Pregame analysis and predictions of the Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors NBA game to be played on January 20, 2025 on ESPN.

BOTTOM LINE: Detroit takes on Houston for a non-conference matchup. The Rockets are 14-6 on their home court. Houston is the Western Conference leader with 14.6 offensive rebounds per game led by Alperen Sengun averaging 3.4.

Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce has identified an Eastern Conference team on the brink of making significant strides in the NBA in the coming seasons. Paul Pierce, a 20-year veteran who cemented his legacy with the Boston Celtics—including winning an NBA championship in 2008 and being named Finals MVP—knows what it takes for a team to contend.

He provides a direct link to the good old days, as he was Greg Vanney’s top assistant from 2015 to 2019 when the Reds were on top of the Eastern Conference. As of this writing, Toronto haven’t ...

The Detroit Pistons have won 10 of their last 12 games, and could move into the 6th spot in the East on Thursday night.

Phoenix Suns (21-20, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (35-6, first in the Eastern Conference) Cleveland; Monday, 3:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Cavaliers -2; over/under is 223.

Notable additions: Elias Lindholm ($7.75 million x seven years), Nikita Zadorov ($5 million x six years), Joonas Korpisalo and Mark Kastelic (acquired alongside a 2024 first-round pick in exchange for Linus Ullmark)

A third of the way through the NBA season, the Eastern Conference looks to have a handful of worthy contenders, a couple of teams with major trade deadline decisions to make and a handful of teams tanking for Cooper Flagg.

BOTTOM LINE: Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Cleveland Cavaliers in a non-conference matchup. The Timberwolves are 10-9 on their home court. Minnesota is third in the Western Conference in team defense, allowing just 107.6 points while holding opponents to 45.3% shooting.

Philadelphia 76ers (15-25, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (23-17, fourth in the Eastern Conference)

Dallas heads into a matchup with Charlotte after losing five straight road games. The teams square off Monday for the first time this season.

The Philadephia 76ers will face the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum on Sunday. It will be an Eastern Conference showdown as we continue our NBA odds series and make a 76ers-Bucks prediction and pick.