NBA Week 17 Preview and Free Picks

After an All-Star weekend and a few rest days, the NBA action returns this week with several exciting matchups.

The new-look Lakers aim to continue climbing in their conference as they host a struggling Hornets team in the game that kicks off the league’s resumption.

Meanwhile, in the East, the Celtics are determined to keep pace with the Cavaliers. Boston will visit the 76ers, while Cleveland takes on the Nets—both teams currently sitting outside the playoff spots.

Another intriguing matchup this week features the Pacers hosting the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are having a strong season and currently sit second in the Western Conference.

We present the preview of the best games of this Week 17 kick-off, with their respective betting odds and free predictions.

NBA Week 17: Lakers vs. Hornets

The Los Angeles Lakers are having a strong season, though they saw their six-game winning streak snapped just before the All-Star weekend, falling to the Utah Jazz on the road, 131-119. Luka Dončić made his debut with the team in both games against the Jazz, and while he wasn’t the superstar he was with the Mavericks, he showed flashes of his quality and is expected to integrate more into the squad. LeBron James remains the team’s most important player, though he missed the weekend due to an ankle injury.

The Charlotte Hornets are the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference, behind only the Washington Wizards. Their 13-39 record is even more concerning given that they have lost nine of their last 10 games. They come into this matchup on a three-game losing streak and have won just four road matches all season.

Injuries have also taken a toll, with key players like Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, Grant Williams, and Tre Mann among those sidelined.

Lakers vs. Hornets Betting Pick: Lakers

NBA Week 17: 76ers vs. Celtics

The Philadelphia 76ers are likely going through their worst stretch of the season, having lost five games in a row and seven of their last eight. Their 20-34 record places them in 11th place, outside the postseason spots. Joel Embiid missed the last game due to injury, and it’s uncertain if he will be available for Thursday. The Cameroonian star has played only 17 games this season, which has significantly impacted the team’s performance.

On the other hand, the Boston Celtics sit second in the East with a 39-16 record, 5.5 games behind the Cavaliers. They come into this matchup on a three-game winning streak, with Jayson Tatum in outstanding form, scoring 32 or more points in each of his last three games. Tatum leads the team in points (27), rebounds (8.7), and assists (5.6).

76ers vs. Celtics Betting Pick: Celtics

NBA Week 17: Pacers vs. Grizzlies

It has been a good season for the Indiana Pacers, who hold a 30-23 record and sit in fourth place in the East. However, with several teams competing for postseason spots, they cannot afford to slip up. They have been struggling recently and needed overtime to defeat the Washington Wizards, snapping a two-game losing streak.

Enquanto isso, the Memphis Grizzlies are second in the West with 36 wins and 18 losses, trailing far behind the surprising Oklahoma City Thunder. They are coming off a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers without Ja Morant, but the shooting guard is expected to recover this week. The Grizzlies have won six of their last seven regular-season meetings against the Pacers, including two victories in Indiana.

Pacers vs. Grizzlies Betting Pick: Grizzlies

NBA Week 17: Nets vs. Cavaliers

The Brooklyn Nets are having a difficult season, holding a 20-34 record and sitting in 12th place, outside the postseason spots. However, they have been improving recently, winning six of their last seven games. Notably, they do not have a standout star but rather a well-connected team that plays cohesively.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the biggest surprises this year, leading the Eastern Conference with 44 wins and 10 losses. They are on a four-game winning streak and have won eight of their last nine matchups. Injuries have not been a major issue for the team, and besides Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen has been a key player, leading the team in rebounds (10.3). He has recorded three consecutive double-doubles and four in his last five games.

Nets vs. Cavaliers Betting Pick: Cavaliers