After a challenging 3-5 performance in last night’s predictions, our season record now stands at 71-43, with an accuracy rate of 62.2%. Tonight, the NBA Cup group stage takes center stage, and we’re looking to bounce back with a solid showing in this exciting 6-game slate.
The night begins with a marquee Eastern Conference battle as the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Boston Celtics in a clash of top-tier teams. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets face off against the Brooklyn Nets, both aiming to gain momentum in their group.
In the Western Conference, the reigning champion Denver Nuggets square off against the Memphis Grizzlies, followed by the New Orleans Pelicans battling the Dallas Mavericks in what promises to be an intriguing showdown. The Oklahoma City Thunder meet the San Antonio Spurs in a game showcasing young stars, and the slate wraps up with the Utah Jazz taking on the Los Angeles Lakers in a West Coast matchup.
Let’s break down these games and aim for a strong rebound in tonight’s predictions.
Cleveland Cavaliers At Boston Celtics – 7 PM EST
Cavaliers Current Record: 15-0
Celtics Current Record: 11-3
Cavaliers Injuries: Issac Okoro – Day To Day (Ankle), Caris LeVert – Day To Day (Knee), Dean Wade – Out (Ankle), Sam Merrill – Out (Ankle), Max Strus – Out (Hip), Emoni Bates – Out (Knee)
Celtics Injuries: Payton Pritchard – Day To Day (Thumb), Kristaps Porzingis – Out (Foot)
Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics face off in a highly anticipated battle at TD Garden. Cleveland enters with a perfect record, showcasing their dominance behind Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland’s elite backcourt play. The Cavaliers have been outstanding offensively, leading the league in points per game and three-point shooting percentage. Their defensive discipline has also been crucial, especially with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen controlling the paint.
Boston has thrived on both ends of the floor. Jayson Tatum continues to perform at an MVP level, and Jaylen Brown’s two-way contributions remain invaluable. The Celtics’ ability to generate offense from deep has been a defining strength, with their top-ranked three-point shooting volume creating mismatches. However, their vulnerability inside could be a focal point for Cleveland’s big men.
While Boston’s depth and home-court advantage make them formidable, Cleveland’s unbeaten streak and cohesive execution suggest a thrilling encounter. Expect a tightly contested game with momentum swings throughout.
Prediction: Cavaliers def. Celtics 116-112
Charlotte Hornets At Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 PM EST
Hornets Current Record: 5-8
Nets Current Record: 5-9
Hornets Injuries: N/A
Nets Injuries: Ziarie Williams – Day To Day (Hip), Dorian Finney-Smith – Day To Day (Ankle), Day’Ron Sharpe – Out (Hamstring), Nic Claxton – Out (Back), Bojan Bogdanovic – Out (Foot)
Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 3-2
The Brooklyn Nets face the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center, with both teams aiming to break recent struggles. The Nets are seeking consistency amid a three-game skid. Key players like Cameron Thomas and Cameron Johnson have shown flashes of brilliance, but the team’s rebounding issues and defensive lapses have been their Achilles’ heel. Brooklyn’s strength lies in its three-point shooting, which could be decisive against Charlotte.
The Hornets have leaned heavily on LaMelo Ball, who is averaging over 29 points per game. However, their struggles on the road, coupled with a lack of defensive stability, have made wins elusive. Charlotte’s rebounding edge could give them second-chance opportunities, but turnovers and inconsistent shooting remain challenges.
This matchup pits Brooklyn’s perimeter scoring against Charlotte’s inside presence. With both teams desperate for a win, expect a tightly contested battle where the Nets’ shooting depth could tilt the outcome in their favor.
Prediction: Hornets def. Nets 119-110
Denver Nuggets At Memphis Grizzlies – 8 PM EST
Nuggets Current Record: 7-5
Grizzlies Current Record: 8-6
Nuggets Injuries: Nikola Jokic – Day To Day (Personal), Aaron Gordon – Out (Calf), DaRon Holmes III – Out (Knee)
Grizzlies Injuries: Marcus Smart – Day To Day (Illness), Zach Edey – Out (Ankle), Ja Morant – Out (Hip), Cam Spencer – Out (Ankle), GG Jackson II – Out (Foot)
Last 10 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 4-1
The Memphis Grizzlies host the Denver Nuggets in what promises to be an intriguing Western Conference clash. The Grizzlies, currently riding a four-game home winning streak, have been impressive at FedExForum, showcasing balanced contributions from Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and their supporting cast. Memphis excels offensively, ranking fourth in scoring, and has been solid on defense, allowing opponents limited opportunities in transition.
Denver, despite its talent, has struggled for consistency this season. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. have carried the scoring load, but defensive lapses and rebounding challenges have often cost them close games. The Nuggets’ success hinges on limiting Memphis’ interior dominance and matching their energy on the boards.
With Memphis’ recent form at home and Denver’s struggles on the road, the Grizzlies seem poised to maintain their streak. However, Denver’s ability to capitalize on perimeter scoring could make this a closer contest than expected.
Prediction: Grizzlies def. Nuggets 123-115
New Orleans Pelicans At Dallas Mavericks – 8:30 PM EST
Pelicans Current Record: 4-10
Mavericks Current Record: 7-7
Pelicans Injuries: CJ McCollum – Out (Thigh), Dejounte Murray – Out (Hand), Herbert Jones – Out (Shoulder), Jordan Hawkins – Out (Back), Jose Alvarado – Out (Hamstring), Zion Williamson – Out (Hamstring)
Mavericks Injuries: Luka Doncic – Day To Day (Knee), Dante Exum – Out (Wrist)
Last 5 Meeting: Pelicans Lead 3-2
The Dallas Mavericks face the New Orleans Pelicans in a clash between two teams on contrasting paths this season. The Mavericks have found form, riding a two-game winning streak even with Luka Doncic sidelined. Key players like Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington have stepped up, showcasing their ability to score and rebound effectively. Dallas thrives on its offensive firepower, particularly with Irving’s efficiency from beyond the arc and Washington’s versatility.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, are battling injuries to key players like Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum. Brandon Ingram has carried the scoring load, delivering standout performances, but he lacks consistent support. New Orleans struggles offensively, ranking near the bottom in points per game, and their slow-paced play style limits their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
With Dallas’ deeper roster and home-court advantage, the Mavericks are well-positioned to control this matchup. Expect their balanced offense to exploit the Pelicans’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Prediction: Mavericks def. Pelicans 123-113
Oklahoma City Thunder At San Antonio Spurs – 9:30 PM EST
Thunder Current Record: 11-3
Spurs Current Record: 6-8
Thunder Injuries: Isaiah Hoe – Out (Calf), Chet Holmgren – Out (Hip), Jaylin Williams – Out (Hamstring), Isaiah Hartenstein – Out (Hand), Nikola Topic – Out (ACL)
Spurs Injuries: Victor Wenbanyama – Day To Day (Knee), Jeremy Sochan – Out (Thumb)
Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 4-1
The Oklahoma City Thunder take on the San Antonio Spurs in an NBA Cup Group Play matchup that could highlight the depth of the Thunder’s roster. OKC enters this game as one of the top teams in the Western Conference, despite injuries to key players like Chet Holmgren. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to shine as the team’s leader, averaging 28.5 points per game and excelling on both ends of the court. Jalen Williams has provided steady secondary scoring, further solidifying the Thunder’s balanced attack.
The Spurs, meanwhile, face an uphill battle with Victor Wembanyama and Jeremy Sochan, who are unavailable. Devin Vassell is expected to take on a larger role, but San Antonio’s offense could struggle without its cornerstone players. Their defense has been solid but may not hold up against the Thunder’s efficient and disciplined attack.
With the Spurs missing significant pieces and the Thunder boasting one of the league’s best defenses, OKC has the edge in this contest. Expect a strong performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the Thunder look to extend their dominance in the group.
Prediction: Thunder def. Spurs 113-103
Utah Jazz At Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30 PM EST
Jazz Current Record: 3-10
Lakers Current Record: 9-4
Jazz Injuries: Walker Kessler – Out (Hip), Jason Preston – Out (Personal), Taylor Hendricks – Out (Ankle)
Lakers Injuries: Anthony Davis – Out (Foot), Bronny James – Out (Heel), Rui Hachimura – Out (Ankle), Jaxson Hayes – Out (Ankle), Christian Wood – Out (Knee), Jalen Hood-Schifino – Out (Hamstring), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Foot)
Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 4-1
The Los Angeles Lakers host the struggling Utah Jazz in an NBA Cup matchup at Crypto.com Arena, with the Lakers looking to extend their five-game winning streak.
The Lakers have been dominant at home, winning six consecutive games, and have leaned heavily on Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Davis has been particularly outstanding, averaging over 31 points and 11 rebounds per game this season, and his two-way dominance makes the Lakers a tough matchup for the Jazz. LeBron continues to showcase his brilliance, providing leadership and efficient playmaking.
The Jazz, on the other hand, are reeling with a dismal record. Despite Lauri Markkanen’s consistent scoring and rebounding, and occasional sparks from John Collins and Jordan Clarkson, Utah has struggled defensively, allowing opponents to score nearly 119 points per game. Their inability to slow down high-powered offenses could spell trouble against a Lakers team hitting its stride.
Expect the Lakers to control the game through their defensive intensity and rebounding advantage, neutralizing the Jazz’s offensive threats. While the Jazz may show some resistance with Markkanen and Clarkson leading the charge, the Lakers’ depth and star power are likely to secure a convincing win.
Prediction: Lakers def. Jazz 123-112
