After another solid 5-2 performance in last night’s predictions, our season record has improved to 133-75, bringing our accuracy rate to 63.9%. Tonight, we have another 7-game slate, and we’re ready to push our success even further.
- Cleveland Cavaliers At Charlotte Hornets – 1:00 PM EST
- Denver Nuggets At Washington Wizards – 7:00 PM EST
- Oklahoma City Thunder At New Orleans Pelicans – 7:00 PM EST
- Dallas Mavericks At Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM EST
- Detroit Pistons At New York Knicks – 7:30 PM EST
- Memphis Grizzlies At Boston Celtics – 8:00 PM EST
- Phoenix Suns At Miami Heat – 8:00 PM EST
The evening begins with the Cleveland Cavaliers, boasting the league’s best record, taking on the Charlotte Hornets in an early afternoon matchup. Following that, the Denver Nuggets face the struggling Washington Wizards.
Later, the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder meet the New Orleans Pelicans in what promises to be an exciting Western Conference clash. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks take on the struggling Toronto Raptors in a game Luka Doncic and company will look to control.
In other matchups, the Detroit Pistons hope to end their woes against the New York Knicks, who are gaining momentum. The resurgent Memphis Grizzlies face a major test against the defending champions Boston Celtics in a must-watch game. Finally, the Phoenix Suns round out the night against the Miami Heat in what should be a tightly contested battle.
Let’s break down these matchups and aim for another winning night of predictions.
Cleveland Cavaliers At Charlotte Hornets – 1:00 PM EST
Cavaliers Current Record: 20-3
Hornets Current Record: 6-16
Cavaliers Injuries: Issac Okora – Day To Day (Knee), Craig Porter Jr. – Out (Illness), Max Strus – Out (Ankle), Emoni Bates – Out (Knee)
Hornets Injuries: Nick Richards – Day To Day (Ankle), Tidjane Salaun – Out (Ankle), Grant Williams – Out (ACL)
Last 5 Meetings: Hornets Lead 3-2
The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center in a matchup featuring two teams on opposite trajectories. Cleveland boasts an impressive record, thriving under Kenny Atkinson’s leadership. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland lead a high-powered offense, complemented by the dominant interior presence of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The Cavaliers’ ability to score efficiently from beyond the arc and maintain ball security has propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference.
On the other hand, the Hornets face significant challenges with LaMelo Ball and several key players sidelined due to injuries. While Brandon Miller has shown promise as a scorer, Charlotte’s offensive struggles and inconsistent defense leave them vulnerable against elite teams like Cleveland. Despite a respectable rebounding effort, the Hornets lack the firepower to contend with the Cavaliers’ depth and execution.
This game favors Cleveland to dominate both ends of the court. The Cavaliers’ balanced attack and defensive discipline should be enough to secure a decisive road victory.
Prediction: Cavaliers def. Hornets 120-104
Denver Nuggets At Washington Wizards – 7:00 PM EST
Nuggets Current Record: 11-9
Wizards Current Record: 2-18
Nuggets Injuries: Dario Saric – Day To Day (Ankle), Jamal Murray – Day To Day (Hamstring), Aaron Gordon – Day To Day (Calf), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)
Wizards Injuries: Tristan Vukcevic – Out (Knee), Kyshawn George – Out (Ankle), Corey Kispert – Out (Ankle), Kyle Kuzma – Out (Ribs), Malcolm Brogdon – Out (Hamstring), Saddiq Bey – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 5-0
The Denver Nuggets face the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in a matchup of two teams heading in starkly different directions. The Wizards, currently enduring a grueling 16-game losing streak, have struggled on both ends of the court. They rank at the bottom of the league in points allowed per game and three-point shooting percentage. With key players such as Kyle Kuzma and Malcolm Brogdon sidelined, Washington’s offensive struggles are compounded, placing immense pressure on Alex Sarr and a depleted roster.
Denver, despite a lackluster start to their campaign, boasts the talent and depth to dominate this matchup. Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets are among the league’s best in assists and three-point shooting efficiency. However, their recent defensive lapses have been a point of concern. Facing the league’s lowest-scoring team presents an ideal opportunity for Denver to recalibrate and regain their footing in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Wizards will likely put up a fight on their home court, but the disparity in talent and execution is significant. Expect Denver’s offensive firepower to overwhelm Washington’s porous defense.
Prediction: Nuggets def. Wizards 124-107
Oklahoma City Thunder At New Orleans Pelicans – 7:00 PM EST
Thunder Current Record: 17-5
Pelicans Current Record: 5-18
Thunder Injuries: Jaylin Williams – Out (Hamstring), Alex Ducas – Out (Hip), Ousmane Dieng – Out (Finger), Chet Holmgren – Out (Hip), Nikola Topic – Out (ACL)
Pelicans Injuries: Karlo Matkovic – Day To Day (Back), Daniel Thies – Day To Day (Neck), Jose Alvarado – Out (Hamstring), Jordan Hawkins – Out (Back), Zion Williamson – Out (Hamstring)
Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 4-1
The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western Conference showdown. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have been dominant this season, boasting one of the league’s best defenses and solid offensive production. SGA continues to shine as an MVP candidate, with strong support from Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein. Despite missing Chet Holmgren, OKC has maintained its winning momentum, largely thanks to its disciplined defense and balanced scoring.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, have struggled mightily this season. Injuries to key players like Zion Williamson and inconsistent play have left them at the bottom of the Western Conference. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum provide offensive sparks, but the team’s lack of efficiency and defensive lapses have proven costly. The recent win against the Suns broke a nine-game losing streak, but they face an uphill battle against a well-rounded Thunder squad.
Expect OKC’s defensive prowess and offensive depth to overwhelm the shorthanded Pelicans. While New Orleans may show fight at home, the Thunder’s form and consistency make them clear favorites.
Prediction: Thunder def. Pelicans 115-102
Dallas Mavericks At Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM EST
Mavericks Current Record: 15-8
Raptors Current Record: 7-16
Mavericks Injuries: Jaden Hardy – Day To Day (Ankle), Naji Marshall – Out (Illness), Dante Exum – Out (Wrist)
Raptors Injuries: Davion Mitchell – Day To Day (Hip), Jakob Poeltl – Day To Day (Illness), Kelly Olynyk – Out (Back), D.J. Carton – Out (Ankle), Immanuel Quickley – Out (Elbow), Bruce Brown – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 3-2
The Dallas Mavericks will face the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena in a game that highlights two teams on opposite ends of the NBA spectrum. Dallas comes into this matchup riding a six-game winning streak, propelled by their dynamic duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks’ offense has been explosive, averaging nearly 119 points per game, and their defensive improvement has helped them surge up the Western Conference standings. Dončić’s playmaking and Irving’s sharpshooting make the Mavericks a formidable challenge for any opponent.
On the other side, the Raptors have struggled with consistency all season, sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes have been bright spots for Toronto, but the team’s defense has often failed to contain high-powered offenses. Their inability to match Dallas’s firepower could make this game difficult, especially given their poor three-point shooting and recent struggles at home.
Expect the Mavericks to control the tempo with their balanced attack and exploit the Raptors’ defensive weaknesses. Dallas’s momentum and depth should lead to a comfortable road win.
Prediction: Mavericks def. Raptors 118-105
Detroit Pistons At New York Knicks – 7:30 PM EST
Pistons Current Record: 9-15
Knicks Current Record: 14-8
Pistons Injuries: Ausar Thompson – Day To Day (Groin), Bobi Klintman – Out (Calf)
Knicks Injuries: Cameron Payne – Day To Day (Elbow), Jalen Brunson – Day To Day (Back), Mithcell Robinson – Out (Ankle), Kevin McCullar Jr. – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 5-0
The Detroit Pistons face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday in a matchup of two teams trending in opposite directions. The Knicks are riding a four-game winning streak, powered by the dynamic duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson’s leadership and scoring ability, combined with Towns’ dominance in the paint, have made the Knicks one of the most balanced teams in the league. They excel on both ends of the floor, ranking near the top in scoring efficiency and defensive metrics.
Meanwhile, the Pistons have dropped three consecutive games, struggling to find consistency on offense despite Cade Cunningham’s strong performances. Cunningham, averaging 23.7 points and 9.1 assists, continues to be the centerpiece of Detroit’s attack, but the team’s supporting cast has lacked the firepower to compete with top-tier opponents. Defensively, the Pistons have improved, but their inability to match the Knicks’ physicality and depth remains a concern.
Expect the Knicks to dictate the pace of the game with their superior talent and home-court advantage. Detroit will rely heavily on Cunningham to keep the game competitive, but New York’s balanced approach and recent momentum should result in a decisive victory.
Prediction: Knicks def. Pistons 116-102
Memphis Grizzlies At Boston Celtics – 8:00 PM EST
Grizzlies Current Record: 15-8
Celtics Current Record: 19-4
Grizzlies Injuries: Marcus Smart – Day To Day (Ankle), Luke Kennard – Out (Illness), Zach Edey – Out (Ankle), GG Jackson II – Out (Foot), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (Ankle)
Celtics Injuries: Kristaps Porzingis – Day to Day (Leg)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 5-0
The Boston Celtics host the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden in a matchup between two teams on strong form. The Celtics have been dominant at home, winning their last seven games. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead Boston’s offense, combining for over 50 points per game. Boston’s defense, coupled with their prolific three-point shooting, makes them a challenging opponent on their home court.
The Memphis Grizzlies have won seven of their last eight games and continue to find ways to win despite Ja Morant’s struggles in recent outings. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been the centerpiece for Memphis, averaging 21.7 points and 7.4 rebounds, with his two-way play being crucial against a high-caliber team like the Celtics. Memphis leads the league in blocks and assists per game, showcasing their defensive and passing prowess.
While the Grizzlies are playing well, the Celtics’ depth, home-court advantage, and elite shooting give them the edge. Expect Boston to rely on their superior execution in crunch time to secure a win. However, Memphis’s tenacity and defensive strengths should keep the game competitive.
Prediction: Celtics def. Grizzlies 115-110
Phoenix Suns At Miami Heat – 8:00 PM EST
Suns Current Record: 12-9
Heat Current Record: 10-10
Suns Injuries: Ryan Dunn – Day To Day (Ankle), Kevin Durant – Out (Ankle), Jusuf Nurkic – Out (Thigh), Collin Gillespie – Out (Ankle)
Heat Injuries: Pelle Larsson – Day To Day (Ankle), Jimmy Butler – Day To Day (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2
The Miami Heat will host the Phoenix Suns in their final matchup of the season at the Kaseya Center. The Suns, who defeated the Heat 115-112 in their previous meeting, face a tough challenge as they are without Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic due to injuries. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal will need to carry the offensive load, but the Suns will miss Durant’s scoring and Nurkic’s presence in the paint.
The Heat come into the game at near full strength, with Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro leading the way. Herro has been in excellent form, averaging 24.1 points while shooting 42% from three-point range. Butler’s return adds defensive grit and offensive versatility. Additionally, Bam Adebayo anchors the paint with his rebounding and defensive capabilities. The Heat are looking to build momentum after a dominating 41-point win against the Lakers.
Miami’s home-court advantage, combined with Phoenix’s injuries, tilts the matchup in the Heat’s favor. Expect Miami to leverage their depth and defensive edge to capitalize on a weakened Suns squad.
Prediction: Heat def. Suns 113-105
