NBA Week 5 Preview and Free Picks

A new week of NBA action kicks off, with the most intriguing matchup taking place in Phoenix, where the Suns will host a young and talented Orlando Magic team.

The New York Knicks aim to climb the standings as they take on a struggling Washington Wizards squad. Meanwhile, in a clash of underperforming teams, the Miami Heat face off against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Finally, all eyes will be on the Golden State Warriors, led by Steph Curry, as they visit the Los Angeles Clippers, featuring James Harden.

NBA Week 5: Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Miami Heat didn’t make major moves this season, but their mediocre record should serve as a wake-up call for Erik Spoelstra. The team has struggled with Jimmy Butler’s availability due to health concerns, and while Bam Adebayo has performed well in recent games, his scoring has dipped to 16.6 points per game—his lowest in four years. On the bright side, the Heat remains an elite defensive unit with a respectable presence.

The Philadelphia 76ers, meanwhile, are off to a rough start, reflected in their dismal 2-10 record. Joel Embiid is back on the court, but his performance has been underwhelming, with his best offensive outing being just 20 points against the Magic. Tyrese Maxey’s efficiency has significantly dropped, shooting only 40.6% from the field, and Paul George has yet to step up as expected.

Heat vs. 76ers Betting Pick: Heat

NBA Week 5: New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards

The New York Knicks built their roster to contend with the Boston Celtics for Eastern Conference supremacy, but their mediocre record so far reflects the time needed for new pieces to gel. Jalen Brunson remains the offensive leader, though the team hasn’t yet reached the expected level. On a positive note, Karl-Anthony Towns is having an outstanding season, averaging 26.5 points and 12.2 rebounds per game.

The Washington Wizards, as anticipated, are a struggling team, but they’re using the season to develop their young talent. Bilal Coulibaly has taken a significant step forward, averaging 14.7 points and nearly 6 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Alex Sarr is proving why he was the second overall pick in the draft, standing out as a notable defender. Additionally, Jordan Poole has sharpened his three-point shooting, hitting 44% from beyond the arc and contributing 22.2 points per game.

Knicks vs. Wizards Betting Pick: Knicks

NBA Week 5: Phoenix Suns vs. Orlando Magic

The Phoenix Suns have gone from a strong start to raising doubts with recent performances. One standout factor remains their three-point shooting, hitting an impressive 40.8% from deep. However, Kevin Durant’s absence in recent games has been noticeable, and Devin Booker’s season has been underwhelming. His three-point shooting has been poor, and his scoring has dropped to 22.5 points per game.

Despite missing Paolo Banchero due to injury, the Orlando Magic has been a solid team in the Eastern Conference, boasting one of the few positive records at 8-6. Jalen Suggs has stepped up, averaging 15.1 points, though his three-point shooting has dipped significantly to 30.5%. Franz Wagner has also elevated his game, contributing 22.2 points on 46.8% shooting from the field. Defensively, the Magic shine, allowing just 104.1 points per 100 possessions—the second-best mark in the league.

Suns vs. Magic Betting Pick: Suns

NBA Week 5: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors

Without Kawhi Leonard, James Harden has taken on the leadership role for the Los Angeles Clippers, delivering a notable campaign with averages of 20.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. Norman Powell has also stepped up, increasing his scoring to 23.6 points per game, while Ivica Zubac is pulling down 12.2 rebounds. Despite these individual performances, the Clippers’ offense remains underwhelming, scoring just 110.9 points per 100 possessions—a mediocre figure in today’s NBA.

The Golden State Warriors have started the season with a 10-2 record, one of the best in the league. This strong start was unexpected following Klay Thompson’s departure, but Steph Curry has found a reliable partner in Buddy Hield, who is shooting an impressive 46.9% from beyond the arc. Additionally, Andrew Wiggins has stepped up his game, making significant defensive contributions. The depth of the roster has been a key factor for Steve Kerr’s squad.

Clippers vs. Warriors Betting Pick: Warriors