The Utah Jazz head to South Beach tonight to face the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. ET. 

Bam Adebayo is a beast on the boards, but my Jazz vs. Heat predictions think his total tonight is too high. 

Read more in my NBA picks for Monday, February 9. 

Jazz vs Heat prediction

Jazz vs Heat best bet: Bam Adebayo Under 10.5 rebounds (-115)

Bam Adebayo is a physical presence down low for the Miami Heat, averaging 9.8 rebounds per night. However, his total is 10.5 here, and based on Bam’s recent play, I see value in the Under. 

The big man has cashed the Under in boards in three of his last four appearances, only hitting double digits once during that span. He’s also averaging 9.6 rebounds at home compared to 9.9 on the road. 

While the Utah Jazz aren’t an elite rebounding team, they’re around the middle of the pack in boards allowed, and we have to remember they now have a new big man in Jaren Jackson Jr. 

I have no doubt Adebayo will be a factor down low tonight — I just don’t see him grabbing more than 10 rebounds. 

Jazz vs Heat same-game parlay

Jusuf Nurkic is an important piece for the Jazz, averaging 11 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He’s cashed the Over in points in 13 of his last 14 games. With his total sitting at only 9.5 points, this one is a no-brainer.

Andrew Wiggins isn’t a super high-volume 3-point shooter, but he’s still draining 1.9 treys at a 39% clip. The Canadian wing has hit the Over back-to-back games and in three of his last four.

Jazz vs Heat SGP

• Bam Adebayo Under 10.5 rebounds
• Jusuf Nurkic Over 9.5 points
• Andrew Wiggins Over 1.5 threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: Dimes for days

Jaime Jaquez Jr. is averaging 4.7 dimes this season, and he’s cashed the Over in assists in two consecutive games.

Jazz vs Heat SGP

• Bam Adebayo Under 10.5 rebounds
• Jusuf Nurkic Over 9.5 points
• Andrew Wiggins Over 1.5 threes
• Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 4.5 assists

Jazz vs Heat odds

• Spread: Jazz +7.5 | Heat -7.5
• Moneyline: Jazz +245 | Heat -305
• Over/Under: Over 240 | Under 240

Jazz vs Heat betting trend to know

The Utah Jazz have hit the game total Over in 29 of their last 45 games (+11.40 Units / 23% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Heat.

How to watch Jazz vs Heat

Jazz vs Heat latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

The Chicago Bulls are in the Big Apple tonight to face the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. 

Nic Claxton has struggled lately, and my Bulls vs. Nets predictions expect another quiet outing from the big man. 

Read more in my NBA picks for Monday, February 9. 

Bulls vs Nets prediction

Bulls vs Nets best bet: Nic Claxton Under 12.5 points (-112)

Nic Claxton is having a respectable campaign for the Brooklyn Nets. However, he hasn’t been scoring the rock at a very high level over the last couple of weeks. 

The big man has cashed the Under in points in seven of his previous eight appearances, and he’s averaging just 11 points per game across three meetings with the Chicago Bulls this season. 

He’s also hit the Under in points in two straight contests at the Barclays Center.

Bulls vs Nets same-game parlay

Noah Clowney has hit the Over in points in two of his last four, and he just scored 18 on Saturday at home against Washington. He’s also averaging 16.7 ppg this season vs. Chicago. 

Matas Buzelis is a respectable 3-point shooter, averaging 2.0 makes on 5.5 attempts. He’s averaging 2.2 makes on the road at a 41% clip, and has hit the Over in two of his last three. 

Bulls vs Nets SGP

• Nic Claxton Under 12.5 points
• Noah Clowney Over 14.5 points
• Matas Buzelis Over 2.5 threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: Board room

Nolan Traore has grabbed Over 2.5 rebounds in three straight games.

Bulls vs Nets SGP

• Nic Claxton Under 12.5 points
• Noah Clowney Over 14.5 points
• Matas Buzelis Over 2.5 threes
• Nolan Traore Over 2.5 rebounds

Bulls vs Nets odds

• Spread: Bulls -3.5 (-115) | Nets +3.5 (-105)
• Moneyline: Bulls -170 | Nets +145
• Over/Under: Over 221.5 | Under 221.5

Bulls vs Nets betting trend to know

The Chicago Bulls have hit the second-quarter game total Under in 24 of their last 35 games (+11.55 Units / 29% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Nets.

How to watch Bulls vs Nets

Bulls vs Nets latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

The Philadelphia 76ers look for their fourth win to close out a five-game road trip as they take on the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.

Portland has had a rough go against teams with winning records, so my 76ers vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks have the visitors wrapping up their trip in style.

76ers vs Trail Blazers prediction

76ers vs Trail Blazers best bet: 76ers -4 (-110)

The Philadelphia 76ers have been dominant of late, winning six of seven to hit the 30-win mark, eight games above .500, and currently sitting sixth in the East.

They grinded out a tough 109-103 last time out against Phoenix, but that’s been more the outlier than the norm during this fun run, with four of Philly’s six wins coming by double digits.

However, load management may keep Joel Embiid sidelined tonight. The big man has led the team in scoring in each of the last two games, topping 30+ points each game.

The Portland Trail Blazers have righted the ship after dropping six straight, taking both ends of a two-game home set against the Grizzlies.

However, beating up on Memphis is one thing: at 13-21 against teams with winning records, Portland has the most losses among teams currently in the Top 10 of each conference.

They’ll also be shorthanded, as Shaedon Sharpe (calf) and Kris Murray (back) are both out, with leading scorer Deni Avdija (back) listed as questionable.

Philly is also the NBA league leader in both cover record as the visitor (17-7 ATS) and the road favorite (9-2 ATS). They’ve won four of the last six meetings, with three wins coming by 10+ points.

76ers vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay

Jerami Grant has been the leading scorer for the Blazers in three straight, going for 20+ in each, but the books have listed Avdija’s scoring line, which means it’s a good chance he returns. That should push Grant down to a secondary option, and his scoring will suffer.

Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey is fourth in the NBA with 169 made 3-pointers, but he’s only made 4+ triples three times in his last 14 games, and only hit four in a game once in nine meetings against Portland.

76ers vs Trail Blazers SGP

• 76ers -4
• Jerami Grant Under 19.5 points
• Tyrese Maxey Under 3.5 threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: Living on the Edgecombe

Donovan Clingan’s got a high rebounding line, but he’s been cleaning a ton of glass lately, going for double-digit rebounds in 10 of 12 games, and 13+ in seven of those.

As for VJ Edgecombe, it’s been a shaky road trip, as he scored just five points against Phoenix, the second time in a week he’s finished at or below that number.

He opened this trip with five points against the Clippers, and he responded with 25 against the Warriors.

76ers vs Trail Blazers SGP

• 76ers -4
• Jerami Grant Under 19.5 points
• Tyrese Maxey Under 3.5 threes
• Donovan Clingan Over 12.5 rebounds
• VJ Edgecombe Over 13.5 points

76ers vs Trail Blazers odds

• Spread: 76ers -4 | Trail Blazers +4
• Moneyline: 76ers -165 | Trail Blazers +145
• Over/Under: Over 230.5 | Under 230.5

76ers vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know

The 76ers have covered the spread in 18 of their last 25 road games for +11.4 units and a 41% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Trail Blazers.

How to watch 76ers vs Trail Blazers

76ers vs Trail Blazers latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Just as the Sixers seemed more normal and the vibes were good, Paul George got suspended… And then they went and gave up on Jared McCain at the trade deadline. It’s rightfully led to a bunch of harsh criticism being thrown their way.

But as I try to keep things positive and focused on basketball, while Josh Harris celebrates ducking the luxury tax yet again, the plus side is that the Sixers have still won six of their last seven games. There may have been a few close calls in there, but wins are wins. It’s allowed them to take a firmer hold of the sixth seed as the NBA All-Star break approaches, and they now have a chance to close out their current West Coast road trip with a very respectable 4-1 record.

On Monday, they’re up against the 25-28 Trail Blazers. Portland have been more competitive than last season and their defense has been just shy of middle of the pack at 18th, but they’re still stuck at 10th in the West and continue to struggle on offense, ranking only 23rd in offensive rating.

As for the injury report, the only addition for the Sixers is Joel Embiid, who’s questionable with right knee injury management. The Blazers, on the other hand, will definitely be shorthanded. Apart from Damian Lillard who remains out for the season with an achilles injury, Kris Murray (lumbar strain), Matisse Thybulle (right knee tendinopathy), and the team’s second-leading scorer Shaedon Sharpe (left calf soreness) are all out. Robert Williams III (left knee injury management) is questionable, as is Deni Avdija due to a low back strain, which would be a particularly big loss for the Blazers on Monday.

Avdija has been having an excellent season as the Blazers’ leader on offense. He’s putting up by far the best offensive numbers of his career with 25.5 points and 6.7 assist per game, all while maintaining better efficiency than ever with a 61.1 true shooting percentage. His lofty free throw rate has given him a nice boost there, with him taking 9.5 a game.

Scoot Henderson has also just returned for the first time in 51 games. He tallied 11 points and nine assists in 21 minutes on Friday against the Grizzlies. It’ll be interesting to see if he can find some consistency and improve his efficiency moving forward.

Sophomore center Donovan Clingan will be one to keep an eye on too. He’ll obviously have a hard time containing Embiid and keeping the big fella off the free throw line, but Clingan is building off what he did as a rookie. He’s also leading the NBA in offensive rebounds with a seriously impressive 4.7 per game, so the Sixers’ boxouts will have to be consistent in this game to avoid giving up easy second chances. The 7-foot-2 center has been on a roll over the last week too, averaging 13.8 points, 15.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over his last four games.

Especially if Embiid is out, the huge physical presence of Clingan will be a good test for Adem Bona as well whenever they’re matched up. And if the offense is missing Embiid, then hopefully for the Sixers they’ll continue to get similar helpful contributions from their forwards. Kelly Oubre Jr. (who’s having a quality two-way season in general) and Trendon Watford both provided a spark to help beat the Suns on Saturday.

What a beautiful possession pic.twitter.com/yLBj47KUhc

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) February 8, 2026

Ultimately, Monday’s contest should be a solid opportunity for the Sixers to pick up another win as the All-Star break approaches. And before they have a far tougher matchup on Wednesday against the Knicks, this is one they should really be capitalizing on.

Game Details

When: Monday, February 9, 10 p.m. ET
Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers

The Celtics lost early.

The Patriots lost late.

‘Twas a wonderful day.

‘Tis a time to celebrate.

"Tip off today was 12: 30…Celtics haven't played a game all season before 3: 30"

"All the Patriot fans sold their tickets so Knicks fans invaded"

–– Celtics broadcast on why Knicks won pic.twitter.com/EBv9DPjE94

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 8, 2026

Mike Brown

On beating Beantown after Friday’s loss:

“Our group is resilient. Sometimes things like that happen in Detroit. None of us like it. None of us want to go through it. Give Detroit a lot of credit, but we know it’s not who we are. We played a lot better than that. We will. But I do think this group is resilient because they’ve shown time and time again after tough losses or multiple losses playing the next game usually doing a pretty good job of playing again.”

On the team’s defensive effort:

“Our starter group did a nice job defensively, and I take my hat off to everybody in that locker room. Offensively, I thought we did a pretty good job of taking care of the basketball. It was big for us.”

On adjusting against Jaylen Brown:

“You get a guy like Jaylen Brown who is a heck of a player. In the first half he was having his way with us a little bit. He was 6-for-11, he was rolling. In the second half, we did a better job defensively as a team. I got to give Mo some credit. Mo was our defensive player of the game. We threw Mo on him for a little bit. We thought we’re going to try to make Jaylen work, be physical, get up into him, stuff like that, and he did it without fouling. He did a nice job with it. So to see that from a young guy at this point in his career was a lot of fun as a staff.”

On the Knicks getting back to the W column:

“Our team is so resilient. They’ve shown time and time again that after tough losses we can do a good job to come back and play again.”

On bounceback win in Boston after losing in Detroit:

“We know we’re better than we showed in Detroit.”

On Jose Alvarado’s impact:

“He brings a level of toughness to this team, his energy is unmatched. What he can do defensively in the full court and even in the front court with the ball especially on the pick-and-rolls and stuff, is at a pretty high level. He shoots it better than people think, too. We want to play fast and we believe he’s a guy who will come in and push the pace, get into our offense, and all of that because he’s quick and has a low center of gravity — excited to have him.”

HE'S OUR PEST NOW 🦟 pic.twitter.com/hzFmnsjE83

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 8, 2026

Jose Alvarado

On joining the Knicks:

“To be honest, I can’t say I ever dreamed about this. If you know my story — I’m not saying I wasn’t gonna make it to the NBA — but there were big questions for me. So just to be part of the city, it’s such a surreal feeling. I can’t wait to put the jersey on and get a few stops in it.”

On returning home to NYC:

“Too many messages, but this is a blessing. I’m from here. My family never left the city. So just to be in the atmosphere—they’ve been Knicks fans probably since before me, and to be on a team that’s trying to contend for something and me be part of it is pretty special.”

On competing for a title with the Knicks:

“We’ve gotta contend. We wanna win games, and that’s what we’re trying to do. And I get to be a part of that. I’m excited for that. I’ve just gotta be myself. Let’s get this ball rolling.”

On responding to a missed shot pulling off a Grand Theft Alvarado:

“They basically said, ‘You’re going to miss.’ And I said, ‘That’s how you get it back.’ Who cares about the miss if you get it back on the back tip and layup and it worked out in my favor.”

On his Knicks debut feeling natural:

“It’s crazy. But I just feel like it was meant to be. It feels like I’ve been part of it for a while, even though it was the first game. It felt like nothing. It felt like home. It felt like it was supposed to happen this way. And I’m glad I did.”

On Puerto Rican pride:

“Hell yeah. Can’t wait. That’s a big opportunity for Puerto Ricans expanding. Especially me, being Boricua.”

On Bad Bunny’s performance:

“It was the best show I’ve ever been a part of. And he’s just doing a great job and I’m glad he’s able to show it at the highest level.”

José, José, José, José!

— Josh Hart (@joshhart) February 8, 2026

Josh Hart

On Mohamed Diawara’s development:

“I think the beginning of the year, training camp, everybody was like, ‘He’s gonna be good.’ And I think with him, it was just more about getting more comfortable, more experience, more minutes, those kinds of things. But he’s gonna be extremely good. He’s extremely talented, defensively he can be all over the place but offensively he’s knocking down shots.”

On Jose Alvarado’s style of play:

“That’s him. You know he’ll be a really good on-ball defender, take the challenge, a great secondary ballhandler for us, be able to playmaking, in the paint and pressure, so what you got from today is the player you’ll get.”

On the win over Boston:

“A good win.”

Thank you Benito

— Jalen Brunson (@jalenbrunson1) February 9, 2026

Jalen Brunson

On Jose Alvarado’s debut:

“He was great. The impact he had on the game right away was amazing, it’s what we needed and just happy to see him wearing the blue and orange.”

On the win in Boston on Sunday:

“We were connected on defense. We tried to make things as difficult as possible.

“We needed to get back to what we do, and we did that today.”

gta.5

— Jordan Clarkson (@JordanClarksons) February 8, 2026

Jordan Clarkson

On adjusting to a reduced role:

“For me, it’s just been fluctuation of play, really. In and out the lineups. DNPs. Sometimes you’re getting five minutes in the game, here and there. But it’s a whole new process for me, and a new role. Offensively and defensively. They’re asking me to do things defensively as well. And then offensively, I got to figure it out and make stuff out of what comes in the offense in terms of opportunities. It’s not like I’m featured in the offense or anything. I’m playing hard, I’m crashing the glass, figuring out different things — little things to be effective on that end. So it’s a whole new thing for me. But I’ll continue to be a pro and stay in the gym and working on my craft and keep it going.”

On defensive responsibilities:

“Sometimes I have to guard maybe the second or third option with a different unit. I’m usually guarding weaker guys on different teams. But yeah, being asked to do that at some times, on different plays, it’s all an adjustment.”

On embracing a new role:

“It’s not that big of an adjustment. But it takes some getting used to, for sure. I’m in a whole new role and try to play the best role I can on this team.”

It's skill. It's art. It's how the ice is prepared for Olympic curling! 🎨🥌#Olympics#WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/ICRlPeQnLn

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 9, 2026

The Milwaukee Bucks have just secured their first three-game win streak of the season, and have a shot to make it four tonight against the Orlando Magic. Now, although the Bucks are playing better, each of those three wins was against a poor team; the Magic, even without Franz Wagner, present a greater challenge. This will be a good indicator of where the Bucks are as they continue navigate life without Giannis. This will be the first time these teams have matched up this season, with the second game coming just two nights from now.

Where We’re At

As mentioned, the Bucks just went 3-0 on their homestand, beating the Bulls, Pelicans, and Pacers. During that span, they ranked second in offensive rating (17th on D, but let’s not talk about that). Ryan Rollins has looked back to his damaging self, highlighted by a 27-point performance in Milwaukee’s OT win over New Orleans. Kevin Porter Jr. has also been stuffing the stat sheet since returning from injury against Chicago, averaging 20.5 PPG, 8.5 APG, 6.5 RPG, and a whopping 4.0 SPG over his last two. Although he won’t play tonight, it will be interesting to see how the signing of Cam Thomas impacts the rhythm both Rollins and Porter have been in lately.

After making something of an all-in trade for Desmond Bane in the offseason, the Magic have been relatively disappointing this year, sitting just above .500. They have beaten the Nets and Jazz in their last two, both of which don’t plan on winning another game this year (and I mean they really don’t plan on it; I’m looking at YOU, Utah). Hilariously, The Magic’s streak of ending the year in the bottom third in offensive efficiency, even with Bane in tow this season, is still alive—they currently sit 21st. Relatedly, they rank 26th in effective field goal percentage. Suffice to say, the Magic are beatable if the Bucks can shoot the ball well (as they often do, ranking third in EFG% this season). But the biggest reason for the Magic’s sluggish season has been their defence, which is meant to be their superpower. Last year, they finished second for the season; this year, they currently sit at a middling 15th.

Injury Report

For the Bucks, Giannis (calf) and Taurean Prince (neck) are both out. For the Magic, Franz Wagner (ankle) is out.

Player To Watch

After an iffy first few years in the league, Anthony Black has taken a giant leap this season, validating his selection at sixth in the 2023 draft. His stats across the board have gone up (some even skyrocketed, such as his PPG and minutes). Black plays a crucial role for the Magic as a connector and two-way player. He’ll likely toggle between Rollins and Porter, with Jalen Suggs taking the other guy. Milwaukee’s ability to neutralise AB will go a long way to them winning this one.

How To Watch

Peacock at 6:30 p.m. CST.

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The Mavericks were 0-3 this past week and remain in 12th place in the West. They lost to Boston (110-100) and San Antonio twice (135-123, 138-125). Cooper Flagg led the team in scoring with 27.3 points per game. P.J. Washington returned from a concussion, while Kyrie Irving (knee) remained out, and Khris Middleton has yet to make his debut as a Maverick.   

Grade: C

The Mavericks have lost seven in a row. Now that Anthony Davis has officially been traded, I think it is okay to say that improving their draft position is what is best for the organization. In fact, the way Dallas has lost these games has been ideal. They play hard every night, they’re running the offense through Cooper Flagg, and they play fun games. It is not blatant tanking; they truly are just worse than the teams they play.

That being said, their defense was putrid this week. They had a defensive rating of 123.5 in the three games they played, which would be last in the NBA this season. The Celtics and Spurs play fast and shoot a lot of threes, which does not bode well for the Mavericks’ two-point-heavy offense. The bookend games of this stretch were not as close as the score said, and the middle contest didn’t give me enough to not dock the Mavericks a couple of grades for their porous defense. Dallas has just two games, one in Phoenix and one in Los Angeles, left before the All-Star break. 

Straight A’s: The Mavericks’ front office

The Mavericks, for the fifth-consecutive February, have made a significant trade. They dealt Anthony Davis to Washington, along with Dante Exum, D’Angelo Russell, and Jaden Hardy, for three expiring contracts, second-year player AJ Johnson, two late first-round picks, and three second-round picks. Make no mistake about it: this trade was a grand slam. 

If you don’t pay attention to the economics of basketball (first of all, good for you. It is miserable to think about), this trade may seem strange on the surface. Davis was voted onto the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, cementing him as one of the 75 best players to ever play. And now he gets traded as a salary dump with lower-tier picks coming back? Unfortunately, the trade is more nuanced than that.

Dallas needed to do three things at the trade deadline Thursday: create flexibility to build around Cooper Flagg, recoup draft capital, and most importantly, turn the page on the disastrous Luka Doncic trade. They did all three in one fell swoop. The draft compensation is nothing crazy, as the first round picks are Oklahoma City’s this year and Golden State’s in 2030, which will stay with the Warriors if they get a top 20 pick. It effectively rubs out to five second-rounders. But the cap implications of the trade are incredibly important, even though they aren’t sexy. 

The second apron, a salary number with a very high tax rate, makes it incredibly hard for teams that exceed it to build. Trades are restricted, free agent signings are hard-capped, and, if you stay over the second apron for three seasons, your first-round pick automatically goes to the end of the round. When the Celtics exceed the second apron in salary while they’re winning a championship, it makes sense. But when the Mavericks are doing it while jockeying for a top-five draft pick, it becomes lethal. Now that Dallas is not only under the second apron but under the tax line altogether, the flexibility this off-season increases tenfold, making a rebuild much easier.

Additionally, Hardy, Russell, and Davis were all bad or injured. They were not pieces of the future, and keeping them around would have been delaying the inevitable. The Mavericks have a clean slate now. There are no lingering questions; it is all about Cooper Flagg going forward.

Currently Failing: Nico Harrison’s vision

This week ended the local nightmare that was the Anthony Davis experience. As history will show, Davis appeared in 29 games for the Mavericks, leaving with an injury in the first and last of those, averaging 20.2 points and 10.8 rebounds. The highest high was the 30 minutes he played against Houston in his first appearance, and the lowest low was just two months later when he scored a measly 13 points on 5-of-13 from the field in a loss to the Lakers. It was not a good look while his counterpart, Luka Doncic, returned to score 45 points on Dallas’s home floor. 

And so, we can officially grade the Luka Doncic trade, only a year after it was completed. I give it a big, fat F, in as bold a font as you can find. Harrison said last April: “I believe winning will help repair the relationship with the fans—and that’s what we plan to do next year”. The Mavericks are currently 19-33, firmly outside the playoffs. He maintained that he thought he was doing “a really good job” before he lost that job just seven months later. His “defense wins championships” assertion looks questionable as the Lakers own the 22nd-ranked defense, but the seventh-most wins. The entire experiment crashed and burned as quickly and poetically as possible. If not for Cooper Flagg, Harrison’s vision would have Dallas in a place no team ever wants to be: purgatory.

Extra Credit: Marvin Bagley

Bagley was a part of the return for Anthony Davis, and he did not disappoint in his first game as a Maverick. He tallied a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while blocking four shots. Eight of those 12 rebounds were offensive, setting the record for a Mavericks debut. He looked energized to play in a new city and, given that he is up for a new contract in the off-season, looked motivated to cement himself as a piece on this team going forward. Bagley, of course, was picked one spot higher than Luka Doncic in 2018 and was a highly touted prospect out of Duke. His career has not quite been what many expected, but with plenty of opportunity the last two months and low expectations, he could be the latest former lottery pick to rejuvenate his career in Dallas.

The Cleveland Cavaliers hope to extend a three-game winning streak when they visit Ball Arena and the Denver Nuggets.

With both groups missing their best defenders, my Cavaliers vs. Nuggets predictions and NBA picks expect a high-scoring affair in the Mile High City tonight. 

Cavaliers vs Nuggets prediction

Cavaliers vs Nuggets best bet: Over 237.5 (-110)

The Denver Nuggets have been a reliable Over machine this season, cashing at a 64% rate. That trend gets stronger at Ball Arena, especially with Aaron Gordon sidelined.

His absence removes Denver’s best defensive stopper and often turns games into faster, offense-first matchups. Denver is 15-9 to the Over at home, mostly without him.

On the other side, the Cleveland Cavaliers are missing Evan Mobley, the backbone of their defense. Since adding James Harden, their offense has leaned more aggressively.

The Cavs pushed the pace in Harden’s debut and scored 130 points. With Mobley out, expect more scoring responsibility for Donovan Mitchell and Harden, which makes the Over the preferred side.

Cavaliers vs Nuggets same-game parlay

Jarrett Allen has scored 17+ points in three of his last five games and meets a Nuggets defense allowing over 42 ppg in the paint.

Allen’s big scoring night should lead to a Cavs victory. Harden’s versatility will hurt the Nuggets, and I’ll back Cleveland to win straight up. 

Cavaliers vs Nuggets SGP

• Over 237.5
• Jarrett Allen Over 15.5 points
• Cavaliers moneyline

Our "from downtown" SGP: Jarrett, Jaylon, and Jamal!

Jaylon Tyson has scored 13+ points in four of his last five games, while Jamal Murray has scored at least 26 points in three straight contests. 

Cavaliers vs Nuggets SGP

• Over 237.5
• Jarrett Allen Over 15.5 points
• Jaylon Tyson Over 12.5 points
• Jamal Murray Over 25.5 points
• Cavaliers moneyline

Cavaliers vs Nuggets odds

• Spread: Cavaliers -1 | Nuggets +1
• Moneyline: Cavaliers -115 | Nuggets -105
• Over/Under: Over 237.5 | Under 237.5

Cavaliers vs Nuggets betting trend to know

The Nuggets have only cashed the Under in 13 of their last 40 games for -16.70 units and a -38% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Nuggets.

How to watch Cavaliers vs Nuggets

Cavaliers vs Nuggets latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

MILAN (AP) — Host nation Italy secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Olympic women's hockey tournament for the first time by beating Japan 3-2 on Monday.

Italy improved to 2-1, with one game left against Germany, and is guaranteed one of the three quarterfinal spots in Group B, where the five lower-ranked teams play.

“I think this is everybody’s dream coming true,” Italy's Canada-born goalie Gabriella Durante said. “Hopefully this just grows hockey in Italia that much more for little girls all over the country.”

Matilde Fantin scored the first two goals, giving Italy a 2-0 lead after the first period.

After Rui Ukita scored for Japan in the second period, Italy responded with Kristin Della Rovere scoring in the third. Akane Shiga's goal in the third period, confirmed after a lengthy video review to check the puck had crossed the line, kept the pressure on Italy.

Italy’s players poured off the bench at the buzzer to hug Durante, who made 27 saves.

“We had so many people blocking shots and dumping pucks in, just hard work that hurts the body,” she said. “Everybody’s willing to sacrifice for the family and it’s really an amazing feeling to win like that.”

Italy is making just its second Olympic appearance — both as the host team — and lost all four outings at the 2006 Turin Games, finishing last among the eight-team field.

Later Monday, the United States seeks its third win against Switzerland and Canada aims to improve to 2-0 against Czechia. Germany plays France.

___

AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

The Minnesota Timberwolves enter tonight’s NBA matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on a miserable stretch, and they haven’t looked like a title contender at all.

As a result, my Hawks vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks back Jalen Johnson and the Hawks to cover the spread tonight at Target Center. 

Hawks vs Timberwolves prediction

Hawks vs Timberwolves best bet: Hawks +6.5 (-110)

The Minnesota Timberwolves looked terrible after getting blown out by the Clippers, and their defense is currently a sieve, allowing over 124 points per game during the last four games. 

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks are playing inspired basketball, winning six of their last 10. Jalen Johnson is a mismatch nightmare, he's fresh off a 31-point performance and has already dropped 34 on Minnesota earlier this season.. 

With Minnesota on no rest and playing its third game in four nights, I’ll back the Hawks to cover the spread. 

Hawks vs Timberwolves same-game parlay

Anthony Edwards is coming off a 1-for-8 stinker from long range against the Clippers. He’s a 40% shooter and is bouncing back tonight.

Minnesota typically plays good defense, and I expect that end of the floor to be where its focus lies. Four of their last five meetings have gone Under, and so should tonight’s contest. 

Hawks vs Timberwolves SGP

• Hawks +6.5
• Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 threes
• Under 238.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Johnson leads the Hawks

Jalen Johnson is on a tear. He’s cleared his scoring prop total in three of his previous four. The Timberwolves will struggle to contain him, which should give us a solid payday if the entire card hits. 

Hawks vs Timberwolves SGP

• Hawks +6.5
• Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 threes
• Jalen Johnson Over 23.5 points
• Under 238.5

Hawks vs Timberwolves odds

• Spread: Hawks +6.5 | Timberwolves -6.5
• Moneyline: Hawks +200 | Timberwolves -250
• Over/Under: Over 238.5 | Under 238.5

Hawks vs Timberwolves betting trend to know

The Timberwolves are just 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Timberwolves.

How to watch Hawks vs Timberwolves

Hawks vs Timberwolves latest injuries

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The Charlotte Hornets will be looking to extend their win streak to 10 games tonight as they welcome the Detroit Pistons to the Spectrum Center.

LaMelo Ball is scoring the basketball at an impressive level lately. I’m eyeing him to keep it up in my Pistons vs. Hornetspredictions and NBA picks below.

Pistons vs Hornets prediction

Pistons vs Hornets best bet: LaMelo Ball Over 18.5 points (-120)

LaMelo Ball’s numbers are definitely down from last season, averaging just 19.1 points per game compared to 25.2, but he’s still making his presence felt, and LaMelo has done his part during this win streak. 

The guard has cleared his scoring total in three straight contests and also in four of his previous five. He poured in 19 points over the weekend, and he also scored 20 and 24, respectively, in the two games before that. 

He's averaging 18.8 ppg at home this season. While the Detroit Pistons are a very solid team, I’ll take him to find a scoring rhythm again this evening. 

Pistons vs Hornets same-game parlay

Duncan Robinson has been a great piece for Detroit this season, averaging 12.1 ppg in the starting lineup. The guard has hit the Over in three of his last five appearances, scoring 20+ points in two of those games. 

We shift over to Miles Bridges, who's averaging 18.4 ppg this season for the Charlotte Hornets. The 27-year-old is coming off a 26-point performance against the Hawks, and he’s cashed the Over in points in back-to-back outings. 

Bridges has scored 17+ points in four of his previous six appearances, and he’s averaging 18.9 ppg at home. Bridges dropped 19 points against Detroit earlier this season, too. 

Pistons vs Hornets SGP

• LaMelo Ball Over 18.5 points
• Duncan Robinson Over 10.5 points
• Miles Bridges Over 16.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Cade in spades

Cade Cunningham has gone Over his assist line in two of his last four, and he dished out 10 dimes against the Hornets already this season. 

Pistons vs Hornets SGP

• LaMelo Ball Over 18.5 points
• Duncan Robinson Over 10.5 points
• Miles Bridges Over 16.5 points
• Cade Cunningham Over 9.5 assists

Pistons vs Hornets odds

• Spread: Pistons -3 | Hornets +3
• Moneyline: Pistons -155 | Hornets +130
• Over/Under: Over 223 | Under 223

Pistons vs Hornets betting trend to know

The Hornets have cashed the moneyline in 21 of their last 35 games for +21 units and a 45% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Hornets.

How to watch Pistons vs Hornets

Pistons vs Hornets latest injuries

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