After a tough 4-5 outing in our last predictions, our season record now stands at 213-121, with an accuracy rate of 63.7%. Tonight, we have a 6-game slate featuring exciting matchups as teams look to gain momentum. Let’s break it down and aim for a strong rebound.
- Boston Celtics At Oklahoma City Thunder – 3:30 PM EST
- Charlotte Hornets At Cleveland Cavaliers – 6:00 PM EST
- New Orleans Pelicans At Washington Wizards – 6:00 PM EST
- Utah Jazz At Orlando Magic – 6:30 PM EST
- Los Angeles Lakers At Houston Rockets – 7:00 PM EST
- Sacramento Kings At Golden State Warriors – 8:30 PM EST
The evening starts with the Boston Celtics taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in a battle of heavyweights. In another matchup, the Charlotte Hornets continue their struggling campaign as they face the Cleveland Cavaliers, the hottest team in the league.
The New Orleans Pelicans look to bounce back as they take on the Washington Wizards, another team mired in struggles. The Utah Jazz face the disciplined and brutal Orlando Magic, one of the league’s most impressive young teams.
The Los Angeles Lakers meet the Houston Rockets, with both teams looking to build on their recent momentum. Finally, the Sacramento Kings aim to extend their recent winning streak as they face the Golden State Warriors.
Let’s dive into these games and aim to bounce back with a strong night of predictions.
Boston Celtics At Oklahoma City Thunder – 3:30 PM EST
Celtics Current Record: 26-9
Thunder Current Record: 29-5
Celtics Injuries: Jaylen Brown – Day To Day (Shoulder)
Thunder Injuries: Ajay Mitchell – Out (Toe), Alex Caruso – Out (Hip), Alex Ducas – Out (Back), Adam Flagler – Out (Metacarpal), Chet Holmgren – Out (Hip), Nikola Topic – Out (ACL)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2
The Boston Celtics, fresh off a dominant defensive performance against the Houston Rockets, head to Paycom Center to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a potential playoff-caliber matchup. Boston will need to rely on its elite defense and depth to challenge the Thunder, who are on an impressive 14-game winning streak.
The Celtics are led by Jayson Tatum, averaging 28.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, and Derrick White, whose strong two-way play has been pivotal. Boston’s high-paced offense averages 119.3 points per game, ranking fourth in the NBA, while their defense holds opponents to just 108.4 points, ranking sixth. The team’s ability to shoot from deep—hitting 37.1% from beyond the arc—is a significant strength.
Oklahoma City is thriving behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s third-leading scorer at 31.2 points per game. His clutch scoring and leadership have been key during the Thunder’s streak. Complemented by Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein’s rebounding presence, OKC combines efficient offense and the league’s top-ranked defense, allowing just 103.3 points per game.
This contest will likely hinge on Boston’s ability to contain Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC’s defensive focus on limiting Tatum and Boston’s perimeter shooting. The Thunder’s defensive edge and home momentum should propel them to a narrow victory.
Prediction: Thunder def. Celtics 112-108
Charlotte Hornets At Cleveland Cavaliers – 6:00 PM EST
Hornets Current Record: 7-26
Cavaliers Current Record: 30-4
Hornets Injuries: Brandon Miller – Day To Day (Ankle), LaMelo Ball – Day To Day (Ankle), Josh Green – Day To Day (Shoulder), Tre Mann – Out (Back), Grant Williams – Out (ACL)
Cavaliers Injuries: Sam Merrill – Day To Day (Ankle), Issac Okoro – Out (Shoulder)
Last 5 Meetings: Cavaliers Lead 3-2
The Cleveland Cavaliers, sitting atop the Eastern Conference host the struggling Charlotte Hornets, who have lost nine straight games. This matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse heavily favors Cleveland, given their depth, star power, and dominant home record.
The Cavaliers have been an offensive juggernaut, ranking second in the NBA in points per game (122.7) while leading in field goal percentage (50.5%) and three-point accuracy (40.7%). Donovan Mitchell (23.4 PPG) continues to shine alongside Darius Garland (20.4 PPG, 6.8 APG) and Evan Mobley, who is coming off a 34-point performance. Defensively, Cleveland excels, allowing only 110.8 PPG. Their ability to control the tempo and dictate both ends of the floor makes them a formidable opponent.
The Hornets, missing stars LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, have struggled offensively, ranking near the bottom of the league in points per game (105.8). Miles Bridges (18.1 PPG) has been a bright spot, but without consistent scoring and defensive intensity, Charlotte has struggled to compete. Their fourth-ranked rebounding effort (45.8 RPG) might help limit second-chance opportunities, but it’s unlikely to be enough against Cleveland’s efficient offense.
Prediction: Cavaliers def. Hornets 129-112
New Orleans Pelicans At Washington Wizards – 6:00 PM EST
Pelicans Current Record: 6-29
Wizards Current Record: 6-26
Pelicans Injuries: Dejounte Murray – Day To Day (Elbow), Zion Williamson – Out (Hamstring), Karlo Matkovic – Out (Back), Brandon Ingram – Out (Ankle)
Wizards Injuries: Jordan Poole – Day To Day (Hip), Bilal Coulibaly – Day To Day (Illness), Marvin Bagley III – Out (Knee), Saddiq Bey – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Pelicans Lead 4-1
The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Washington Wizards in a matchup of two teams eager to turn their seasons around. The Pelicans snapped an 11-game losing streak with a 132-120 victory over the Wizards in their last meeting. CJ McCollum was unstoppable, dropping 50 points and showcasing his ability to lead the team offensively.
Trey Murphy III has also emerged as a dependable scorer, averaging over 26 points in his last five games. However, the Pelicans have struggled mightily on the road, with a 1-15 record, and need to replicate their previous offensive efficiency to claim another win.
The Wizards will look to bounce back on their home floor, where they’ve had more competitive outings. Despite the loss to the Pelicans, Jordan Poole was a bright spot with 26 points, while rookie Alexander Sarr added 19. Washington’s primary issue remains their defense, allowing a league-worst 122.2 points per game. To secure a win, they must improve their ball security after committing 21 turnovers in the last game and focus on slowing down McCollum and Murphy.
This game promises to be tightly contested as both teams aim to find momentum. The Wizards’ home-court advantage and ability to address turnovers could give them the edge.
Prediction: Wizards def. Pelicans 116-113
Utah Jazz At Orlando Magic – 6:30 PM EST
Jazz Current Record: 8-25
Magic Current Record: 21-5
Jazz Injuries: Jordan Clarkson – Out (Foot), Taylor Hendricks – Out (Leg)
Magic Injuries: Anthony Black – Day To Day (Back), Gary Harris – Out (Hamstring), Jalen Suggs – Out (Back), Paolo Banchero – Out (Oblique), Moritz Wagner – Out (ACL), Franz Wagner – Out (Oblique)
Last 5 Meetings: Jazz Lead 3-2
The Utah Jazz and Orlando Magic meet in a clash of contrasting seasons. The Jazz enter this game on a five-game losing streak and are struggling to find consistency on both ends of the floor. Lauri Markkanen continues to be a bright spot, averaging nearly 20 points per game, while Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler provide additional support. However, Utah’s defensive lapses and lack of chemistry have been their undoing, especially on the road.
The Magic sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference, are looking to solidify their playoff positioning. Orlando has been effective at home, utilizing a balanced offense led by Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. The team’s defensive efficiency has been a hallmark of their success, allowing the second-fewest points per game in the league. Key contributions from role players like Tristan da Silva and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provide depth, making them a difficult team to break down.
Orlando’s defensive prowess and home-court advantage make them the favorites in this matchup. While the Jazz have the potential to put up a fight behind Markkanen and Sexton, the Magic’s consistency on both ends should help them secure the win.
Prediction: Magic def. Jazz 110-103
Los Angeles Lakers At Houston Rockets – 7:00 PM EST
Lakers Current Record: 20-14
Rockets Current Record: 22-12
Lakers Injuries: LeBron James – Day To Day (Foot), Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Ankle), Christian Wood – Out (Knee), Gabe Vincent – Out (Oblique), Jalen Hood-Schifino – Out (Hamstring), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Knee)
Rockets Injuries: Tari Eason – Out (Leg), Jabari Smith Jr. – Out (Hand)
Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 3-2
The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Houston to face the Rockets in what promises to be an intriguing Western Conference matchup. The Lakers are on a two-game winning streak, with LeBron James continuing his stellar play, recently surpassing Michael Jordan for the most 30-point games in NBA history.
Anthony Davis has been a dominant presence in the paint, averaging a double-double this season. Role players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura have also stepped up, adding depth to the Lakers’ offense.
The Rockets face challenges after a tough loss to the Celtics and the absence of Jabari Smith Jr., who is sidelined with a hand injury. Jalen Green has been Houston’s offensive catalyst, supported by the versatile Alperen Sengun. However, the Rockets will need improved performances from Dillon Brooks and Cam Whitmore to contend with a Lakers team finding its rhythm. Houston’s strong rebounding, led by Sengun, will be crucial in this matchup.
This game could hinge on the battle between Davis and Sengun in the paint. While the Rockets boast a better home record, the Lakers’ recent form and depth give them an edge.
Prediction: Lakers def. Rockets 112-108
Sacramento Kings At Golden State Warriors – 8:30 PM EST
Kings Current Record: 16-19
Warriors Current Record: 18-16
Kings Injuries: Keegan Murray – Day To Day (Ankle), De’Aaron Fox – Day To Day (Glute)
Warriors Injuries: Jonathan Kuminga – Out (Ankle), Gary Payton II – Out (Calf), Stephen Curry – Out (Knee), Brandin Podziemski – Out (Abdomen)
Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2
The Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors face off in a pivotal Pacific Division showdown at the Chase Center. The Kings have found new energy under interim coach Doug Christie, riding a three-game winning streak. De’Aaron Fox continues to lead the team with dynamic scoring and playmaking, while Domantas Sabonis dominates the paint with his rebounding and passing. Malik Monk has also provided key scoring off the bench, making the Kings a well-rounded offensive unit.
The Warriors have been inconsistent but showed flashes of brilliance in their recent win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Andrew Wiggins and Dennis Schroder have stepped up in Stephen Curry’s absence, with Schroder orchestrating the offense effectively. The Warriors will rely on their home-court advantage and strong ball movement to counter Sacramento’s aggressive style.
This game promises to be competitive, with the Kings looking to extend their streak and the Warriors aiming to stabilize their season. Expect a battle between the Kings’ interior presence and the Warriors’ perimeter shooting.
Prediction: Kings def. Warriors 118-114
