After another 1-1 performance in last night’s quarterfinals, our season record now stands at 140-80, with an accuracy rate of 63.6%. Tonight, we have a 3-game slate featuring intriguing matchups, and we’re determined to improve.
The Detroit Pistons take on the Boston Celtics in what appears to be a lopsided matchup. The Toronto Raptors, battling inconsistency, face the Miami Heat, who are finding their rhythm as the season progresses. The underperforming Sacramento Kings meet the New Orleans Pelicans in a game where both teams are eager to regain momentum.
Let’s break these games down and aim for a flawless night of predictions.
Detroit Pistons At Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM EST
Pistons Current Record: 10-15
Celtics Current Record: 19-5
Pistons Injuries: Bobi Klintman – Out (Calf)
Celtics Injuries: Jaden Springer – Day To Day (Illness), Jordan Walsh – Day To Day (Rib), Jayson Tatum – Day To Day (Foot), Sam Hauser – Day To Day (Adductor)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 5-0
The Boston Celtics host the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden on December 12. The Celtics, boasting a strong 19-5 record, enter as heavy favorites, while the 10-15 Pistons aim to pull off a significant upset. With Jayson Tatum listed as a game-time decision, Boston’s depth and leadership from Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis could be critical.
Boston has dominated this matchup, winning the last 11 meetings, including a 130-120 victory earlier this month. Their high-powered offense ranks third in the league, with Tatum and Brown leading the scoring. Defensively, the Celtics rank 10th, showcasing a balanced approach on both ends of the court.
The Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham, will rely on his playmaking and the defensive presence of Jalen Duren to challenge Boston. While Detroit has struggled this season, they have shown flashes of brilliance, including recent wins against competitive opponents.
With home-court advantage and superior depth, the Celtics are heavily favored to continue their winning streak against the Pistons.
Prediction: Celtics def. Pistons 121-104
Toronto Raptors At Miami Heat – 7:30 PM EST
Raptors Current Record: 7-18
Heat Current Record: 12-10
Raptors Injuries: Bruce Brown – Out (Knee), Scottie Barnes – Out (Ankle), Immanuel Quickley – Out (Elbow)
Heat Injuries: Pelle Larrson – Day To Day (Ankle), Jimmy Butler – Day To Day (Knee), Josh Richardson – Out (Heel)
Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 3-2
The Miami Heat host the Toronto Raptors in a high-stakes Eastern Conference matchup. Miami is riding a three-game winning streak and hopes to continue its momentum amid swirling trade rumors around Jimmy Butler. Meanwhile, the Raptors have struggled on the road, holding a 1-11 record away from home and now facing additional adversity with Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley sidelined due to injuries.
Miami’s offensive success has been fueled by Tyler Herro’s stellar play, averaging 24.2 points per game while shooting 42.2% from three. Bam Adebayo has provided a consistent interior presence, dominating the boards and contributing defensively. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Butler, Miami’s depth and defensive discipline make them a tough opponent.
Toronto will lean heavily on RJ Barrett, who is averaging 23.6 points this season and has excelled against Miami in previous matchups. However, without Barnes and Quickley, the Raptors’ offensive and defensive capabilities are significantly weakened.
Given the Heat’s recent form and Toronto’s struggles on the road, Miami is expected to control the pace and secure a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Heat def. Raptors 117-110
Sacramento Kings At New Orleans Pelicans – 8:00 PM EST
Kings Current Record: 12-13
Pelicans Current Record: 5-20
Kings Injuries: Trey Lyles – Out (Calf)
Pelicans Injuries: Javonte Green – Day To Day (Ankle), Karlo Matkovic – Out (Back), Jordan Hawkins – Out (Back), Brandon Ingram – Out (Ankle), Jose Alvarado – Out (Hamstring), Zion Williamson – Out (Hamstring)
Last 5 Meetings: Pelicans Lead 5-0
The Sacramento Kings travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans in what appears to be a one-sided matchup on paper. The Kings have been riding a wave of offensive success, putting up impressive point totals in their last two games, including a 141-point performance against the Utah Jazz. Domantas Sabonis has been a force in the paint, dominating the boards and anchoring the team’s offense.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are enduring a challenging season plagued by injuries. With both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram sidelined, New Orleans is struggling to generate consistent scoring. Despite their adversity, Trey Murphy III has stepped up, showcasing his scoring ability in extended minutes. However, the team’s lack of depth and efficiency on both ends has been evident in their recent performances.
This game presents an opportunity for the Kings to continue their upward trend against a Pelicans squad looking for answers. Sacramento’s combination of offensive firepower and rebounding edge should prove too much for New Orleans to handle.
Prediction: Kings def. Pelicans 120-105
