Ethical Sports Takes returns with nine NBA predictions for Friday, November 6, as the NBA Cup brings another exciting evening of basketball.
Following Thursday’s perfect 2–0 performance, EST enters Friday with a season record of 78–43–2 and a prediction accuracy of 64.5%.
Tonight’s schedule features several intriguing matchups, including Philadelphia visiting Cleveland, Oklahoma City facing Memphis, and the Los Angeles Lakers hosting Portland.
With several teams dealing with injuries and others looking to build momentum, here are our nine selections.
EST Season Record: 78–43–2 (64.5%)
1. Boston Celtics vs. Charlotte Hornets
EST Pick: Boston Celtics
Boston enters Friday with the stronger overall roster and a favorable opportunity against Charlotte.
Jayson Tatum gives the Celtics a dependable offensive centerpiece, while Boston’s supporting cast provides additional scoring and defensive versatility.
Charlotte faces injury concerns, including the absence of Kon Knueppel, making an already challenging matchup even more difficult.
We expect Boston’s experience, defensive discipline and offensive balance to make the difference.
Prediction: Boston Celtics win.
2. Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks
EST Pick: Washington Wizards
We’re backing Washington in one of our more adventurous selections of the evening.
The Wizards possess an intriguing combination of size and offensive talent, with Anthony Davis and Alexandre Sarr providing a potentially formidable frontcourt.
However, Davis’s questionable status creates uncertainty heading into tipoff.
Atlanta also faces injury concerns, with Jalen Johnson listed as questionable.
If Washington can establish an advantage inside and limit Atlanta’s opportunities in transition, the Wizards have a realistic path to victory.
Prediction: Washington Wizards win.
3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
EST Pick: Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia has been one of the NBA’s most impressive teams to begin the season.
Tyrese Maxey continues providing explosive scoring, while LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown give the 76ers an exceptionally talented supporting cast.
The 76ers enter Friday following a hard-fought 112–106 victory over Detroit, demonstrating their ability to execute in competitive situations.
Cleveland presents a serious challenge with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley.
Nevertheless, we’re backing Philadelphia’s offensive versatility and ability to generate quality possessions late in games.
This could be one of Friday’s most entertaining contests.
Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers win.
4. Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks
EST Pick: Dallas Mavericks
Dallas returns home looking to rebound from Wednesday’s heartbreaking 112–111 defeat against San Antonio.
The Mavericks have offensive weapons in Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg, and their ability to create scoring opportunities should test Utah’s defense.
The Jazz possess talent of their own, particularly Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George, but consistency remains a concern.
We expect Dallas to respond to its narrow defeat with a stronger performance in front of its home crowd.
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks win.
5. Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks
EST Pick: Toronto Raptors
Toronto faces another difficult road assignment after Wednesday’s 128–109 defeat against Denver.
The Raptors struggled to contain Nikola Jokic and Denver’s interior offense, particularly in the paint.
However, Milwaukee presents a different challenge.
With Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, Toronto possesses the offensive versatility to create problems for the Bucks.
Barnes’s questionable injury status will be important to monitor, but we’re backing the Raptors to respond after their disappointing performance in Denver.
Prediction: Toronto Raptors win.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans
EST Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota enters Friday following an impressive 117–107 road victory over Houston.
The Timberwolves demonstrated their ability to compete against a strong opponent and will look to carry that momentum into New Orleans.
Anthony Edwards is listed as out, placing additional responsibility on Minnesota’s remaining rotation.
New Orleans has dangerous offensive options, including Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, making this a potentially challenging matchup.
However, Minnesota’s defensive capabilities and interior presence could provide the difference.
Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves win.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies
EST Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City continues navigating significant injury concerns, but the Thunder have demonstrated an impressive ability to remain competitive.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the centerpiece of their offense, capable of creating scoring opportunities and controlling the pace of a game.
The Thunder enter Friday following a 124–116 victory over Cleveland, another encouraging result despite their depleted roster.
Memphis possesses enough talent to challenge Oklahoma City, particularly through its frontcourt and physical play.
Nevertheless, we’re backing the Thunder’s execution and Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive leadership to deliver another victory.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder win.
8. San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings
EST Pick: San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio enters Friday looking to build on its dramatic 112–111 victory over Dallas.
Victor Wembanyama continues to provide a tremendous advantage through his combination of size, scoring and defensive impact.
With De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle also contributing to San Antonio’s offensive attack, the Spurs possess several ways to create problems for Sacramento.
The Kings have capable scorers, including Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, but containing Wembanyama presents a significant challenge.
We expect San Antonio’s interior advantage and defensive presence to prove decisive.
Prediction: San Antonio Spurs win.
9. Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
EST Pick: Los Angeles Lakers
Friday’s final matchup features two Western Conference teams looking to maintain their early-season momentum.
Portland enters the contest following an impressive 132–119 victory over Phoenix, demonstrating the offensive firepower that has made the Trail Blazers a dangerous opponent.
Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan have helped provide Portland with a competitive foundation.
However, the Lakers are coming off a convincing 116–103 victory over Sacramento.
Luka Doncic gives Los Angeles an elite offensive creator, while Austin Reaves provides another dangerous scoring option.
Portland will not be an easy opponent, but we’re backing the Lakers to execute down the stretch and protect their home court.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers win.
Final Thoughts
Following a perfect Thursday, EST looks to extend its strong early-season performance across Friday’s nine-game schedule.
Philadelphia’s showdown with Cleveland could be particularly competitive, while Washington’s visit to Atlanta represents one of our boldest selections.
In the Western Conference, Oklahoma City and Minnesota will need to overcome important absences, while San Antonio and Los Angeles look to capitalize on their respective advantages.
EST Season Record: 78–43–2
Season Accuracy: 64.5%
We’ll return with a full breakdown of Friday’s results and an updated season record.
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