NBA Picks

Boston enters tonight with strong offensive rhythm, even with Jaylen Brown ruled out due to illness. Earlier this season, the Celtics hung 136 points on Washington, showcasing how easily they can overwhelm the Wizards’ defense. With Derrick White, Jordan Walsh and Payton Pritchard all stepping into larger scoring, defensive and creation roles, Boston’s offensive efficiency remains high. Their pace naturally increases scoring opportunities, and against a Washington team that struggles to contain dribble penetration and transition attacks, the Celtics should still generate plenty of clean looks.

Washington, despite its flaws, plays fast enough to fuel a high total environment. The Wizards rank near the bottom of the NBA in defensive efficiency, allowing over 127 points per 100 possessions, which consistently creates track meet games. Their defensive lapses often ignite scoring runs on both sides, widening the game’s pace and volatility. Even if Boston’s defense locks in for stretches, Washington’s tempo and ability to score in spurts should keep possessions high and the scoreboard active.

Wizards vs Celtics Prediction: Over 230.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 232.5

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The Golden State Warriors are without Stephen Curry and have lost 5 of their last 7 games as they prepare to visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. Curry has missed the past 2 contests because of a quadriceps injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least another week. That is a big reason why my Warriors vs 76ers pick is for the home team to win and cover. Golden State managed to beat the lowly Pelicans this past Saturday despite missing its star player, but it lost to Oklahoma City 124-112 on Tuesday — not exactly a terrible result given the Thunder’s prowess. Head coach Steve Kerr’s crew could be in additional trouble on Thursday since Jimmy Butler is questionable due to knee soreness.

Philadelphia also comes in with questions. This is the first leg of a back-to-back situation and Paul George has been cleared to play in 1 of the 2 games, but not both. It remains to be seen if George plays on Thursday or against Milwaukee on Friday. Joel Embiid is doubtful with a knee problem, but that is nothing new for the Sixers. They know how to win without the big man. Their backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe is good to go — that alone should be enough to handle a Curry-less Golden State squad.

Warriors vs 76ers prediction: Philadelphia 76ers -3.5 (-114) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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Minnesota enters this matchup with confidence after their recent 149-142 overtime win in New Orleans, a game highlighted by Anthony Edwards’ 44 points and Rudy Gobert’s 26 point, 13 rebound performance. The Wolves shot an efficient 50% from the field and nearly 40% from three, continuing a trend that has them averaging about 120.6 points per game this season. Their offensive rhythm, combined with strong rebounding and defensive versatility, has made them one of the most reliable teams in the West. What stood out in the last meeting was Minnesota’s ability to surge late despite playing from behind most of the night — a sign of resilience but also a reminder that they didn’t take control early the way they typically do at home.

On the other side, New Orleans remains hampered by injuries and inconsistency, especially on the defensive end, where they rank near the bottom of the league. Their lack of rim protection and unreliable perimeter rotations make them vulnerable against a Wolves team that moves the ball well and attacks in waves. The Pelicans pushed Minnesota to overtime in the last meeting, but that effort doesn’t look sustainable given their depleted roster and recent defensive struggles. With the Wolves now familiar with New Orleans’ tendencies — and likely more locked in from the opening tip after failing to cover as double digit favorites last time — this shapes up as a strong bounce back ATS spot.

Timberwolves vs Pelicans Prediction: Timberwolves -11.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to -12.5

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