After a 5-4 record in last night’s predictions, our season record now stands at 221-128, with an accuracy rate of 63.3%. Tonight, we have an exciting 7-game slate, featuring key matchups across the league. Let’s break it down and aim for a strong night.
- Houston Rockets At Washington Wizards – 7:00 PM EST
- Phoenix Suns At Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM EST
- Los Angeles Lakers At Dallas Mavericks – 7:30 PM EST
- Minnesota Timberwolves At New Orleans Pelicans – 8:00 PM EST
- Atlanta Hawks At Utah Jazz – 9:00 PM EST
- Boston Celtics At Denver Nuggets – 10:00 PM EST
- Miami Heat At Golden State Warriors – 10:00 PM EST
The evening begins with the Houston Rockets taking on the Washington Wizards. The Phoenix Suns face the Charlotte Hornets in a game heavily favoring the Suns.
The Los Angeles Lakers meet the Dallas Mavericks in what promises to be a marquee matchup. In another Western Conference battle, the Minnesota Timberwolves face the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Utah Jazz in a game that could go either way. The Boston Celtics face the Denver Nuggets in a potential Finals preview. Finally, the Miami Heat meet the Golden State Warriors in a clash of styles.
Let’s dive into these matchups and aim to improve our accuracy with tonight’s predictions.
Houston Rockets At Washington Wizards – 7:00 PM EST
Rockets Current Record: 23-12
Wizards Current Record: 7-27
Rockets Injuries: Tari Eason – Day To Day (Leg), Jalen Green – Day To Day (Knee), Jabari Smith Jr. – Out (Hand)
Wizards Injuries: Jordan Poole – Day To Day (Hip), Bilal Coulibaly – Day To Day (Illness), Carlton Carrington – Day To Day (Ankle), Malcolm Brogdon – Out (Foot), Tristan Vukcevic – Out (Ankle), Marvin Bagley III – Out (Knee), Saddiq Bey – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Rockets Lead 4-1
The Houston Rockets visit the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in a matchup of two teams with contrasting fortunes. The Rockets, anchored by Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, have emerged as a defensive powerhouse, holding opponents to just 106.7 points per game. Sengun has been especially dominant, averaging a double-double with 18.8 points and 10.4 rebounds. In their first meeting this season, Sengun led Houston with 27 points and 17 rebounds, a performance he will look to replicate against Washington’s porous defense.
The Wizards, led by Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma, have struggled mightily on both ends of the floor. They allow an NBA-worst 121.8 points per game and rely on their high pace, which often backfires against disciplined teams like Houston. For Washington to stay competitive, they’ll need to capitalize on Houston’s offensive inefficiencies and aim for a strong performance from their bench.
Given the Rockets’ superior defense and depth, along with the Wizards’ ongoing struggles, Houston is well-positioned to dominate this matchup. Expect Sengun and the Rockets to control the pace and secure a convincing road victory.
Prediction: Rockets def. Wizards 117-105
Phoenix Suns At Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM EST
Suns Current Record: 16-18
Hornets Current Record: 7-27
Suns Injuries: Royce O’Neale – Out (Ankle)
Hornets Injuries: N/A
Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 5-0
The Phoenix Suns visit the Charlotte Hornets in a cross-conference clash at Spectrum Center. The Suns are looking to build momentum following their recent win against the 76ers, while the Hornets aim to snap a 10-game losing streak.
Phoenix continues to rely on Kevin Durant, who is averaging 27.4 points per game and has been the team’s most consistent performer. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal contribute significant scoring and playmaking, but the Suns have struggled with consistency this season. Phoenix’s interior scoring and strong perimeter shooting will be key against Charlotte’s vulnerable defense.
The Hornets, led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, will attempt to counter with their dynamic backcourt. Ball’s playmaking and Miller’s scoring are pivotal for Charlotte’s offense, but their struggles on defense and lack of depth have been glaring. The Hornets rank near the bottom of the league in field goal percentage and defensive efficiency, making it challenging to contain Phoenix’s star-studded lineup.
Given Phoenix’s recent dominance over Charlotte, winning their last seven meetings, and the Hornets’ continued defensive issues, the Suns are favored to take this one. Expect Kevin Durant to lead the way in another strong outing.
Prediction: Suns def. Hornets 115-105
Los Angeles Lakers At Dallas Mavericks – 7:30 PM EST
Lakers Current Record: 20-15
Mavericks Current Record: 20-16
Lakers Injuries: Cam Reddish – Day To Day (Back), LeBron James – Day To Day (Foot), Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Foot), Gabe Vincent – Day To Day (Oblique), Jalen Hood-Schifino – Out (Hamstring, Christian Wood – Out (Knee), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Knee)
Mavericks Injuries: Daniel Gafford – Day To Day (Ankle), Kyrie Irving – Out (Back), Luka Doncic – Out (Calf), Dante Exum – Out (Wrist)
Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 3-2
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Dallas Mavericks in a Western Conference clash at the American Airlines Center. The Lakers are looking to rebound from a narrow 119-115 loss to the Houston Rockets, while the Mavericks aim to snap a five-game losing streak after falling 119-104 to the Memphis Grizzlies. Both teams are grappling with significant absences, with Luka Doncic (calf) and Kyrie Irving (illness) sidelined for Dallas, and LeBron James and Anthony Davis listed as questionable for Los Angeles.
The Lakers will rely heavily on their star duo of James and Davis if available. Davis has been a force, averaging 26 points and 11.8 rebounds, while James continues to lead as an all-around contributor. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves has emerged as a reliable third option for the Lakers.
The Mavericks, without their primary playmakers, will look to P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and Spencer Dinwiddie to step up. Dallas’s depth and defensive focus will be crucial as they try to counteract the Lakers’ star power. The Lakers, led by their experience and stronger overall roster, should edge out the Mavericks in a tightly contested game.
Prediction: Lakers def. Mavericks 112-106
Minnesota Timberwolves At New Orleans Pelicans – 8:00 PM EST
Wolves Current Record: 18-17
Pelicans Current Record: 7-29
Wolves Injuries: Rob Dillingham – Out (Ankle)
Pelicans Injuries: Dejounte Murray – Day To Day (Elbow), Trey Murphy III – Out (Ankle), Zion Williamson – Out (Hamstring), Karlo Matkovic – Out (Back), Brandon Ingram – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 3-2
The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the New Orleans Pelicans in what promises to be an intriguing Western Conference matchup. The Timberwolves come into this game struggling for consistency, particularly on the defensive end. Playing on the second night of a back-to-back could also test their stamina and focus. Anthony Edwards leads Minnesota with 25.3 points per game, while Rudy Gobert anchors the defense.
The Pelicans, despite missing stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, have found some momentum with back-to-back wins. CJ McCollum has been outstanding, recently exploding for 50 points against the Wizards. His perimeter shooting, combined with contributions from Trey Murphy III and Yves Missi, has kept New Orleans competitive. With home-court advantage at the Smoothie King Center, the Pelicans will aim to exploit the Timberwolves’ fatigue and defensive lapses.
Minnesota’s talent and depth give them the edge, but New Orleans’ recent form and CJ McCollum’s stellar play suggest they can make this a close game.
Prediction: Wovles def. Pelicans 114-110
Atlanta Hawks At Utah Jazz – 9:00 PM EST
Hawks Current Record: 18-18
Jazz Current Record: 9-25
Hawks Injuries: Bogdan Bogdanovic – Day To Day (Leg), Trae Young – Day To Day (Achilles), Cody Zeller – Out (Personal), Jalen Johnson – Out (Shoulder), Larry Nance Jr. – Out (Hand), Kobe Bufkin – Out (Shoulder)
Jazz Injuries: Lauri Markkanen – Day To Day (Back), Keyonte George – Out (Heel), John Collins – Out (Personal), Jordan Clarkson – Out (Foot), Taylor Hendricks – Out (Leg)
Last 5 Meetings: Jazz Lead 3-2
The Atlanta Hawks travel to Salt Lake City to take on the struggling Utah Jazz at the Delta Center. Both teams are eager to reverse recent trends, with the Hawks aiming to snap a three-game losing streak and the Jazz seeking their first home win in eight games.
The Hawks boast one of the league’s top offenses, averaging 117.1 points per game. Trae Young continues to be their engine, leading the way with 22.5 points and 12 assists per game. Despite injuries to Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta has shown resilience with solid contributions from De’Andre Hunter and Clint Capela. However, defensive lapses have hindered their success, as they allow 119.7 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the league.
Utah, meanwhile, is led by Collin Sexton, who averages 17.7 points per contest. The Jazz recently ended a five-game losing streak with a decisive win over Miami, showcasing their potential when their offense clicks. However, inconsistencies and a lack of depth due to injuries have been their Achilles’ heel. To compete with the Hawks, Utah will need a strong defensive effort and production from their supporting cast.
The Hawks’ offensive firepower and experience give them the edge in this matchup. Expect Atlanta to secure a much-needed win against a rebuilding Jazz squad.
Prediction: Hawks def. Jazz 120-112
Boston Celtics At Denver Nuggets – 10:00 PM EST
Celtics Current Record: 26-10
Nuggets Current Record: 20-14
Celtics Injuries: N/A
Nuggets Injuries: Spencer Jones – Out (Thigh), Aaron Gordon – Out (Calf), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2
The Boston Celtics face the Denver Nuggets in a clash of recent NBA champions at Ball Arena. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, look to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Thunder. Tatum, averaging 28.1 points per game, remains the cornerstone of Boston’s offense, while Brown adds consistent scoring and defensive tenacity. Boston’s three-point shooting and perimeter defense will be key areas to address after recent struggles.
The Nuggets, fueled by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, are coming off a thrilling overtime win against the Spurs. Jokic, averaging an impressive 31.5 points, 13 rebounds, and 9.7 assists, continues to dominate on both ends. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. provide additional firepower, making Denver a formidable opponent at home. The Nuggets’ balanced offensive approach and home-court advantage could tip the scales in their favor.
This matchup pits Boston’s efficient defense against Denver’s high-scoring offense. While the Celtics boast the league’s top three-point shooting, the Nuggets’ ability to control the paint and pace might prove decisive. Expect a close game, but the Celtics’ depth and experience should help them edge out a narrow victory.
Prediction: Celtics def. Nuggets 117-114
Miami Heat At Golden State Warriors – 10:00 PM EST
Heat Current Record: 17-17
Warriors Current Record: 16-17
Heat Injuries: Josh Ricardson – Out (Heel), Dru Smith – Out (Achilles)
Warriors Injuries: Brandin Podziemski – Out (Abdomen), Jonathan Kuminga – Out (Ankle), Gary Payton II – Out (Calf)
Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2
The Miami Heat travel to Chase Center to face the Golden State Warriors in a clash of two teams aiming to solidify their playoff hopes. The Heat come into this matchup struggling, having lost three consecutive games.
Led by Tyler Herro’s scoring (23.9 PPG) and Bam Adebayo’s defensive presence (9.9 RPG, 1.5 SPG), Miami will look to bounce back by leveraging their perimeter shooting and defensive tenacity. However, inconsistent performances and injuries have plagued the team, with key players like Josh Richardson and Dru Smith unavailable.
The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry (22.5 PPG, 6.3 APG), boast one of the league’s most dynamic offenses. Despite injuries to Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II, Golden State’s depth, featuring Dennis Schroder and Andrew Wiggins, provides significant firepower. The Warriors thrive on ball movement and three-point shooting, ranking fourth in the NBA in made threes per game. Their strong home record (10-9) and ability to stretch defenses make them a formidable opponent.
Miami’s defense will need to contain Curry while exploiting Golden State’s struggles with turnovers. However, the Warriors’ superior offensive cohesion and home-court advantage should give them the edge.
Prediction: Warriors def. Heat 115-108
