Free NBA Picks For Today, Friday 12/27/2024

At present, the Orlando Magic find themselves in a difficult situation, having suffered six losses in their last ten games. They are looking to regain their momentum after a heartbreaking 89-88 loss to the Heat last night. Jalen Suggs was the leading scorer for the team, netting 29 points on 10 of 22 shooting. Furthermore, Tristan da Silva added 18 points, and Goga Bitadze made a significant impact with 10 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks.

The Pick:

Currently, the Knicks rank as one of the league's most successful teams, with all their key players in good health. Meanwhile, the Magic are facing challenges, as they are missing three of their leading players. The betting line for this matchup is not excessively high, leading me to believe that the Knicks will extend their winning streak by securing a victory and covering the spread against a fatigued Magic team that has had no rest.

San Antonio Spurs vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction NBA Picks 12/27/24

Spurs at Nets at 7:30 PM ET

The San Antonio Spurs have been performing very well, having won four of their last seven matches. However, they are looking to avert a third straight loss after a close 117-114 defeat against the Knicks during their away game on Wednesday. Victor Wembenyama led the team with an impressive 42 points, along with 18 rebounds and four assists. Jeremy Sochan supported the effort with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Chris Paul contributed 13 points and seven assists.

The Brooklyn Nets have been experiencing a rough patch, having lost eight of their last eleven contests. However, they are looking to gain traction after a hard-fought 111-105 victory over the Bucks on the road last night. Cameron Johnson was the leading scorer with 29 points on eight of thirteen shooting. In addition, Noah Clowney excelled with six three-pointers, totaling 20 points, while Shake Milton contributed 20 points from the bench, and Nic Claxton added 13 points to the team's effort.

The Pick:

The Spurs had been enjoying a successful streak prior to their recent two-game losing streak; however, they demonstrated considerable competitiveness in their challenging defeat against the rising Knicks on Christmas Day. Conversely, the Nets had been struggling significantly until they achieved a surprising victory over the Bucks in an impressive road performance last night. This matchup presents a difficult decision. While it is appealing to favor the Nets playing at home, the fact that they are competing without any rest gives me greater confidence in selecting the Spurs to secure a vital road victory in this situation.

Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics Prediction NBA Picks 12/27/24

Pacers at Celtics at 7:30 PM ET

Recently, the Indiana Pacers have shown impressive form, enjoying a five-game winning streak prior to their recent loss to the Thunder, which ended in a score of 120-114 last night. Andrew Nembhard led the scoring for the team with 23 points, complemented by nine rebounds and seven assists. Pascal Siakam also made a significant contribution with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 18 points.

The Boston Celtics have encountered a slight downturn in their performance, recording three losses in their past four matches. They aim to rebound after a narrow defeat to the 76ers, with a final score of 118-114 on Christmas Day. Jayson Tatum was the team's leading scorer, amassing 32 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists. Furthermore, Jaylen Brown contributed 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Derrick White supported the team with 21 points.

The Pick:

The Pacers enter this matchup with significant momentum; however, it is challenging to secure a victory against the Celtics when competing on no rest days. Nevertheless, I anticipate the Celtics will achieve a decisive win at home. Despite the substantial point spread, I believe the Pacers will manage to stay competitive enough to cover the spread.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Prediction NBA Picks 12/27/24

Timberwolves at Rockets at 8 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently performing well, having secured victories in seven of their last eleven games. They will be motivated to continue this positive trend following their narrow 105-99 victory against the Mavericks on the road this past Wednesday. Anthony Edwards was the standout player, contributing 26 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Additionally, Julius Randle added 23 points along with 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Rudy Gobert supported the team with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks.

The Houston Rockets are enjoying a remarkable run, having won six out of their last seven games. They are motivated to extend their current four-game winning streak after a convincing 128-111 victory over the struggling Pelicans in an away game last night. Jalen Green was the top scorer for the team, netting 30 points on 12 of 21 shooting. Fred VanVleet added 25 points, along with six rebounds and four assists, while Cam Whitmore came off the bench to score 27 points. Alperen Sengun also made a valuable contribution with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists.

The Pick:

The Rockets enter this matchup with significant momentum, having secured six victories in their last seven games. However, they are facing the challenge of playing their second consecutive game against a Timberwolves team that is currently in excellent form, having recently triumphed over the rising Mavericks. While one could support either team in this contest, the Rockets' lack of rest leads me to favor the Timberwolves, who present a compelling opportunity as the underdog in this scenario.

Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction NBA Picks 12/27/24

Grizzlies at Pelicans at 8 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies secured a victory against the Raptors but suffered a defeat to the Clippers. Currently, the Grizzlies are averaging 123.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48.7, while they permit 113.4 points on 43.9 percent shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributes an average of 21.5 points and 5.8 rebounds, whereas Ja Morant averages 21.3 points and 7.9 assists.

The New Orleans Pelicans faced defeats against the Rockets and the Nuggets. The team is currently averaging 105.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 43.7, while they concede 117.6 points on 48.5 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 22.7 points along with 8 rebounds, and Brandon Ingram is contributing an average of 22.2 points and 5.6 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Pelicans have recorded an 11-20 against the spread this season and have failed to cover in four of their last five games. On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies recently posted an astounding 155 points against the Raptors and currently stand at 21-10 against the spread. Given the contrasting trends of both teams, it is challenging to endorse the Pelicans. I expect the Grizzlies to secure a commanding victory on the road.

Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Prediction NBA Picks 12/27/24

Mavericks at Suns at 9 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks achieved a win against the Trail Blazers but were defeated by the Timberwolves. The team is currently averaging 118.2 points with a shooting percentage of 48.6, while they concede 111.8 points at a shooting efficiency of 45.3 percent. Luka Doncic is averaging 28.1 points and 7.8 assists, while Kyrie Irving contributes an average of 24 points and 4.6 rebounds.

The Phoenix Suns faced a loss to the Pistons and recorded a split in their matchups with the Nuggets. At present, the Suns are scoring an average of 113.3 points with a shooting accuracy of 47.2 percent, while allowing 114.6 points at a shooting rate of 47.3 percent. Kevin Durant is posting averages of 27.1 points and 6.6 rebounds, while Devin Booker is contributing 25.1 points and 3.7 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Dallas Mavericks performed poorly against the Timberwolves, ultimately failing in a late comeback effort, and they suffered the loss of Luka due to a calf injury. The Suns have secured 10 out of their 15 wins at home and have emerged victorious in 4 of their last 6 matchups against the Mavericks. The odds are not excessive. I am backing the Suns with the small point spread.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction NBA Picks 12/27/24

Cavaliers at Nuggets at 9 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers triumphed over the Jazz and the 76ers. At present, the team is averaging 121.5 points with a shooting accuracy of 50.4 percent, while they allow 110.9 points at a shooting rate of 45.5 percent. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 23.3 points along with 4.6 assists, and Darius Garland is contributing 20.4 points and 6.4 assists on average.

The Denver Nuggets emerged victorious against the Pelicans and recorded a split in their encounters with the Suns. The team is currently averaging 119.1 points per game with a shooting efficiency of 49.6 percent, while they concede 116.1 points at a shooting percentage of 46.5. Nikola Jokic is averaging an impressive 30.7 points and 12.6 rebounds, while Jamal Murray contributes with an average of 18.8 points and 4.2 rebounds.

The Pick:

With a season record of 26-4 straight up and 21-9 against the spread, the Cleveland Cavaliers are leading the league. They have outperformed all other teams in terms of both total wins and successful spread coverage this season. Until there is a notable shift in this performance, it is advisable to maintain confidence in the Cavaliers, who are demonstrating a strong ability to generate winning bets.

Golden State Warriors vs LA Clippers Prediction NBA Picks 12/27/24

Warriors at Clippers at 10 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors suffered defeats against both the Pacers and the Lakers. Currently, the team is averaging 112.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45 percent, while conceding 111 points at a shooting percentage of 44.9 percent. Stephen Curry is contributing an average of 22.5 points and 6.5 assists, whereas Andrew Wiggins is averaging 17.5 points and 2.4 assists.

The LA Clippers triumphed over the Grizzlies and managed to split their matchups with the Mavericks. At present, the Clippers are scoring an average of 109.6 points with a shooting accuracy of 46.6 percent, while they allow 107.6 points at a shooting rate of 45.9 percent. Norman Powell is leading the team with an average of 24.1 points and 3.3 rebounds, while James Harden contributes 22 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

The Pick:

Following a painful loss on Christmas, the Warriors may find it difficult to bounce back, despite their seasoned roster. The LA Clippers have recorded 10 of their 17 wins at home and have triumphed in five consecutive matchups against the Warriors, covering the spread in all four of those games. I am inclined to back the Clippers at home with the reasonable line provided.