After a balanced 3-3 performance in our last set of predictions, our season record now stands at 206-113, with an accuracy rate of 64.5%. Tonight, we have an intriguing 6-game slate, and we’re aiming to bounce back strong.
- Indiana Pacers At Miami Heat – 7:30 PM EST
- Boston Celtics At Minnesota Timberwolves – 7:30 PM EST
- Brooklyn Nets At Milwaukee Bucks – 8:00 PM EST
- Los Angeles Clippers At Oklahoma City Thunder – 8:00 PM EST
- Philadelphia 76ers At Golden State Warriors – 10:00 PM EST
- Portland Trail Blazers At Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30 PM EST
The night begins with the Indiana Pacers taking on the Miami Heat in a battle of contrasting styles. In another exciting matchup, the Boston Celtics face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a clash of Eastern and Western powerhouses.
The Brooklyn Nets square off against the Milwaukee Bucks in a marquee Eastern Conference showdown. Out West, the Los Angeles Clippers face the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Thunder riding high behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s incredible season.
The Philadelphia 76ers meet the Golden State Warriors in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Finally, the Portland Trail Blazers face the Los Angeles Lakers in a late-night Western Conference battle.
Let’s break down these matchups and aim for a strong night of predictions.
Indiana Pacers At Miami Heat – 7:30 PM EST
Pacers Current Record: 16-18
Heat Current Record: 17-14
Pacers Injuries: Aaron Nesmith – Out (Ankle), Isaiah Jackson – Out (Achilles), James Wiseman – Out (Achilles)
Heat Injuries: Josh Richardson – Out (Heel), Dru Smith – Out (Achilles)
Last 5 Meetings: Pacers Lead 3-2
The Indiana Pacers head to Miami to face the Heat at the Kaseya Center in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup. The Pacers are coming off a frustrating loss to the Bucks, where they squandered a 19-point lead, but they have shown resilience in bouncing back from setbacks this season. Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton remain central to Indiana’s offense, with Haliburton’s playmaking critical for the Pacers’ success.
Miami, playing the second game of a back-to-back after a win against New Orleans, has been strong at home with a 10-5 record. Tyler Herro has been outstanding, averaging a career-high 24.3 points per game, and Bam Adebayo provides a formidable presence in the paint. Jimmy Butler’s potential availability adds further intrigue, as his all-around contributions could tip the scales in Miami’s favor.
Key factors will include Miami’s top-tier defense against Indiana’s inconsistent road form. The Heat’s ability to protect the ball and control the pace could frustrate the Pacers, who rely on a high-scoring attack.Miami’s home-court advantage and defensive edge should secure them the victory in a competitive contest.
Prediction: Heat def. Pacers 112-108
Boston Celtics At Minnesota Timberwolves – 7:30 PM EST
Celtics Current Record: 24-9
Wolves Current Record: 17-15
Celtics Injuries: Jaylen Brown – Day To Day (Shoulder), Kristaps Porzingis – Out (Ankle)
Wolves Injuries: Rob Dillingham – Out (Ankle), Luka Garza – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 4-1
The Boston Celtics visit the Minnesota Timberwolves in what promises to be an intense cross-conference showdown at the Target Center. Both teams are looking to build momentum early in the new year, with the Celtics coming off a dominant 125-71 victory over the Raptors and the Timberwolves eager to rebound from a 113-105 loss to the Thunder.
The Celtics are led by Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 28.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. His ability to score at all three levels and control the game makes him the centerpiece of Boston’s league-leading offense. Derrick White has also been key, providing steady play on both ends. However, injuries to Jaylen Brown (shoulder) and Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) could hinder the Celtics’ ability to control the paint and defend Minnesota’s interior.
Minnesota will lean on Anthony Edwards, averaging 24.8 points per game, and Julius Randle, who adds 19.9 points and 6.9 rebounds. Rudy Gobert’s presence in the paint, especially on the boards, could challenge a Celtics team ranked 19th in opponent rebounds per game.
The game is likely to hinge on Boston’s perimeter shooting and Minnesota’s defensive intensity. While Boston ranks high offensively, the Timberwolves’ top-10 defense could make this a competitive game.
Boston’s depth and superior offensive execution should carry them to a hard-fought road victory.
Prediction: Celtics def. Timberwolves 120-109
Brooklyn Nets At Milwaukee Bucks – 8:00 PM EST
Nets Current Record: 12-21
Bucks Current Record: 17-14
Nets Injuries: Noaj Clowney – Day To Day (Back), Maxwell Lewis – Day To Day (Leg), Ziarie Williams – Out (Knee), Bojan Bogdanovic – Out (Foot), Trendon Watford – Out (Hamstring), Cam Thomas – Out (Hamstring)
Bucks Injuries: AJ Green – Day To Day (Back), Khris Middleton – Day To Day (Ankles), Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Patella)
Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 3-2
The Milwaukee Bucks host the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum in an Eastern Conference matchup. Milwaukee, fresh off a comeback win against the Indiana Pacers, has leaned heavily on their star trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton. Giannis continues to dominate, combining his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking to keep the Bucks competitive in the East.
Brooklyn, on the other hand, is undergoing a transitional phase. The return of D’Angelo Russell adds some firepower, while Cameron Johnson and Nic Claxton provide support. However, the Nets have struggled for consistency, especially on defense. They’ve shown flashes of promise but lack the depth to compete against elite teams like Milwaukee.
The Bucks’ size and physicality, anchored by Giannis and Bobby Portis, are likely to exploit Brooklyn’s rebounding weaknesses. Milwaukee’s ability to balance perimeter shooting with dominant interior play could prove too much for the Nets to handle.
Prediction: Bucks def. Nets 115-104
Los Angeles Clippers At Oklahoma City Thunder – 8:00 PM EST
Clippers Current Record: 19-14
Thunder Current Record: 27-5
Clippers Injuries: Trentyn Flowers – Out (Wrist), Terance Mann – Out (Finger), Kawhi Leonard – Out (Knee), P.J. Tucker – Out (Away from team)
Thunder Injuries: Alex Caruso – Out (Hip), Alex Ducas – Out (Back), Adam Flagler – Out (Metacarpal fracture), Chet Holmgren – Out (Hip), Nikola Topic – Out (ACL)
Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 4-1
The Oklahoma City Thunder continue their remarkable season as they host the Los Angeles Clippers at the Paycom Center. OKC, riding a franchise-best 12-game win streak, has firmly established itself as a Western Conference powerhouse. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the driving force, delivering consistent MVP-level performances, including three 40-point games in the past week.
The Clippers, meanwhile, are coming off a humiliating loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where their offense sputtered, scoring just 86 points. Missing key players like Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles will lean on James Harden’s playmaking and Norman Powell’s scoring to challenge a red-hot Thunder squad. Ivica Zubac’s presence in the paint will be critical against OKC’s Isaiah Hartenstein, who has emerged as a dominant rebounder in Chet Holmgren’s absence.
The Thunder’s defensive prowess, paired with their potent offensive capabilities, makes them formidable, especially at home. The Clippers face an uphill battle to contain OKC’s deep roster and consistent execution on both ends.
Prediction: Thunder def. Clippers 119-110
Philadelphia 76ers At Golden State Warriors – 10:00 PM EST
Sixers Current Record: 13-18
Warriors Current Record: 16-16
Sixers Injuries: Joel Embiid – Day To Day (Knee), Kelly Ouber Jr. – Out (Hand), KJ Martin – Out (Foot), Jared McCain – Out (Knee)
Warriors Injuries: Draymond Green – Day To Day (Back), Kyle Anderson – Day To Day (Illness), Stephen Curry – Day To Day (Thumb), Brandin Podziemski – Out (Abdomen), Gary Payton II – Out (Calf)
Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2
The Philadelphia 76ers visit the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in a clash of teams navigating different trajectories. The 76ers are on a strong 8-2 run in their last ten games, fueled by Tyrese Maxey’s scoring prowess and Joel Embiid’s dominant presence in the paint. Embiid’s availability will be pivotal as he rested in the Sixers’ narrow loss to Sacramento on Wednesday.
Golden State, meanwhile, is in the midst of a slump, losing four of their last five games. While Stephen Curry remains day-to-day, the Warriors have struggled to find offensive consistency, relying heavily on Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. Defensively, they’ve shown vulnerabilities, especially in containing elite big men like Embiid.
Philadelphia’s recent surge in form, coupled with their interior advantage, positions them well against a Warriors team grappling with cohesion. However, Golden State’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc could keep the game competitive if Curry suits up.
Prediction: Sixers def. Warriors 115-110
Portland Trail Blazers At Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30 PM EST
Blazers Current Record: 11-21
Lakers Current Record: 18-14
Blazers Injuries: Dalano Banton – Day To Day (Hip), Jerami Grant – Out (Face), Matisse Thybulle – Out (Ankle)
Lakers Injuries: Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Ankle), Gabe Vincent – Day To Day (Oblique), Jalen Hood-Schifino – Out (Hamstring), Christian Wood – Out (Knee), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 4-1
The Los Angeles Lakers host the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena, aiming to rebound from a recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Lakers have won five of their last six games, solidifying their position in the Western Conference playoff picture. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers continue to struggle on the road, posting a 3-13 record away from home this season.
LeBron James remains the driving force for the Lakers, averaging 23.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game. The team will rely on his leadership and offensive versatility, especially with Anthony Davis listed as questionable. Austin Reaves has also stepped up recently, contributing as a scorer and playmaker. Los Angeles faces a favorable matchup against Portland’s porous defense, which allows 117.3 points per game and ranks near the bottom in opponent shooting percentages.
The Trail Blazers, missing key contributors like Jerami Grant, must lean on Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton to generate offense. While Portland has shown flashes of scoring potential, their inconsistency and defensive lapses have hindered their ability to compete against stronger teams.
The Lakers, with their depth and home-court advantage, are poised to exploit Portland’s defensive struggles. Expect Los Angeles to secure a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Lakers def. Blazers 116-102
