After a challenging 5-5 outing last night, our season record now stands at 107-63, with an accuracy rate of 62.9%. Tonight, we’re back with a compact 5-game slate and ready to bounce back with improved predictions.
The evening begins with the Atlanta Hawks facing the Charlotte Hornets in a Southeast Division showdown, where both teams will look to establish early dominance. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Detroit Pistons in a matchup that pits an Eastern Conference powerhouse against a rebuilding squad.
In other games, the Washington Wizards go up against the Milwaukee Bucks, with the Bucks aiming to maintain their strong form at home. The Golden State Warriors face the Phoenix Suns in a marquee Western Conference clash, as both teams look to gain momentum. Finally, the Dallas Mavericks take on the Utah Jazz in the final contest of the night.
Let’s dive into each matchup and aim for a successful night in predictions.
Atlanta Hawks At Charlotte Hornets – 6 PM EST
Hawks Current Record: 9-11
Hornets Current Record: 6-13
Hawks Injuries: Cody Zeller – Out (Personal), Seth Lundy – Out (Ankle)
Hornets Injuries: LaMelo Ball – Day To Day (Calf), Grant Williams – Out (ACL)
Last 5 Meetings: Hornets Lead 3-2
The Atlanta Hawks face off against the Charlotte Hornets in a Southeast Division battle at the Spectrum Center. Both teams are struggling with injuries, which could significantly influence the outcome of this matchup.
The Hawks might be without their star Trae Young, putting additional pressure on Jalen Johnson, who has been a standout this season, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. Atlanta’s strength on the boards and its solid assist numbers will be key factors if they hope to secure a road win.
Meanwhile, the Hornets are dealing with LaMelo Ball’s potential absence due to injury, further complicating an already difficult season. Second-year player Brandon Miller will be pivotal in this game, needing to step up as a primary offensive option. The Hornets have been competitive at home but have struggled with offensive efficiency and turnovers, which could prove costly against an Atlanta team eager to capitalize.
Prediction: Hawks def. Hornets 118-110
Philadelphia 76ers At Detroit Pistons – 7 PM EST
Sixers Current Record: 3-14
Pistons Current Record: 9-12
Sixers Injuries: Paul George – Day To Day (Knee), Caleb Martin – Day To Day (Back), Joel Embiid – Out (Knee), Kyle Lowry – Out (Hip)
Pistons Injuries: Bobi Klintman – Out (Calf)
Last 5 Meetings: Sixers Lead 4-1
The Detroit Pistons host the Philadelphia 76ers in a matchup that could highlight two teams struggling to find consistent form. The Pistons come into this game after a dominant 130-106 win over the Indiana Pacers, with Cade Cunningham leading the way with a stellar 24-point, 11-assist performance. Detroit has shown promise with its young core, including Jaden Ivey and Malik Beasley, who have provided reliable scoring support. However, consistency remains a challenge, especially on the second night of a back-to-back.
The 76ers, on the other hand, are desperate to end their slump, sitting at a dismal 3-14 record. Tyrese Maxey has been the lone bright spot for Philadelphia, averaging 25.7 points per game. However, the absence of Joel Embiid continues to hinder the team’s ability to compete effectively. The 76ers have struggled offensively and defensively, showing vulnerabilities that the Pistons could exploit, especially on the glass and in transition.
Prediction: Sixers def. Pistons 113-107
Washington Wizards At Milwaukee Bucks – 8 PM EST
Wizards Current Record: 2-15
Bucks Current Record: 9-9
Wizards Injuries: Kyle Kuzma – Out (Ribs), Tirstan Vukcevic – Out (Knee), Saddiq Bey – Out (Knee)
Bucks Injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Kneecap), MarJon Beauchamp – Day To Day (Hamstring), Khris Middleton – Out (Ankles)
Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 4-1
The Milwaukee Bucks host the Washington Wizards in a clash at Fiserv Forum, showcasing two teams at opposite ends of the NBA spectrum. The Bucks, led by the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, are on a roll, winning five straight games and looking increasingly cohesive.
Giannis is averaging 32.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, while Lillard’s playmaking has further bolstered their offensive efficiency. With Brook Lopez anchoring the defense, Milwaukee has the tools to dominate this matchup.
The Wizards, on the other hand, have endured a tough season, entering this game on a 13-game losing streak. Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma have been bright spots offensively, but the team has struggled to maintain defensive intensity, allowing a league-worst 123.1 points per game. Washington’s lack of depth and defensive discipline has often left them overmatched against elite opponents like the Bucks.
Prediction: Bucks def. Wizards 125-111
Golden State Warriors At Phoenix Suns – 9 PM EST
Warriors Current Record: 12-6
Suns Current Record: 10-8
Warriors Injuries: Jonathan Kuminga – Day To Day (Illness), Andrew Wiggins – Day To Day (Ankle), Gary Payton II – Day To Day (Adductor), Stephen Curry – Day To Day (Knee), De’Anthony Melton – Out (ACL)
Suns Injuries: Jusuf Nurkic – Day To Day (Ankle), Bradley Beal – Day To Day (Calf), Collin Gillespie – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2
The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns meet in a Pacific Division showdown at the Footprint Center. Both teams are navigating through recent challenges. The Warriors, on a three-game losing streak, are contending with Stephen Curry’s potential absence due to a knee injury. Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins will need to step up to offset the team’s shooting struggles, as Golden State ranks last in free-throw percentage despite being second in rebounds.
The Suns, losers of six of their last seven games, are also dealing with injury concerns as Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic remain questionable. However, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker continue to deliver offensively, combining for 61 points in their recent loss to Brooklyn. The Suns must address turnovers and defensive lapses, which have allowed opponents to capitalize from beyond the arc.
Prediction: Suns def. Warriors 122-114
Dallas Mavericks At Utah Jazz – 9:30 PM EST
Mavericks Current Record: 11-8
Jazz Current Record: 4-14
Mavericks Injuries: Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Wrist), Klay Thompson – Out (Foot), Dante Exum – Out (Wrist)
Jazz Injuries: Drew Eubanks – Day To Day (Knee), Jordan Clarkson – Out (Foot), Kyle Filipowski – Out (Leg), Taylor Hendricks – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 3-2
The Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz clash in their third meeting of the season, with the series tied 1-1. Dallas has been riding a hot streak, winning six of their last seven games, including a dominant 129-114 victory over the New York Knicks. Kyrie Irving has been the driving force behind the Mavericks’ success, averaging 27 points over the last three games. However, they will likely be without Luka Dončić and Klay Thompson, forcing players like Naji Marshall and Spencer Dinwiddie to step up.
On the other side, the Jazz are struggling with a 4-14 record and significant injuries. Lauri Markkanen is out, and Jordan Clarkson and John Collins are questionable, leaving Utah shorthanded offensively. Walker Kessler and Keyonte George have shown flashes of potential, but the Jazz defense, allowing 119.2 points per game, remains a major liability.
Prediction: Mavericks def. Jazz 120-113
