USA Basketball Predictions: Key NBA and College Matchups on November 13, 2025

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Basketball fans are in for an exciting Thursday as both NBA and college teams face pivotal matchups across the United States. From the Atlanta Hawks battling the Utah Jazz to high-stakes college showdowns like Purdue vs Alabama, this November 13 slate promises thrilling action, standout performances, and a glimpse into which teams are building momentum for the season ahead. Here’s a closer look at some of the most anticipated games and expert predictions.

NBA Predictions

Atlanta Hawks vs Utah Jazz
The Hawks (7-5) enter this clash on a three-game winning streak, holding a share of fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Their opponents, the Jazz (4-7), sit 10th in the Western Conference after recently snapping a three-game losing streak. Atlanta is coming off a dominant 133-100 win over the Sacramento Kings, with Jalen Johnson scoring 24 points on near-perfect shooting. Utah countered with a high-scoring victory over the Indiana Pacers, led by Lauri Markkanen’s 35 points.

Predicted lineups:

Hawks: PG Dyson Daniels, SG Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SF Zaccharie Risacher, PF Jalen Johnson, C Kristaps Porzingis
Jazz: PG Keyonte George, SG Ace Bailey, SF Svi Mykhailiuk, PF Lauri Markkanen, C Jusuf Nurkic

Momentum favors Atlanta, making them the favorites to extend their streak, with key players likely to shine in scoring early baskets.

Indiana Pacers vs Phoenix Suns
This game pits a struggling Eastern Conference squad against a resurgent Western contender. The Pacers are 1-10, grappling with the absence of Tyrese Haliburton and a weakened backcourt. In contrast, the Suns have won four straight games, with Devin Booker leading a balanced and efficient offense. Despite the Pacers’ efforts, Phoenix’s consistency and depth should allow them to control the game and push their win streak to five.

Betting tip: Expect Phoenix to dominate, even on the second night of a back-to-back, with a likely win margin around 13 points.

College Basketball Predictions

Purdue vs Alabama
Experts are divided on this closely contested matchup. Nathan Baird of IndyStar predicts a narrow Alabama victory (84-83), noting that Purdue’s Trey Kaufman-Renn may need time to regain rhythm after returning. Sam King from Journal & Courier favors Purdue (88-81), citing Kaufman-Renn’s scoring potential and the team’s defensive improvements in the second half of previous games. Fans can anticipate a tight, high-intensity game that could come down to late-game execution.

Charleston Southern vs Alabama A&M
Alabama A&M has shown strength at home but struggled in Thursday non-conference games, while Charleston Southern has performed well against similarly ranked opponents. Despite Alabama A&M’s home-court advantages, Charleston Southern’s recent performances suggest they could pull off a win or cover the points in this matchup.

Alcorn State vs Howard
Howard is expected to leverage its talent advantage at home, despite both teams showing mixed results against non-conference opponents. With Alcorn State struggling in road games, Howard is the likely victor and could cover the spread, keeping fans engaged with an efficient and strategic performance.

Conclusion
Whether it’s the NBA’s powerhouse franchises or competitive college teams, November 13 promises a thrilling basketball spectacle across the U.S. These matchups not only highlight individual talents but also demonstrate how momentum, strategy, and team depth can define the season. Fans should keep an eye on standout players like Jalen Johnson, Lauri Markkanen, and Devin Booker, while college enthusiasts can expect tight contests that could reshape early-season narratives. As the games unfold, one thing is certain: basketball continues to inspire, excite, and unify fans nationwide, showcasing the skill, determination, and heart that make the sport unforgettable.

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