Prepare for a fun-filled NBA weekend with exciting matchups. This Saturday, you are going to witness an intense clash between the Charlotte Hornets and the San Antonio Spurs. Besides, the Indiana Pacers are facing the Atlanta Hawks on the same day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers are struggling with the standings given their poor position. On the other hand, we have the Philadelphia 76ers facing the New Orleans Pelicans. Moreover, teams like the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Grizzlies, and Timberwolves are also on the matchday. There will be a lot of three-pointers and dramatic conversions mid-game. So, stay prepared to enjoy the emerging storylines and rivalries. If you want more basketball updates, click here and follow up with us.
For the games on Saturday, we have given a preview and expert picks. If you want more NBA 2025-26 season predictions, click here to get them exclusively on Bettingpremier.
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NBA Previous Games – A Quick Recap
Washington Wizards vs Los Angeles Lakers
We saw the furious game of the Lakers this week. They unleashed their aggressive game against the Wizards for a 142-111 dominant win. Jake LaRavia and LeBron James duo absolutely saved the day and made crucial contributions. The Wizards dominated in only one quarter but still trailed. Get more sports insights on Bettingpremier.
New York Knicks vs Portland Trail Blazers
The New York Knicks handled the Portland Trail Blazers’ offense very well, often converting and nullifying their efforts. They made more quality shots and scored a whopping 127 points. Ultimately, the Knicks won the game 127-97.
Golden State Warriors vs Detroit Pistons
The Golden State Warriors and the Detroit Pistons clashed in a fierce, close battle. There were intense moments of unpredictability between the quarters. The Detroit Pistons closed the first quarter with a significant lead against the Golden State Warriors. However, the game was tied and led to overtime. Ultimately, the Detroit Pistons won the game with a 7-point lead.
NBA Picks and Detailed Preview for Upcoming Games
Charlotte Hornets vs San Antonio Spurs
Date: 31 January 2026.
Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET.
Standings
The Charlotte Hornets are ranked 11th in the NBA Eastern Conference.
The San Antonio Spurs rank 2nd in the NBA Western Conference.
Prediction
The Charlotte Hornets come in an irregular form. Their 21-28 record is not as strong as the San Antonio Spurs’ record. But they are on a good momentum with a five-game winning streak. They average at 116.3 points per game with a decent rebounding rate. Their three-pointer efficiency is 37.3 on average, which is slightly better than that of the San Antonio Spurs. They also have a better scoring efficiency. The San Antonio Spurs, on the other hand, are doing a good job in the game. They rank 2nd in the Western Conference with a solid performance. But compared to the Charlotte Hornets, their scoring efficiency is slightly underwhelming. Their three-pointer efficiency is also unreliable. Concisely, the San Antonio Spurs’ game appears to be slightly vulnerable to the Hornets’ pacey style. This game will be a close contest. However, given their quality, the Charlotte Hornets will win in this game.
Indiana Pacers vs Atlanta Hawks
Date: 31 January 2026.
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Time: 07:00 p.m. ET.
Standings
The Indiana Pacers are in 15th place in the NBA Eastern Conference.
The Atlanta Hawks are 9th in the NBA Eastern Conference.
Prediction
The Indiana Pacers’ home form is itself concerning against the Atlanta Hawks, who have a perfect away form. Their average scoring percentage is not adequate enough when compared with the Atlanta Hawks’ scoring aggregate. But the Pacers are good at rebounding. They also find good opportunities and make conversions. Jalen Johnson’s shooting skills and his presence are key strengths for the Pacers. However, their 3-pointer efficiency lags behind that of the Atlanta Hawks’ 3-pointer scoring. The Hawks are confident about their game in the upcoming clash. Additionally, the Atlanta Hawks are consistent, whereas the Indiana Pacers are struggling with inconsistent outcomes. The Atlanta Hawks’ scoring efficiency is significantly better than the Indiana Pacers’, even on the road. So, it is highly probable that the Indiana Pacers might fall below par. They might also struggle to contain them. Hence, the Atlanta Hawks are projected to win this NBA game.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New Orleans Pelicans
Date: 31 January 2026.
Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Time: 07:30 p.m. ET.
Standings
The Philadelphia 76ers are ranked 6th in the NBA Eastern Conference currently.
The New Orleans Pelicans are at the bottom of the Western Conference table in 14th spot.
Prediction
The Philadelphia 76ers are far better than the New Orleans Pelicans. Stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey bring a good scoring potential to the team. Their occasional flashes of brilliance often lead to high marginal leads in quarters. Particularly, the Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey duo is dangerously potent. Their dynamic backcourt, consisting of Tyrese Maxey, adds more strength, who averages around 29.4 points per game. They also have a good three-pointer efficiency, which is just as good as their scoring efficiency. In contrast, the New Orleans Pelicans have a low scoring average, aggregating around 114.4 per game. Zion Williamson’s presence will earn them a good number of points across the quarters. Yet, the Philadelphia 76ers have a better quality. As a result, the New Orleans Pelicans might struggle to outscore the 76ers. So, the Philadelphia 76ers are the favorite in this NBA game.
Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls
Date: 31 January 2026
Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida.
Time: 08:00 p.m. ET.
Standings
The Miami Heat stands above the Bulls in 8th position in the NBA Eastern Conference.
The Chicago Bulls are 10th in the current NBA Eastern Conference standings.
Prediction
The Miami Heat’s current form is superior to the Chicago Bulls’. Their offensive front is too strong to block and consistently scores across the quarters. Moreover, their overall form has improved recently. They keep their three-pointers frequent and active across all quarters. However, the Chicago Bulls have a higher scoring efficiency, and they effectively protect their perimeter. They are also better in field goals, which makes them a better scoring side inside the court. Their stealing ability is not reliable, which the Miami Heat may find positive. But their blocking rate is better, highlighting their reliable defense. They also bring a ball movement that keeps the possession under control, which can be counted on. In short, the Chicago Bulls’ form is reliable and strong against the Miami Heat. Consequently, the Chicago Bulls will win in this NBA game.
Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks
Date: 31 January 2026
Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida.
Time: 08:30 p.m. ET.
Standings
The Houston Rockets are at a better position in the 4th position in the Western Conference.
The Dallas Mavericks stand at 11th position in the Western Conference.
Prediction
The Houston Rockets lost two games in their last five games. Currently, the hosts are in better form than the Dallas squad. They rank at the top of the table with a good league performance. In their last ten games, they have won 7 matches, which is a good consistency rate. Especially, they have a strong home form. Besides, their three-pointer efficiency is significantly better than the Dallas Mavericks’. If we look at the Dallas Mavericks, they stand with an inferior form. Their scoring average is not elite and is lower in comparison. Their scoring efficiency is also underwhelming, which might result in poor performance. Moreover, the Dallas Mavericks are on a three-game losing streak. Coupled with their weak away form, the Dallas Mavericks will face difficulties scoring against the Houston Rockets. Hence, the Houston Rockets are the predicted favorites in this NBA game.