable at home, but fatigue from back-to-back games and the Timberwolves' defensive strength may pose challenges.
This matchup hinges on Minnesota’s ability to maintain its defensive dominance and the Warriors' response to recent adversity. While Golden State has the firepower, the Timberwolves' momentum and cohesion give them the edge.
Prediction: Timberwolves def. Warriors 106-101
Utah Jazz At Portland Trail Blazers - 10:00 PM EST
Jazz Current Record: 4-17
Blazers Current Record: 8-14
Jazz Injuries: Micah Porter - Day To Day (Illness), Jordan Clarkson - Out (Foot), Kyle Filipowski - Out (Leg), Taylor Hendricks - Out (Leg)
Blazers Injuries: Scoot Henderson - Out (Quad), Robert Williams III - Out (Concussion), Matisse Thybulle - Out (Ankle), Donovan Clingan - Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Jazz Lead 3-2
The Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers face off in a divisional battle at the Moda Center. The Jazz are struggling, holding the second-worst record in the Western Conference, and enter this matchup on a five-game losing streak. Despite strong contributions from Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler, their offense has been lackluster, and defensive lapses have allowed opponents to dominate.
The Trail Blazers, while also navigating a challenging season, have shown flashes of potential. Led by Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons, their young core has demonstrated scoring versatility. Deandre Ayton's presence in the paint adds stability on both ends of the court, making Portland a formidable opponent at home.
This game pits a Jazz team struggling to find consistency against a Trail Blazers squad eager to capitalize on their opponent's woes. Look for Portland’s balanced offense and home-court advantage to edge out Utah in a closely contested game.
Prediction: Trail Blazers def. Jazz 114-108
