NBA January 4, 2026

The Pistons have been the feel-good story of the NBA season, but they're dealing with injuries at the worst possible time. Detroit will be without both Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris for this one, which severely limits their interior presence against a talented Cleveland frontcourt.

Cleveland has been solid at home all season, and Donovan Mitchell has been playing at an All-NBA level. The Cavs' offensive firepower should be too much for a shorthanded Detroit squad to handle.

Lay the points with Cleveland. The Pistons' depth issues will be exposed, and the Cavs should cruise to a comfortable home victory.

Indiana's season took a devastating turn when Tyrese Haliburton went down with an Achilles injury during the Finals last spring. The Pacers have been fighting through adversity all year, but their offense has never quite found the same rhythm without their All-Star point guard.

Orlando's defensive identity has been elite this season. Paolo Banchero is making his case as the league's best young player, and the Magic's length causes problems for everyone. Their home-court advantage has been significant.

The Magic should control this game defensively. Indiana's pace-and-space attack needs elite point guard play, and they simply don't have it right now. Take Orlando to cover comfortably.

Denver has been trying to find their footing in a post-Jokic-to-Houston world. The Nuggets' offense looks completely different now, and they're still figuring out their identity without the best passing big man in NBA history.

Brooklyn is in full tank mode, but they play hard every night. The Nets' young players are competing for roster spots, which makes them dangerous against teams that might overlook them on the schedule.

Denver should win this game, but the spread feels tight. The Nuggets are still elite defensively, and their depth has stepped up this season. Take Denver to cover on the road, but don't be surprised if it's closer than expected.

Miami's culture has been on full display this season. The Heat are playing their best basketball of the year, and their defensive intensity has been suffocating. Jimmy Butler is healthy and motivated, which makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the East.

New Orleans has been plagued by injuries all season, and Zion Williamson's availability remains a constant question mark. When the Pelicans are healthy, they're a playoff team. When they're not, they struggle to compete.

The Heat are laying a big number, but they should cover. Miami's home-court advantage is significant, and their depth has been outstanding. The Heat could the over in what should be a fast-paced game.

Anthony Edwards is making his case as the best player in the world. The Wolves have been dominant all season, and their defense is the best in the league. Minnesota's championship window is wide open, and they're playing like it.

Washington is the worst team in the NBA, and it's not particularly close. The Wizards are tanking for draft position, and their roster is filled with players fighting for their NBA futures. This is a mismatch in every sense of the word.

The only question is whether Minnesota can stay focused. Road games against bad teams can be traps, but the Wolves have been professional all season. Lay the points and expect a blowout.

The defending champions are playing like it. Oklahoma City has been the class of the Western Conference, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an MVP level. Their depth is ridiculous, and their defense is suffocating.

Phoenix has struggled since trading Kevin Durant to Houston. Devin Booker has been carrying an enormous load, but the supporting cast hasn't been consistent enough. They're stuck in mediocrity with no clear path forward.

OKC is the pick here, even on the road. The Thunder's defensive versatility will bother Phoenix's star duo, and their bench will win the battle of depth. The defending are worth watching champs to cover.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is on a mission this season. The Bucks have quietly been one of the league's best teams, and their championship experience gives them an edge in every big game. Milwaukee's defense has been elite when healthy.

Sacramento's fun-loving identity has carried over from last season, and De'Aaron Fox remains one of the most exciting players in the league. The Kings play at a frantic pace and can score with anyone in the West.

This should be an entertaining game. Both teams like to push tempo, and the stars will show out. Take Milwaukee as road favorites, but expect this one to be closer than the spread suggests.