Joe Jensen

Pistons vs Hornets picks: Detroit brings the NBA’s stingiest defense to Charlotte, where the Hornets have scored 81 and 79 in two games. We’re laying the points.

Toronto is -5.5 with a 220.5 total in a Kawhi trade reunion neither star will play in. Our Raptors vs Clippers pick hinges on one ugly turnover gap.

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets prediction: Denver is -4.5 at Ball Arena, but Portland’s 3-0 road start and a line pushed by public money point to the dog.

Golden State lays 4.5 with a 227.5 total, and Steph Curry is expected back against the NBA’s worst defense. Our Suns vs Warriors prediction inside.

Our Nets vs Knicks prediction says 14.5 points is too many to lay with a 2-4 Knicks offense that’s still sputtering. Here’s the angle and the pick.

Our Thunder vs Cavaliers prediction: OKC is missing three starters and scoring under 100 on the road, so we’re fading a total the market keeps pushing up.

Our Celtics vs Rockets prediction: Houston is -4.5 with a 219.5 total, and two of the league’s best offenses make the number look light. Here’s the play.

L.A. is -2.5 with a 237.5 total. Our Heat vs Lakers prediction: Giannis vs. Luka, two shaky defenses and tired Lakers legs all point to plenty of points.