NBA January 25, 2026

This spread tells you everything you need to know about where these franchises stand. Detroit, laying 13.5 points at home, has become a legitimate playoff contender in the East after years of rebuilding. The Pistons are rolling behind Cade Cunningham's breakout All-Star campaign, averaging 24.7 points and 8.2 assists while shooting 39% from deep. His development into a true floor general has transformed Detroit's offensive ceiling.

Sacramento is still adjusting to life without their former point guard, who was traded to San Antonio back in February 2025 in a three-team deal that also sent Zach LaVine to the Kings. The roster has never quite found its rhythm since, despite LaVine's scoring punch alongside Domantas Sabonis, who's averaging a triple-double over his last 10 games. Detroit's length and defensive activity should suffocate Sacramento's half-court offense, and the home crowd advantage only amplifies the mismatch.

The 225.5 total feels inflated given Sacramento's offensive struggles on the road, where they're scoring just 107.3 points per game this season. Detroit's defensive rating ranks 11th in the NBA, and they've held opponents under 110 points in six of their last eight home games. This has the makings of a blowout in the Motor City.

Ja Morant vs. Nikola Jokic is one of the NBA's premier individual matchups, and Sunday's clash features two teams heading in opposite directions. Memphis is playing their best basketball of the season, winners of seven straight behind Morant's electric play. He's averaging 29.4 points and 9.1 assists during the streak, and his ability to attack downhill against Denver's drop coverage will be the key to this game.

The Nuggets, by contrast, are trying to find their identity without Jamal Murray, who's been sidelined with a hamstring injury for the past three weeks. Jokic is doing Jokic things, averaging 27-13-10 over his last 15 games, but the supporting cast hasn't stepped up consistently. Michael Porter Jr. has been inconsistent, and the defense has cratered to 21st in the league without Murray's ballhawking presence.

FedExForum is rocking right now, and the Grizzlies are 17-5 at home this season. Denver's altitude advantage is neutralized on the road, where they're just 11-14. The 224.5 total accounts for two high-octane offenses, and the over has hit in five of the last six Nuggets road games. Expect a track meet in Memphis with Morant controlling the pace.

The defending NBA champions continue their title defense against a Raptors team still searching for an identity after the the former wing trade. Toronto acquired the former wing from New Orleans seeking a go-to scorer, but the fit has been awkward alongside Scottie Barnes. The Raptors are 6-9 since the trade, and Ingram's isolation-heavy style clashes with Toronto's pace-and-space philosophy.

Oklahoma City, meanwhile, is cruising. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the runaway MVP favorite, averaging 32.1 points on outrageous 64% true shooting. Chet Holmgren's sophomore leap has been equally impressive, adding 18.7 points and 3.2 blocks per game while stretching the floor with his shooting. The Thunder's defensive versatility allows them to switch everything, and their 108.2 defensive rating leads the league.

The 11.5-point spread reflects the chasm between these franchises. OKC is 19-3 at home this season with a +12.4 point differential in those games. Toronto's road defense has been porous, allowing 119.6 points per game away from Scotiabank Arena. The Thunder should roll, and the only question is whether they cover a double-digit spread against a demoralized opponent.

Victor Wembanyama's first full All-Star season has been everything the Spurs hoped for and more. The 7'4" phenom is averaging 24.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks while shooting 37% from three. His defensive impact transforms San Antonio's entire scheme, allowing them to play aggressive on the perimeter knowing Wemby will clean up any mistakes at the rim.

New Orleans arrives in tatters after trading their former wing and dealing with a rash of injuries. Zion Williamson has missed the last eight games with a hamstring strain, and CJ McCollum has been carrying an impossible load. The Pelicans are 3-12 over their last 15 games and have cratered to 13th in the West. Their 113.6 defensive rating during this stretch is a disaster.

The 238.5 total is the highest on the slate, and for good reason. Neither defense inspires confidence, and both teams play at above-average pace. San Antonio's home offensive rating of 119.4 ranks 4th in the league, and they should feast on New Orleans' porous perimeter defense. The double-digit spread is justified by the talent disparity and momentum discrepancy.

Brooklyn's tank is in full effect, and the results speak for themselves. The Nets have lost 11 of their last 13 games, including a franchise-record 9 home losses in a row. Their roster is a collection of expiring contracts and young players fighting for minutes, and the organization has clearly prioritized draft position over competitive basketball.

The Clippers, playing in their new Intuit Dome, have been a pleasant surprise. James Harden is averaging 21.4 points and 10.8 assists this season, his playmaking keeping Los Angeles competitive despite lacking top-tier talent. Kawhi Leonard has been healthy for 38 games, his most since 2020, and Norman Powell's shooting off the bench provides crucial spacing.

The 210.5 total is the lowest on the slate, indicating expectations of a defensive grind. Brooklyn's pace has slowed considerably as they've phased out veterans, ranking 28th in pace. The Clippers' halfcourt defense has been stingy, allowing just 106.8 points per 100 possessions at home. This could be an ugly, low-scoring affair as LA methodically dismantles an overmatched opponent.