After an incredible 7-0 performance last night, we’ve pushed our season record to an impressive 203-110, bringing our accuracy rate to 64.8%. On this final day of the year, we’re set for a 6-game slate, and we aim to carry our red-hot streak into the New Year with another strong showing.
- Toronto Raptors At Boston Celtics – 3:00 PM EST
- Milwaukee Bucks At Indiana Pacers – 3:00 PM EST
- Los Angeles Clippers At San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM EST
- Minnesota Timberwolves At Oklahoma City Thunder – 8:00 PM EST
- Cleveland Cavaliers At Los Angeles Lakers – 9:00 PM EST
- Memphis Grizzlies At Phoenix Suns – 9:00 PM EST
The night starts with the Toronto Raptors facing the Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference matchup. In another Eastern Conference showdown, the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Indiana Pacers.
Out West, the Los Angeles Clippers face the San Antonio Spurs. The Minnesota Timberwolves meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in what promises to be an exciting clash of two young, dynamic teams.
In one of the marquee games of the night, the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Los Angeles Lakers. Finally, the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Phoenix Suns in a thrilling Western Conference clash to close out the year.
Let’s break down these matchups and aim to end the year on another perfect note.
Toronto Raptors At Boston Celtics – 3:00 PM EST
Raptors Current Record: 7-25
Celtics Current Record: 23-9
Raptors Injuries: Bruno Fernando – Day To Day (Toe), Davion Mitchell – Day To Day (Illness), Gradey Dick – Day To Day (Hamstring), RJ Barrett – Out (Undisclosed), Immanuel Quickley – Out (Elbow)
Celtics Injuries: Jrue Holiday – Day To Day (Shoulder), Kristaps Porzingis – Day To Day (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 5-0
The Boston Celtics host the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden as they aim to bounce back from a tough loss to the Indiana Pacers. The Celtics, at 23-9, are one of the NBA’s top teams, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Tatum is averaging 28.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, while Brown contributes 24.9 points per game. Boston’s high-powered offense ranks fourth in the league, scoring 119.5 points per game. Defensively, they are solid, conceding just 110.1 points per contest, making them a challenging matchup for any team.
The Raptors, on the other hand, are struggling mightily, with a 7-25 record and riding a 10-game losing streak. Despite strong individual performances from players like RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes, the team has been unable to find consistency. Their defense has been a major issue, allowing 119.1 points per game, one of the worst marks in the league. Additionally, Toronto has won just one of their 15 road games this season.
Boston’s depth and balanced attack, along with Toronto’s defensive woes, make this game an uphill battle for the Raptors. Expect the Celtics to dominate on both ends of the floor.
Prediction: Celtics def. Raptors 129-112
Milwaukee Bucks At Indiana Pacers – 3:00 PM EST
Bucks Current Record: 16-14
Pacers Current Record: 1-17
Bucks Injuries: AJ Green – Day To Day (Calf), Khris Middleton – Day To Day (Ankles), Giannis Antetokounmpo – Out (Illness)
Pacers Injuries: Obi Toppin – Day To Day (Ankle), Aaron Nesmith – Out (Ankle), Isaiah Jackson – Out (Achilles), James Wiseman – Out (Achilles)
Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 3-2
The Milwaukee Bucks face the Indiana Pacers on New Year’s Eve in an intriguing Eastern Conference showdown. Both teams come into the matchup with playoff aspirations but are navigating challenges. The Bucks are dealing with uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is a game-time decision due to injury. Damian Lillard recently returned to action, providing a spark, but the team has struggled without their superstar, splitting their last six games without him.
The Pacers have been competitive, thanks to Tyrese Haliburton’s steady play. Haliburton has been a key figure in orchestrating Indiana’s offense, supported by Pascal Siakam’s growing impact. Indiana thrives in transition and ranks among the top teams in field goal percentage, making them a threat to Milwaukee’s defense, especially if Giannis is unavailable.
This game will hinge on the Bucks’ ability to defend and score efficiently without their leader if he remains sidelined. On the other hand, the Pacers will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and offensive rhythm to take control of the game.
Prediction: Bucks def. Pacers 119-112
Los Angeles Clippers At San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM EST
Clippers Current Record: 19-13
Spurs Current Record: 16-16
Clippers Injuries: Kawhi Leonard – Out (Knee), Terance Mann – Out (Finger), P.J. Tucker – Out (Away from team)
Spurs Injuries: N/A
Last 5 Meetings: Clippers Lead 5-0
The Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs meet at the Frost Bank Center on New Year’s Eve for their second matchup of the season. The Clippers, riding a three-game winning streak, are looking to build momentum behind James Harden’s playmaking and Norman Powell’s efficient scoring. The Clippers boast one of the league’s stingiest defenses, ranking fifth in points allowed per game, and will aim to neutralize the Spurs’ offensive weapons.
The Spurs, sitting at .500, rely heavily on rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who leads the team with 25.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, and an impressive defensive presence. Chris Paul adds veteran leadership and facilitates the offense with 8.4 assists per game. San Antonio’s home-court advantage and strong ball movement will be critical as they look to avenge a loss to the Clippers earlier this season.
This matchup promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, with the Clippers’ disciplined defense squaring off against the Spurs’ offensive creativity. Both teams will look to set the tone early, but the outcome may hinge on which side executes better in the clutch.
The Clippers’ defensive edge and recent form give them a slight advantage in this closely contested game.
Prediction: Clippers def. Spurs 110-107
Minnesota Timberwolves At Oklahoma City Thunder – 8:00 PM EST
Wolves Current Record: 17-14
Thunder Current Record: 26-5
Wolves Injuries: Luka Garza – Out (Ankle), Rob Dillingham – Out (Ankle), Daishen Nix – Out (Ankle)
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: Wolves Lead 3-2
The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Minnesota Timberwolves in an intriguing Western Conference matchup at the Paycom Center. The Thunder, boasting a league-best 26-5 record, are coming off a dominant 130-106 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 31 points per game, and Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City continues to shine with their balanced offensive and defensive approach. With a league-leading defense allowing just 103.3 points per game, the Thunder have been nearly unbeatable at home this season.
The Timberwolves, sitting at 17-14, enter this game on a three-game winning streak. Their recent 112-110 victory over the Spurs showcased resilience, with Donte DiVincenzo stepping up for a season-high 26 points.
Anthony Edwards remains the team’s primary offensive weapon, averaging 24.9 points per game, while Rudy Gobert anchors their defense with 10.7 rebounds per game. However, the Timberwolves have struggled in high-stakes games against elite teams, which will be a challenge against the surging Thunder.
This game features contrasting strengths: Oklahoma City’s disciplined defense against Minnesota’s scrappy offense. While the Timberwolves are capable of putting up a fight, the Thunder’s depth and defensive intensity give them the edge.
Prediction: Thunder def. Wolves 114-108
Cleveland Cavaliers At Los Angeles Lakers – 9:00 PM EST
Cavaliers Current Record: 28-4
Lakers Current Record: 18-13
Cavaliers Injuries: Issac Okoro – Out (Shoulder)
Lakers Injuries: LeBron James – Day To Day (Illness), 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: Cavaliers Lead 3-2
The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on New Year’s Eve in a clash between two teams trending upward. The Cavaliers, with a league-best 27-4 record, have been dominant, riding a six-game winning streak.
Led by Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and the frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, Cleveland excels on both ends of the floor. The team’s defense has been stifling, holding opponents to just 108.7 points over their last 10 games while scoring an impressive 123.6 points per contest.
The Lakers, currently 18-13, are finding rhythm with back-to-back victories, including a 132-122 win over the Kings. Anthony Davis continues to anchor the team, averaging 26.0 points and 11.5 rebounds, while Austin Reaves has emerged as a key contributor. LeBron James’ potential absence due to illness, however, could significantly impact the Lakers’ chances against one of the NBA’s top teams.
The Cavaliers’ balanced attack and defensive consistency give them the upper hand against a Lakers team still solidifying its identity. While the Lakers’ recent form suggests they can compete, Cleveland’s depth and momentum make them the favorites.
Prediction: Lakers def. Cavaliers 119-116
Memphis Grizzlies At Phoenix Suns – 9:00 PM EST
Grizzlies Current Record: 22-11
Suns Current Record: 15-16
Grizzlies Injuries: Yuki Kawamura – Day To Day (Shoulder), Zach Edey – Out (Concussion), Brandon Clarke – Out (Calf), Jake LaRavia – Out (Ankle), Ja Morant – Out (Shoulder), Santi Aldama – Out (Ankle), Marcus Smart – Out (Finger), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (Ankle), GG Jackson II – Out (Foot)
Suns Injuries: Bol Bol – Out (Knee), Royce O’Neale – Out (Ankle), Grayson Allen – Out (Concussion), Devin Booker – Out (Groin), Collin Gillespie – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2
The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center in a highly anticipated Western Conference matchup. Memphis enters the game looking to bounce back from a tough loss to the Thunder, despite being one of the most potent offensive teams in the league, averaging 123.4 points per game. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane will aim to lead the charge for the Grizzlies, though injuries to key players like Ja Morant could hinder their efforts.
The Suns, led by Kevin Durant, have struggled with consistency this season but remain a dangerous opponent, especially at home. Durant’s 27.7 points per game and efficient shooting make him a constant threat, and the potential return of Devin Booker could provide a significant boost. Phoenix’s defense will need to step up to contain Memphis’ high-powered offense, particularly on the boards, where the Grizzlies excel.
This game will likely hinge on Memphis’ ability to maintain their scoring pace against a Suns team desperate to find stability. While Phoenix’s home-court advantage could play a factor, the Grizzlies’ depth and offensive firepower might prove too much to handle.
Prediction: Suns def. Grizzlies 121-114
