Free NBA Picks For Today, Thursday 12/26/2024

Currently, the Indiana Pacers are on a remarkable run, winning six out of their last seven games. They are motivated to continue their five-game winning streak after achieving a close 111-105 win against the Warriors in an away game on Monday. Myles Turner was instrumental in the victory, recording 23 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. Furthermore, Pascal Siakam contributed 20 points with a shooting efficiency of nine out of 18, and Tyrese Haliburton supported the team with 16 points and 12 assists.

The Pick:

The Thunder arrive at this meeting as one of the league's most successful teams at this time, making them an enticing option given the short line. However, they are confronted by a Pacers team that is performing exceptionally well. It is challenging to distinguish between these two teams at this juncture, but I must favor the Thunder, who have demonstrated more reliability, in what is expected to be a competitive game.

Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic Prediction NBA Picks 12/26/24

Heat at Magic at 7 PM ET

Recently, the Miami Heat have shown impressive form, winning five out of their last eight games. They are eager to capitalize on this momentum after breaking a three-game losing streak with a decisive 110-95 victory over the Nets on Monday. Bam Adebayo led the charge with 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Nikola Jovic provided a vital contribution from the bench, scoring 18 points, while Tyler Herro supported the team with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.

The Orlando Magic seem to have put their challenging period behind them, now pursuing a third straight win after edging past the Celtics with a score of 108-104 on Monday. Tristan da Silva topped the scoring chart for the team with 18 points, Trevelin Queen followed with 17 points, and Jalen Suggs made a notable contribution with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

The Pick:

As both teams prepare for this meeting, they will be without several key players. Nonetheless, the Heat appear to have the upper hand in terms of roster depth, having experience in playing with fewer players. The Magic have demonstrated impressive form in their last two games, notably their victory over the Celtics on Monday. However, I contend that the betting line should be closer to a pick 'em, particularly since the Magic are missing their top three scoring players. Therefore, I find myself leaning towards the Heat and the points in what promises to be a competitive matchup.

Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards Prediction NBA Picks 12/26/24

Hornets at Wizards at 7 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets are currently experiencing a significant downturn, having suffered defeats in 13 of their last 14 games. They aim to end a five-game losing streak following a disappointing 114-101 loss to the Rockets on Monday. Miles Bridges was the standout performer for the team, scoring 24 points on nine of 17 shooting. LaMelo Ball contributed 23 points and eight assists, while Moussa Diabete added 14 points, achieving a perfect six-for-six shooting from the bench.

The Washington Wizards find themselves in a difficult position, having lost 23 of their first 27 games this season. They aim to halt a two-game losing streak after suffering a heavy 123-105 loss to the Thunder in an away game on Monday. Jordan Poole led the scoring for the team with 31 points and seven assists. Malcolm Brogdon added 12 points along with five assists, and Jonas Valanciunas contributed with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks.

The Pick:

Despite having a roster that is mostly healthy, the Hornets have found little to celebrate this season. Conversely, the Wizards have been plagued by injuries since the season opener, with notable players like Marvin Bagley, Alexandre Sarr, and Bilal Coulibaly appearing on the injury report. It is challenging to place faith in either team for a successful season, leading to the conclusion that neither should be considered road favorites against any team. In this instance, I will choose the Wizards to secure the points at home.

Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction NBA Picks 12/26/24

Bulls at Hawks at 7:30 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls have demonstrated solid performances of late, securing victories in five of their last nine games. However, they are eager to prevent a third consecutive loss following a significant defeat to the Bucks, with a final score of 112-91 on Monday. Nikola Vucevic was the standout player, contributing 17 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists. Zach LaVine added 14 points, while Patrick Williams contributed 13 points. Ayo Dosunmu struggled, scoring only five points on two of nine shooting attempts, and Jalen Smith was the sole bench player to exceed eight points.

Recently, the Atlanta Hawks have struggled, suffering defeats in four of their last six contests. Nevertheless, they are motivated to regain their momentum after achieving a 117-104 win on Monday, which halted a three-game losing streak. Trae Young was instrumental in this victory, scoring 29 points and dishing out seven assists. Garrison Matthews also played a crucial role, contributing 25 points off the bench, while Jalen Johnson added 17 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists to the team's efforts.

The Pick:

It is essential to check the lineups just before the game begins. However, even if Young cannot play, I would still lean towards the Hawks at home, as the Bulls are particularly weak when they are missing key personnel.

Toronto Raptors vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction NBA Picks 12/26/24

Raptors at Grizzlies at 8 PM ET

The Toronto Raptors are experiencing a challenging period, having lost 11 of their last 14 games. They aim to halt an eight-game losing streak after being defeated by the Knicks with a score of 139-125 in a road game on Monday. Scottie Barnes was the top scorer for the Raptors, recording 24 points and eight assists, while RJ Barrett contributed 23 points and six assists. In addition, both Gradey Dick and Chris Boucher scored 16 points each.

The Memphis Grizzlies have been performing exceptionally well, securing victories in 12 of their last 15 games. However, they aim to recover from a recent setback, having suffered a 114-110 defeat against the Clippers on Monday. Jaren Jackson Jr. was the standout player, scoring 24 points, while Ja Morant contributed 23 points along with six rebounds and four assists. Desmond Bane also made a significant impact, adding 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists to the team's efforts.

The Pick:

Given the circumstances, it was anticipated that the Grizzlies would be substantial favorites in this home game, making the line predictable. This does not influence my decision to favor the in-form Grizzlies over the faltering Raptors, who have suffered eight consecutive losses.

Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction NBA Picks 12/26/24

Rockets at Pelicans at 8 PM ET

The Houston Rockets secured victories against both the Hornets and the Raptors. Currently, the team is averaging 112.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.2, while permitting an average of 106.3 points on 43.5 percent shooting. Jalen Green contributes an average of 19.1 points and 4.7 rebounds, whereas Alperen Sengun averages 18.6 points and 10.4 rebounds.

The New Orleans Pelicans faced losses to the Knicks and the Nuggets. At present, the team averages 105.7 points with a shooting accuracy of 43.7 percent, while allowing 117.2 points at a shooting percentage of 48.6. Zion Williamson is posting averages of 22.7 points and 8 rebounds, and Brandon Ingram is contributing 22.2 points along with 5.6 rebounds.

The Pick:

The New Orleans Pelicans are grappling with ongoing defensive problems and are hindered by injuries to several important players. Their performance against the spread this season is a disappointing 11-19, even as they often enter games as considerable underdogs. Last week, the Rockets triumphed over the Pelicans by a margin of 20 points. It is challenging to take the Pelicans seriously until they can recover Ingram, Zion, and Alvarado from their injuries, but by that time, the situation may be beyond redemption. I foresee a double-digit victory for the Rockets.

Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction NBA Picks 12/26/24

Nets at Bucks at 8 PM ET

The Brooklyn Nets suffered defeats against both the Jazz and the Heat. Currently, the team is averaging 108.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.4, while they are conceding an average of 114 points on 48.7 percent shooting. Cam Thomas is leading the team with an average of 24.7 points and 3.2 rebounds, whereas Cameron Johnson contributes 19.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.

The Milwaukee Bucks triumphed over the Wizards and the Bulls in their recent matchups. They are posting an average of 113.3 points per game, achieving a shooting accuracy of 48.4 percent, while allowing 111.9 points on 45.1 percent shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo is performing exceptionally, averaging 32.7 points and 11.6 rebounds, alongside Damian Lillard, who averages 25.7 points and 4.5 rebounds.

The Pick:

Given the current health status of the Bucks, the point spread presents a considerable challenge, as they have recorded a 4-9 against the spread in their last 13 games when favored by 8 or more points. In contrast, the Brooklyn Nets are showing commendable effort and have a season record of 16-12-1 against the spread. In their earlier matchup this month, the Nets lost to the Bucks by a mere five points. Although the Bucks are anticipated to win, the Nets are expected to stay competitive. It would be prudent to take the points.

Detroit Pistons vs Sacramento Kings Prediction NBA Picks 12/26/24

Pistons at Kings at 10 PM ET

The Detroit Pistons achieved victories against the Suns and the Lakers. They are currently averaging 111.9 points with a shooting percentage of 46.7, while their opponents score an average of 114.6 points on 47.2 percent shooting. Cade Cunningham is averaging 23.9 points and 7 rebounds, and Jaden Ivey contributes with an average of 17.4 points and 4.2 assists.

The Sacramento Kings suffered defeats against both the Pacers and the Lakers. Currently, the Kings are averaging 114.8 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47.6, while they are permitting 113.6 points on 46.4 percent shooting. De’Aaron Fox is contributing an average of 26.2 points and 5 rebounds, whereas Domantas Sabonis is averaging 21.1 points along with 13.5 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Pistons are demonstrating an impressive defensive strategy that merits attention. Conversely, the Sacramento Kings have consistently fallen short of expectations throughout the season, and I am not particularly enthusiastic about their return to a favored status. Currently, the Kings hold a record that is four games under .500 and have an ATS record of 10-19-1. In their last ten games, they have managed only a 3-7 ATS performance. Therefore, I will opt to take the points with the Pistons.

Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction NBA Picks 12/26/24

Jazz at Trail Blazers at 10 PM ET

The Utah Jazz faced a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers but managed to triumph over the Brooklyn Nets. At present, the team averages 110.3 points with a shooting accuracy of 45.7 percent, while allowing 119.5 points at a shooting rate of 48.1 percent. Lauri Markkanen is contributing an average of 19.3 points and 6.6 rebounds, and John Collins is averaging 17.7 points along with 8.2 rebounds.

The Portland Trail Blazers faced defeats against the Spurs and Mavericks. They are currently averaging 107.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 43.9, while their opponents are scoring an average of 116.9 points at a rate of 48 percent shooting. Shaedon Sharpe is averaging 17.4 points and 3.5 rebounds, and Anfernee Simons is also contributing 17.4 points along with 2.5 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Portland Trail Blazers will be favored for the tenth time since March of last year. In other terms, this represents merely the tenth time in the last 666 days that they have been in this position. The Trail Blazers have struggled to cover the spread, failing in six of their last seven games as favorites. Furthermore, the Jazz previously triumphed over the Trail Blazers by 42 points earlier this month. Consequently, backing the Jazz is recommended.