MIAMI HEAT @ NEW YORK KNICKS
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TEAM TRENDS
- The Knicks have covered the line in 8 of their last 9 home games.
- The home team has won 13 of the Knicks’ last 14 games.
- 7 of the Knicks’ last 8 games have gone OVERS.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| MIA | 7 | 5 | 5-1 | 2-4 |
| NY | 7 | 4 | 7-1 | 0-3 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| MIA | 124.8 | 120.7 | +4.1 | 245.5 |
| NY | 120.5 | 113.7 | +6.8 | 234.2 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| NY | OVER | NY |
| -5.5 | 235.5 | 140-132 |
Both teams arrive at MSG with seven wins but very different vibes. The Knicks just had their eight-game home winning streak snapped in a 124–107 loss to Orlando, even with Jalen Brunson dropping 31 points. That momentum hit gets even tougher with Brunson now out due to an ankle sprain, leaving New York to lean heavily on its supporting playmaking in this NBA Cup matchup.
Miami comes in off a frustrating night of its own after falling 130–116 to Cleveland, despite Norman Powell knocking down five threes and scoring 27 points. The Heat were again without Bam Adebayo (out), and the loss halted a four-game conference winning streak. Miami already beat New York once this season and carries the healthier lineup but they’ll still need to overcome a five-game road losing streak at MSG.
PICK – OVER 235.5 TOTAL POINTS
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BROOKLYN NETS @ ORLANDO MAGIC
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
TEAM TRENDS
- 12 of the Nets’ last 15 road games vs Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total.
- The Magic have won each of their last 6 games vs the Nets.
- The Nets have lost the first half in each of their last 11 games.
- The favourites have covered the line in 9 of the last 10 games between the Nets and Magic.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| BKN | 1 | 10 | 0-6 | 1-4 |
| ORL | 6 | 6 | 3-3 | 3-3 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| BKN | 109.9 | 124.9 | -15.0 | 234.8 |
| ORL | 116.6 | 115.1 | +1.5 | 231.7 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| ORL | OVER | ORL |
| -13.5 | 225.5 | 105-98 |
Orlando comes into this NBA Cup matchup feeling good, riding a five-game home winning streak against Brooklyn and fresh off a sharp 124–107 win at MSG, where Franz Wagner went off for 28 points and nine boards and Desmond Bane added 22-6-8. They’ve historically handled the Nets well — Wagner even averaged 26-7.7-7.0 in last year’s series but the huge twist here is that Paolo Banchero has been ruled out, which completely changes the Magic’s offensive flow.
Brooklyn, meanwhile, is still searching for a spark. The Nets dropped another one 119–109 to Toronto, with Nicolas Claxton putting up 21, but they remain without Cameron Thomas (out) and have now lost 13 of their last 14. Orlando has the matchup history, the momentum, and the depth, but losing Banchero leaves the door wider open than usual.
PICK – OVE 225.5 TOTAL POINTS
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PHILADELPHIA 76ERS @ DETROIT PISTONS
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
TEAM TRENDS
- 12 of the 76ers’ last 15 games as road underdogs have gone OVERS.
- The Pistons have won each of their last 8 games.
- The Pistons have lost the 1st quarter in 8 of their last 9 home games.
- The 76ers have covered the line in 8 of their last 9 games.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| PHI | 7 | 4 | 4-2 | 3-2 |
| DET | 10 | 2 | 5-1 | 4-1 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| PHI | 120.5 | 116.8 | +3.7 | 237.3 |
| DET | 118.5 | 112.8 | +5.7 | 231.3 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| DET | UNDER | DET |
| -5.5 | 232.5 | 114-105 |
Detroit rolls into this NBA Cup matchup absolutely flying, riding an eight-game winning streak — their longest run since February 2008. They just knocked off Chicago 124–113, and even without Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren (both questionable), Paul Reed exploded for 28 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and four steals on 11-13 shooting. The Pistons also took the first meeting with Philly 111–108, powered by Cunningham’s earlier 26-point, 11-assist night.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, edged Boston 102–100 behind Tyrese Maxey’s 21 points and nine assists, again playing without Joel Embiid (out). The 76ers have held steady, but availability remains a concern, VJ Edgecombe is questionable. Detroit has momentum, confidence, and home court; Philly has Maxey carrying a heavy load.
PICK – DETROIT -5.5
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS @ HOUSTON ROCKETS
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
TEAM TRENDS
- 7 of the Rockets’ last 8 games have gone OVERS.
- The Rockets have won 7 of their last 8 games.
- The Trail Blazers have failed to cover the line in each of their last 4 road games.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| POR | 6 | 5 | 3-2 | 3-3 |
| HOU | 7 | 3 | 3-1 | 4-2 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| POR | 121.0 | 119.1 | +1.9 | 240.1 |
| HOU | 124.0 | 113.0 | +11.0 | 237.0 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| POR | OVER | HOU |
| +8.5 | 236.5 | 140-116 |
Separated by just a game and a half in the West, Portland and Houston meet in the NBA Cup at Toyota Center with both teams trending upward. Houston just handled Washington 135–112, powered by Alperen Sengun’s 16 points, 13 boards and six assists, continuing a strong stretch that has seen the Rockets win seven of their last eight. They also took last year’s series 2–1, winning both at home and on the road.
Portland arrives hot as well after a 125–117 win in New Orleans, where Shaedon Sharpe erupted for 35 points on 13-18 shooting and Deni Avdija added 32. The Blazers have now taken five of their last six in conference play.
PICK – PORTLAND +8.5
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CHARLOTTE HORNETS @ MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
TEAM TRENDS
- 13 of the Bucks’ last 15 games as home favourites have gone OVER the total.
- The Hornets have lost 13 of their last 14 road games.
- The Bucks have covered the line in each of their last 5 home games following a loss.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| CHA | 4 | 7 | 3-3 | 1-4 |
| MIL | 7 | 5 | 4-2 | 3-3 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| CHA | 117.5 | 119.1 | -1.6 | 236.6 |
| MIL | 118.0 | 117.5 | +0.5 | 235.5 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| MIL | UNDER | MIL |
| -9.5 | 241.5 | 147-134 (1OT) |
Charlotte and Milwaukee wrap up their home-and-home in the NBA Cup at Fiserv Forum, where the Bucks have won four straight in this matchup. Charlotte grabbed Wednesday’s meeting 111–100, taking advantage of 19–5 second-chance points and a big free-throw edge (23-27 vs. 8-13) while Giannis sat (probable for this one).
Still, the road has not been kind to the Hornets, they’re 1–13 in their last 14 away games—but they’ll get a major lift with LaMelo Ball listed as probable, though Ryan Kalkbrenner remains out. Milwaukee now looks to even the season series with home court back in its favor.
PICK – UNDER 241.5 TOTAL POINTS
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SACRAMENTO KINGS @ MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
TEAM TRENDS
- The road team has covered the line in each of the last 11 games between the Kings and Timberwolves.
- The Kings have lost each of their last 13 games as underdogs against Western opponents.
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last 7 home games vs Western opponents have gone OVERS.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| SAC | 3 | 9 | 2-5 | 1-4 |
| MIN | 7 | 4 | 2-2 | 5-2 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| SAC | 113.4 | 124.5 | -11.1 | 237.9 |
| MIN | 121.2 | 115.7 | +5.5 | 236.9 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| MIN | OVER | MIN |
| -12.5 | 240.5 | 124-110 |
Sacramento and Minnesota meet again in NBA Cup play, with the Wolves having taken the first matchup 144–117. Minnesota now returns home aiming to break a five-game home skid against the Kings. The Wolves roll in with momentum after a 120–113 win in Utah, powered by Anthony Edwards’ 35 points (five triples) and Julius Randle’s 27-8-7 line, extending their streak to 10 straight wins when that duo combines for 60+.
Sacramento arrives in rough shape after a 133–100 blowout loss to Atlanta, pushing their skid to four straight. Zach LaVine is back, while Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk remain questionable.
PICK – MINNESOTA -12.5
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LOS ANGELES LAKERS @ NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
TEAM TRENDS
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the line in 8 of their last 9 games as home underdogs.
- The favourites have won 22 of the Pelicans’ last 23 games.
- Each of the Lakers’ last 6 games on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone OVERS.
- The Lakers have lost the 1st quarter in each of their last 5 games.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| LAL | 8 | 4 | 3-2 | 5-2 |
| NO | 2 | 9 | 1-3 | 1-6 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| LAL | 115.9 | 116.9 | -1.0 | 232.8 |
| NO | 108.8 | 121.6 | -12.8 | 230.4 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| LAL | UNDER | LAL |
| -10.5 | 228.5 | 118-104 |
The Lakers and Pelicans open their NBA Cup campaigns on Friday, with L.A. riding a three-game road winning streak in New Orleans — including last season’s full 3-0 sweep, capped by a 104–99 win. The Pelicans enter on shaky footing after a 125–117 home loss to Portland, where Derik Queen (26) and Saddiq Bey (25) kept them afloat, but the team’s broader slump continues: they’ve dropped 13 of their last 14 against Western Conference opponents.
The Lakers weren’t much better in their last outing, getting rolled 121–92 by Oklahoma City as Luka Dončić mustered just 19 points. L.A. has now lost five straight when he scores under 25.
PICK – UNDER 228.5 TOTAL POINTS
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LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS @ DALLAS MAVERICKS
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
TEAM TRENDS
- The Clippers have failed to cover the line in each of their last 9 games.
- The Clippers have lost each of their last 6 games.
- Fourteen of the last 19 games between the Clippers and Mavericks at American Airlines Center have gone UNDERS.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| LAC | 3 | 8 | 3-5 | 0-3 |
| DAL | 3 | 9 | 2-6 | 1-2 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| LAC | 109.5 | 115.5 | -6.0 | 225.0 |
| DAL | 107.8 | 114.3 | -6.5 | 222.1 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| LAC | UNDER | LAC |
| -3.5 | 219.5 | 133-127 (2OT) |
The Clippers and Mavericks both come in sitting on three wins, but trending in very different directions as they meet in Friday’s NBA Cup matchup at American Airlines Center. Dallas dropped its last outing 123–114 to Phoenix, extending an ugly eight-game home losing streak against Western Conference teams. The Clippers haven’t fared much better, beaten 130–116 by Denver, despite James Harden’s 23 points and eight boards, and have now lost six straight, matching their longest skid since 2017.
The injury report looms large: Anthony Davis, P.J. Washington, and Dereck Lively II are all questionable for Dallas.
PICK – LA CLIPPERS -3.5
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GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS @ SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
TEAM TRENDS
- The Warriors have won 8 of their last 9 road games vs the Spurs.
- Each of the Spurs’ last 6 games have gone OVERS.
- The home team has won the 1st half in each of the Spurs’ last 10 games.
- The underdogs have covered the line in each of the Spurs’ last 6 games.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| GS | 7 | 6 | 5-0 | 2-6 |
| SAS | 8 | 3 | 5-1 | 3-2 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| GS | 115.5 | 115.1 | +0.4 | 230.6 |
| SAS | 119.4 | 112.5 | +6.9 | 231.9 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| GSW | UNDER | GSW |
| +2.5 | 234.5 | 109-108 |
Golden State and San Antonio run it back in the NBA Cup Group Stage on Friday night, wrapping up a quick two-game set at Frost Bank Center. The Warriors took the opener 125–120, grabbing a 1–0 edge in the season series thanks largely to a massive advantage at the line with 32-36 FT (88.9%) to the Spurs’ 14-16 (87.5%). Stephen Curry erupted for 46 points and five triples, with Jimmy Butler adding 28 points, eight assists and five threes.
San Antonio still got huge production: Victor Wembanyama (31-15-10) and Stephon Castle (23-10-10) both logged triple-doubles, but it wasn’t enough to extend their six-game home streak. Golden State also snapped a six-game road skid in the win. Jonathan Kuminga is questionable for the Warriors.
PICK – UNDER 234.5 TOTAL POINTS
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