The NBA action gives us an 8-game slate today, and here you can take a look at the NBA Picks for Wednesday 3/5/2025.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Boston Celtics Prediction 3/5/25 NBA Picks
Trail Blazers at Celtics at 7 PM ET
The Portland Trail Blazers are currently performing exceptionally well, having secured victories in five of their last six games. They are keen to maintain this momentum following a decisive 119-102 victory against the struggling 76ers on the road this past Monday. Anfernee Simons was the standout performer, scoring 34 points on 13 of 26 shooting. Additionally, Shaedon Sharpe contributed significantly with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Donovan Clingan added 13 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks to the team's efforts.
Recently, the Boston Celtics have shown remarkable form, winning 11 out of their last 14 games. They are eager to continue their success after a narrow 110-103 home win against the Nuggets on Sunday. Jaylen Brown led the scoring with 22 points, complemented by five rebounds and eight assists. Al Horford contributed 19 points, along with eight rebounds and three steals. Derrick White added 17 points, while Jayson Tatum recorded 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.
The Pick:
The Celtics have announced that Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday will be unavailable for the upcoming game, and they are closely observing the conditions of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, who are both uncertain to play. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have been making a name for themselves by delivering some of their strongest performances of the season, making them a compelling option given the large spread. While the Celtics have consistently overpowered their rivals and are formidable at home, their injury woes could allow the Trail Blazers to seize an opportunity.
Utah Jazz vs Washington Wizards Prediction 3/5/25 NBA Picks
Jazz at Wizards at 7 PM ET
The Utah Jazz have been experiencing a challenging period, having lost nine of their last twelve contests. They are looking to avoid a third straight loss after suffering a 134-106 defeat against the Pistons on Monday. Kyle Filipowski emerged as the leading scorer for the team, netting 25 points and securing eight rebounds off the bench. Collin Sexton contributed 16 points, along with three assists and three steals, while Walker Kessler added 14 points and nine rebounds, achieving a shooting percentage of seven out of nine. Despite Brice Sensabaugh's recent good form, he was unable to score in this game, finishing with a zero-for-five shooting performance.
The Washington Wizards are currently experiencing a downturn, having suffered defeats in eight of their last ten games. They are eager to recover following a significant loss to the Miami Heat, where they fell 106-90 in an away game on Monday. Khris Middleton was the standout performer for the team, scoring 16 points on six of nine shooting. Additionally, Bub Carrington contributed 14 points along with seven assists, while Kyshawn George added 10 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
The Pick:
These days, it is quite hard to confidently back either team. However, due to the considerable number of players missing from the Jazz roster, I am inclined to predict a win for the Wizards, particularly with the expectation of a significant contribution from Middleton, their new acquisition.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction 3/5/25 NBA Picks
Timberwolves at Hornets at 7 PM ET
The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently facing a tough phase, having lost six of their last ten games. They aim to achieve a third consecutive win after a strong performance against the 76ers, winning 126-112 at home last night. Naz Reid was the leading scorer with 23 points on nine of 18 shooting. Nickeil Alexander-Walker also made a significant contribution with 20 points on eight of 11 shooting, while Anthony Edwards scored 18 points and Jaden McDaniels added 17 points to the team's total.
At present, the Charlotte Hornets find themselves in a considerable slump, having lost 16 out of their last 18 games. They are looking to break a seven-game losing streak after a heavy 119-101 loss to the Warriors on Monday. Miles Bridges was the team's leading scorer with 35 points, complemented by nine rebounds and three assists on 11 of 20 shooting. LaMelo Ball also made a notable contribution with 25 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Mark Williams provided support with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks.
The Pick:
The Timberwolves have faced some difficulties due to a number of injuries, yet they showcased a strong performance in their latest victory. They are likely to feel encouraged about their chances against the struggling Hornets, who have been unable to secure a win in recent times. While the Hornets can still pose a challenge and may cover the spread at home, it appears that the Timberwolves are beginning to find their rhythm, starting with a comfortable win in this matchup.
Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction 3/5/25 NBA Picks
Heat at Cavaliers at 7 PM ET
Recently, the Miami Heat have shown solid form, winning three of their last four contests. They are motivated to continue this trend after achieving a decisive 106-90 victory at home against the underperforming Wizards on Monday. Bam Adebayo led the charge with an impressive stat line of 19 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists. Duncan Robinson also made a notable impact, scoring 17 points from the bench, while Tyler Herro and Pelle Larsson contributed 16 points apiece.
Currently, the Cleveland Cavaliers are experiencing a remarkable run, having secured 15 wins in their last 16 contests. They are set to pursue a season-high 12th consecutive victory after decisively defeating the Bulls 139-117 in their latest road game. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Jarrett Allen made a significant contribution as well, scoring 25 points and grabbing 17 rebounds, while shooting an impressive 10 of 11 from the field, along with three assists. Darius Garland also played a key role, adding 19 points and seven assists to the team's success.
The Pick:
The Heat have successfully secured victories against a few underperforming teams, namely the Hawks and the Wizards, which has allowed them to gain some momentum. Nevertheless, I am skeptical about their ability to maintain this positive trajectory when facing the currently formidable Cavaliers, who are decisively overcoming their opponents. While there is a possibility that the Cavaliers may choose to rest one or two players due to this being their second game in a back-to-back series, I remain confident in selecting the Cavaliers to achieve both the win and the cover at home.
Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction 3/5/25 NBA Picks
Mavericks at Bucks at 8 PM ET
The Dallas Mavericks suffered defeats against both the Bucks and the Kings. Currently, the Mavericks are scoring an average of 114.7 points with a shooting percentage of 47.4, while permitting 113.6 points at a shooting percentage of 45.9. Anthony Davis is contributing an average of 26 points and 7 assists per game, whereas Kai Jones is averaging 21 points and 8 rebounds.
The Milwaukee Bucks achieved victories against the Hawks and Mavericks. They are currently averaging 114.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48%, while their opponents are scoring an average of 112.6 points on 45.2% shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.9 points and 12.1 rebounds, and Damian Lillard is contributing 25.4 points and 4.7 rebounds on average.
The Pick:
It would not be surprising if the Mavericks were to falter in this away game. Recently, the Bucks secured a 15-point victory against the Mavericks on their home court. Despite being on the tail end of a back-to-back schedule, the Bucks maintain a strong record of 20 wins and 9 losses at home. Each game is crucial as they strive for home-court advantage in the upcoming playoffs. Currently, it is challenging to identify any positive aspects regarding the Mavericks.
Sacramento Kings vs Denver Nuggets Prediction 3/5/25 NBA Picks
Kings at Nuggets at 9 PM ET
The Sacramento Kings emerged victorious against the Rockets and Mavericks. They are currently averaging 116.9 points with a shooting percentage of 47.8, while their opponents are scoring an average of 115.1 points at a shooting rate of 46.6 percent. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 21.9 points and 3.9 rebounds, while Zach LaVine is contributing 22.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
The Denver Nuggets triumphed over the Pistons but faced a loss against the Celtics. At present, the Nuggets are scoring an average of 121.1 points with a shooting accuracy of 50.8 percent, while they allow 116 points at a shooting rate of 46.3 percent. Nikola Jokic is averaging 28.9 points along with 12.7 rebounds, and Jamal Murray is contributing 21.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
The Pick:
Recently, the Kings have made a significant turnaround, winning seven of their last nine games and achieving three straight victories on the road. They have accumulated a total of 17 road wins this season. Although the Nuggets are expected to win, assuming their key players participate, the value appears to be with the Kings and the points, given their strong performance over the past few weeks. I suggest taking the points with the Kings.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction 3/5/25 NBA Picks
Thunder at Grizzlies at 9:30 PM ET
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured victories against both the Spurs and the Rockets. Currently, the Thunder are averaging 119.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47.8, while permitting 107 points at a shooting percentage of 43.6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team with an average of 32.5 points and 6.2 assists, whereas Jalen Williams contributes with an average of 21.4 points and 5.5 rebounds.
The Memphis Grizzlies experienced losses to the Hawks and the Spurs. At present, the team averages 123.3 points, achieving a shooting accuracy of 48.4 percent, while allowing 117 points with an opponent shooting percentage of 45.6. Jaren Jackson Jr. is performing notably with an average of 22.7 points and 5.8 rebounds, and Ja Morant is also making significant contributions with averages of 20.9 points and 7.4 assists.
The Pick:
A month ago, the Thunder decisively defeated the Grizzlies on their home turf, scoring 125 points and showcasing their offensive capabilities. The Grizzlies have encountered difficulties in recent weeks, exacerbated by a series of injuries. Their performance has also been reflected in their 1-8-1 record against the spread over the last ten games. As a result, I must opt to place my confidence in the Thunder while they are on the road.
Detroit Pistons vs LA Clippers Prediction 3/5/25 NBA Picks
Pistons at Clippers at 10:30 PM ET
The Detroit Pistons achieved victories against the Nets and the Jazz. They are currently averaging 114.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47.5, while their opponents score an average of 112.9 points on 46.2 percent shooting. Cade Cunningham is performing notably with an average of 25.3 points and 6.1 rebounds, while Malik Beasley contributes with an average of 16.6 points and 1.7 assists.
The LA Clippers faced defeats against the Lakers and the Suns. They are currently averaging 110.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47, while their opponents score an average of 108.8 points on 46 percent shooting. Norman Powell is a key player, averaging 23.8 points and 3.5 rebounds, while James Harden contributes with averages of 21.6 points and 5.8 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Pistons enter this game with a sense of rest and assurance, demonstrating their best play in the last ten years. The two teams are clearly on different trajectories, and I am not impressed by the Clippers' current state. Recently, the Pistons defeated the Clippers, restricting them to 97 points with a shooting percentage of 40. I will confidently back the Pistons in this contest.
Oliver’s Pick Thunder -8.5
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
