PREVIEW: The Chicago Bulls lead the East with a 6-1 record, while the Bucks sit fifth in the conference with a 5-3 record , setting up a pivotal matchup between two teams exceeding preseason expectations. The Bulls are coming off a 113-111 victory against Philadelphia, with Josh Giddey posting a triple-double of 29 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. Chicago's defense ranks third in limiting three-point attempts and demonstrates strong frequency attacking the rim, though they rank 26th in defending perimeter shooters. The Bulls will be without Zach Collins and Coby White due to injury, while Ayo Dosunmu is questionable...

PREVIEW: The Washington Wizards host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Capital One Arena in an NBA Cup Group Play matchup. Cleveland enters with a 5-3 record and is riding a two-game win streak, while Washington has dropped six straight and sits at 1-7. Donovan Mitchell is on a tear, averaging 31.9 points per game while shooting 57.6% from the field and 45.5% from three — all career highs. The Cavaliers rank first in high frequency 3-point shooting at 51.6% of their attempts, and they also rank second in forcing turnovers, giving them multiple avenues to impose...

PREVIEW: The Boston Celtics arrive in Orlando ranked first in turnover avoidance while excelling at defensive discipline, yet they struggle with rim attacks and free throw opportunities. Meanwhile, the Magic boast the league's top free throw rate and rank second in defensive three-point restriction, though their offensive consistency remains a challenge. Boston's deliberate, low-tempo approach contrasts sharply with Orlando's quick-paced system, setting up a potential clash of styles that could determine the game's rhythm. The Magic have struggled to find consistency on the offensive end, and the Celtics will look to capitalize on this potential vulnerability. Boston has won four of...

PREVIEW: The Miami Heat (4-4) return home to face the Charlotte Hornets (3-5) on Friday, November 7, 2025 in Southeast Division action. Miami enters as a 5-point favorite , but the matchup carries significant intrigue given recent circumstances affecting both rosters. Bam Adebayo exited the Nuggets game with a toe injury and won't play against the Hornets on Friday. The Heat rank first in quick tempo and second in post-up shot frequency, showcasing an aggressive offensive identity that emphasizes pace and interior scoring. LaMelo Ball missed his second straight contest due to an ankle injury and is questionable for Friday's clash...

PREVIEW: The Utah Jazz travel to Minneapolis on Friday to face the Minnesota Timberwolves , capping off a grueling five-game road trip that has tested the young roster. After dropping to 1-3 on the trip following a 114-103 loss to Detroit , the Jazz are desperate to salvage something positive before heading home. The loss of Walker Kessler for the season represents a significant blow to Utah's frontcourt depth , forcing other players to shoulder increased responsibility. Notably, the Jazz rank dead last in defending three-point attempts, allowing opponents to launch shots from deep at a 49.1% rate , a...

PREVIEW: The Memphis Grizzlies host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET at FedExForum , with both teams desperate to reverse their early-season struggles. Memphis has dropped four consecutive games and now sits at 3-6 , while The Mavs fell to 2-6 for the season, finding themselves in fourth place in the Southwest Division. . The Mavericks' offensive firepower is severely compromised by injuries, as three starters remain sidelined, with Anthony Davis listed as day-to-day and guards Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum ruled out . Meanwhile, Ja Morant has struggled early in the season, held...

PREVIEW: The Detroit Pistons arrive in Brooklyn on a four-game winning streak, fresh off a dominant performance against Utah where they limited their opponents to 38.4% shooting. Cade Cunningham has been exceptional down the stretch, averaging 28.8 points over his last four games with a particular knack for fourth-quarter heroics. Detroit's defensive prowess is evident in their rankings—they rank first in defending rim attacks and first in attacking the rim themselves, though they struggle with three-point shooting at 34.4%. This 6-2 start represents their best eight-game beginning in nearly two decades, marking a dramatic turnaround from last season's slow start. Brooklyn...

PREVIEW: The Atlanta Hawks host the Toronto Raptors on Friday, November 7, 2025, at State Farm Arena in an NBA Cup showdown between two 4-4 Eastern Conference teams. Toronto enters on a three-game win streak, including a dominant 128-100 victory over Milwaukee, while Atlanta has won three of its last four despite missing All-Star guard Trae Young. The Hawks bring elite spacing and excellent rim defense to the table—ranked first in offensive spacing and fourth in defending shots at the basket—but their perimeter shooting lags behind at just 36.2% from three. Meanwhile, the Raptors boast the league's best passing attack...

PREVIEW: The San Antonio Spurs will look to get back on the winning track when they return home to square off with the surging Houston Rockets on Friday in an NBA Cup clash between the Lone Star State rivals. The Spurs have dropped two straight, both on the road, after winning their first five games of the season for the first time in franchise history. San Antonio's most recent outing was a 118-116 setback against the Lakers in Los Angeles on Wednesday that came down to the final shot. However, the Spurs boast one of the league's elite defensive profiles—...

PREVIEW: The Oklahoma City Thunder bring elite efficiency to Sacramento, ranking first in free-throw shooting at 86.2% while maintaining second-place defense against three-point attempts. With nine wins in their last ten games and averaging 120.3 points per outing, the Thunder have established themselves as the Western Conference's most formidable offensive force. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues his MVP-caliber season, averaging 32.9 points and 6.9 assists. Still, Oklahoma City enters this matchup seeking redemption after suffering a close 121-119 road loss to Portland, where they squandered a significant lead. Sacramento counters with a heavy reliance on mid-range scoring, ranking first in that category, though...

PREVIEW: The Denver Nuggets host the Golden State Warriors on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Ball Arena in a pivotal NBA Cup matchup. Warriors superstar point guard Steph Curry is set to miss his second consecutive game with an illness , a significant absence that fundamentally alters the competitive landscape of this contest. Denver's elite offensive efficiency ranks them first in three-point shooting and first in attacking the rim, complemented by their third-ranked defense that forces opponents into low-quality three-point attempts. Nikola Jokic continues to dominate, averaging 24.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 12 assists per game, having already recorded five...