After a solid 6-3 performance last time out, our record now stands at 88-53, boosting our accuracy rate to 62.4%. Tonight, we shift focus to a 5-game NBA Cup slate, where teams battle for group stage dominance.
The evening tips off with the Chicago Bulls facing the Washington Wizards in a game between two teams seeking consistency in their campaigns. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Miami Heat in a high-stakes Eastern Conference showdown that promises intensity.
In the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a matchup of young talent against a gritty defensive squad. The San Antonio Spurs then clash with the Utah Jazz in a battle of rising stars. Finally, the night concludes with the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Phoenix Suns, a marquee matchup featuring some of the league’s brightest stars.
Let’s dive into these games and aim to deliver another strong night in predictions.
Chicago Bulls At Washington Wizards – 7 PM EST
Bulls Current Record: 7-11
Wizards Current Record: 2-13
Bulls Injuries: Lonzo Ball – Day To Day (Wrist), Julian Phillips – Day To Day (Illness), Talen Horton-Tucker – Day To Day (Thumb), Patrick Williams – Out (Foot), Adama Sanogo – Out (Knee)
Wizards Injuries: Jordan Poole – Day To Day (Hip), Tristan Vukcevic – Out (Knee), Saddiq Bey – Out (Knee)
Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 3-2
The Chicago Bulls travel to face the Washington Wizards in an NBA Cup group play matchup at Capital One Arena. The Bulls, sitting below .500 this season, are fueled by their dynamic offense, averaging 117.4 points per game. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević have been pivotal, combining for strong scoring outputs and solid efficiency. The team’s potent three-point shooting is a major strength, and their ability to dominate from beyond the arc could dictate the game.
The Wizards, enduring an 11-game losing streak, have struggled on both ends of the court. Defensively, they have allowed opponents to score at will, averaging 122.9 points against per game. On offense, Jordan Poole has been their primary scorer but will need significant support from his teammates, especially in attacking the Bulls’ porous defense.
Prediction: Bulls def. Wizards 125-114
Milwaukee Bucks At Miami Heat – 7:30 PM EST
Bucks Current Record: 8-9
Heat Current Record: 7-7
Bucks Injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Calf), AJ Johnson – Day To Day (Achilles), Taurean Prince – Day To Day (Illness), MarJon Beauchamp – Day To Day (Hamstring), Khris Middleton – Out (Ankle)
Heat Injuries: Dru Smith – Day To Day (Knee), Terry Rozier – Out (Foot)
Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 4-1
The Milwaukee Bucks visit the Miami Heat in a highly anticipated Eastern Conference NBA Cup group play matchup. The Bucks are riding a four-game win streak, fueled by their offensive resurgence, averaging 119.3 points during this stretch. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to dominate with league-leading scoring and elite efficiency, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Alongside Damian Lillard’s steady scoring, Milwaukee looks poised to challenge Miami’s defense.
The Heat, winners of their last two games, bring their trademark defensive intensity to this matchup. Miami ranks among the league’s top teams in limiting opponents’ scoring and shooting efficiency. Tyler Herro has been their offensive catalyst, leading the team in points and assists while providing consistent production from beyond the arc. The Heat’s ability to control pace and capitalize on Milwaukee’s free-throw struggles could be key.
Prediction: Bucks def. Heat 121-114
Houston Rockets At Minnesota Timberwolves – 8 PM EST
Rockets Current Record: 12-6
Wolves Current Record: 8-8
Rockets Injuries: Jalen Green – Day To Day (Illness), Steven Adams – Out (Knee)
Wolves Injuries: Joe Ingles – Day To Day (Calf), Mike Conley – Day To Day (Toe)
Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 4-1
The Houston Rockets face the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA Cup showdown at the Target Center. The Rockets have impressed with strong defense and versatile scoring, spearheaded by Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet. Despite a recent loss to the Trail Blazers, Houston’s defensive rating ranks among the league’s best, making them a formidable opponent.
The Timberwolves, fresh off a close loss to the Boston Celtics, aim to regain their footing. Anthony Edwards leads the team in scoring, while Rudy Gobert dominates the boards. However, Minnesota has struggled with consistency, especially on the defensive end, compared to their elite rating last season.
This matchup pits Houston’s disciplined defense against Minnesota’s high-paced offense. The Rockets’ ability to limit assists and force tough shots could frustrate the Timberwolves, while Minnesota’s size in the paint poses a challenge for Houston’s interior defense.
Prediction: Rockets def. Wolves 118-114
San Antonio Spurs At Utah Jazz – 9 PM EST
Spurs Current Record: 9-8
Jazz Current Record: 4-12
Spurs Injuries: Keldon Johnson – Day To Day (Hamstring), Devin Vassell – Out (Knee), Jeremy Sochan – Out (Thumb)
Jazz Injuries: Kyle Filipowski – Out (Ankle), Jordan Clarkson – Out (Foot), Taylor Hendricks – Out (Leg)
Last 5 Meetings: Spurs Lead 3-2
The San Antonio Spurs take on the Utah Jazz in an NBA Cup clash at the Delta Center. The Spurs aim to continue their strong form after winning three consecutive games, including two against the Jazz earlier this season. Despite injuries to key players like Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan, the Spurs have relied on emerging talent, such as rookie Stephon Castle, alongside Victor Wembanyama’s dominant presence.
The Jazz enter the game with home-court advantage and a renewed sense of confidence following a recent win against the Knicks. However, their offensive struggles and inconsistent defense have been issues all season. Lauri Markkanen will need to lead the charge for Utah, especially with Jordan Clarkson sidelined.
This matchup favors the Spurs, given their defensive edge and ability to adapt despite injuries. Expect a competitive game, but San Antonio’s balanced approach and Wembanyama’s impact should tip the scales.
Prediction: Spurs def. Jazz 121-113
Los Angeles Lakers At Phoenix Suns – 10 PM EST
Lakers Current Record: 10-6
Suns Current Record: 9-7
Lakers Injuries: Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Foot), Quincy Olivari – Day To Day (Ankle), Jaxson Hayes – Out (Ankle), Jalen Hood-Schifino – Out (Hamstring), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Foot), Christian Wood – Out (Knee)
Suns Injuries: Bradley Beal – Day To Day (Calf), Kevin Durant – Day To Day (Calf), Collin Gillespie – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2
The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns face off in a pivotal NBA Cup matchup at the Footprint Center. The Lakers are in strong form, holding a 2-0 record in NBA Cup play, while the Suns are looking to rebound from a 1-6 skid. This game marks the return of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal for Phoenix, adding a significant boost to their offensive firepower alongside Devin Booker.
The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, have showcased depth and resilience this season. Davis’s dominance in the paint and LeBron’s versatility make them a formidable duo, supported by emerging players like rookie Dalton Knecht. Meanwhile, the Suns rely on Durant’s scoring efficiency and Booker’s creativity to spark their offense. Phoenix’s home-court advantage and revitalized lineup position them well for a bounce-back performance.
Prediction: Suns def. Lakers 127-12
