This week in the NBA will conclude with a 6-game slate, and here you can take a look at the NBA Picks for Sunday 12/29/2024.
Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic Prediction NBA Picks 12/29/24
Nets at Magic at 3:30 PM ET
The Brooklyn Nets find themselves in a difficult situation, having lost nine out of their last twelve games. They are eager to turn things around after a disappointing 96-87 home loss to the Spurs on Friday. Keon Johnson led the scoring with 25 points on 10 of 20 shooting, while Shake Milton provided 16 points and 12 assists. Nic Claxton also made a notable contribution with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals.
The Orlando Magic are currently facing a tough stretch, having lost five of their last seven contests. They are looking to avert a third consecutive loss after a heavy defeat to the Knicks, who triumphed 108-85 on Friday. Jalen Suggs was the top scorer for the Magic, netting 27 points on 10 of 20 shooting. Goga Bitadze added 14 points, along with 11 rebounds and two blocks, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 10 points. Regrettably, no other teammates reached double-digit scoring.
The Pick:
Since the opening night of the season, the Nets have encountered difficulties in establishing momentum, a situation exacerbated by the trade of Dennis Schroder, who frequently served as their leading player. On the other hand, the Magic initially surprised many in the league until injuries began to accumulate. This creates a challenging scenario for prediction. Although one might be inclined to support the Nets with the points, the Magic have proven their proficiency in overcoming lesser opponents, even when their best players are sidelined, and I expect this trend to continue in this contest.
Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics Prediction NBA Picks 12/29/24
Pacers at Celtics at 6 PM ET
The Indiana Pacers seem to have lost their winning momentum after a five-game streak, as they now seek to avert a third consecutive defeat following a lopsided 142-105 loss to the Celtics in an away game on Friday. Tyrese Haliburton led the team with 19 points and nine assists, while Bennedict Mathurin added 18 points, and Jarace Walker contributed 15 points and five assists coming off the bench.
The Boston Celtics have experienced a slight dip in form, having lost three out of their last five games. Nevertheless, their confidence was restored after a decisive win against the Pacers on Friday. Jaylen Brown excelled, leading the team with 44 points on an efficient 16 of 24 shooting. Jayson Tatum supported the effort with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists, while Payton Pritchard added 18 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists in a strong performance off the bench.
The Pick:
Overcoming the same team in back-to-back games is often a difficult task. Nevertheless, the Celtics have demonstrated their strength at home this season and should be poised to achieve another important win, assuming they maintain their focus on the Pacers. The betting line is considerable, yet I believe the Celtics will manage to cover.
Atlanta Hawks vs Toronto Raptors Prediction NBA Picks 12/29/24
Hawks at Raptors at 6 PM ET
The Atlanta Hawks are currently performing exceptionally well, having secured victories in 10 of their last 14 games. They are aiming for their fourth consecutive win following a hard-fought 120-110 victory against the Miami Heat at home last night. Jalen Johnson was the standout player, contributing 28 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists on an impressive 13 of 20 shooting. Additionally, De'Andre Hunter provided a significant boost off the bench with 26 points, while Trae Young recorded 11 points along with 15 assists.
The Toronto Raptors are enduring a difficult phase, as they strive to end a nine-game losing streak after being overwhelmed by the Grizzlies in a 155-126 defeat on Thursday. RJ Barrett led the team with an impressive performance, recording 27 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. Scottie Barnes also played a crucial role, scoring 26 points and providing eight assists, while both Kelly Olynyk and Gradey Dick contributed 14 points apiece.
The Pick:
As the Hawks approach this contest, they are regarded as the clear favorites, despite the challenge of playing their second consecutive game. The Raptors have encountered difficulties in recent weeks, lacking momentum. Although both teams are missing key players, I maintain that the Hawks present a favorable opportunity at the short line in this situation.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction NBA Picks 12/29/24
Grizzlies at Thunder at 7 PM ET
The Memphis Grizzlies secured victories against both the Raptors and the Pelicans. Currently, the Grizzlies are averaging 124 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48.7, while they permit an average of 113.8 points on 43.9 percent shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributes an average of 21.9 points and 6 rebounds, whereas Ja Morant averages 21.2 points along with 7.9 assists.
The Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious against the Hornets and the Pacers. They are currently averaging 115.2 points with a shooting efficiency of 46.4 percent, while their opponents score an average of 103.6 points on 42.6 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a key player, averaging 31.1 points and 6.1 assists, while Jalen Williams contributes significantly with averages of 21.5 points and 5.9 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Oklahoma City Thunder are concluding a back-to-back series and are dealing with several injuries, including those to Dort, Caruso, and others. The Grizzlies have adapted well to the next-man-up mentality. Anticipate a similar outcome in this matchup. I recommend backing the Grizzlies along with the points.
Miami Heat vs Houston Rockets Prediction NBA Picks 12/29/24
Heat at Rockets at 7 PM ET
The Miami Heat triumphed over the Magic but faced a loss against the Hawks. At present, the team averages 112.8 points with a shooting accuracy of 45.3 percent, while allowing 109.8 points with an opponent shooting percentage of 46.2. Tyler Herro is averaging 23.8 points and 5.7 rebounds, in contrast to Jimmy Butler, who averages 18.5 points and 5.8 rebounds.
The Houston Rockets achieved a win against the Pelicans but were defeated by the Timberwolves. They are currently averaging 113.4 points with a shooting percentage of 44.4, while their opponents score an average of 106.7 points at a shooting rate of 43.7 percent. Jalen Green's performance includes an average of 19.3 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun averages 19 points and 10.6 rebounds.
The Pick:
This season, the Miami Heat have recorded 9 losses out of 14 while competing on the road. The Houston Rockets, who exhibit above-average capabilities on both sides of the court, will be keen to bounce back following their disappointing performance against the Timberwolves. With 19 covers, the Rockets have established themselves as one of the more lucrative teams in the NBA thus far. I am backing the Rockets.
San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction NBA Picks 12/29/24
Spurs at Timberwolves at 8 PM ET
The San Antonio Spurs faced a loss to the Knicks but managed to triumph over the Nets. At present, the Spurs are scoring an average of 111.2 points with a shooting accuracy of 45.6 percent, while allowing 112 points at a shooting rate of 45.9 percent. Victor Wembanyama is averaging 25.2 points and 10.1 rebounds, and Devin Vassell is contributing 15.4 points along with 2.8 assists.
The Minnesota Timberwolves secured victories against both the Mavericks and the Rockets. Currently, the Timberwolves are averaging 109.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.9, while they are permitting 107.1 points on 45.8 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is contributing an average of 25.3 points and 5.5 rebounds, whereas Julius Randle is averaging 20.4 points along with 4.4 assists.
The Pick:
The Timberwolves have largely underperformed this season, and one might interpret this situation as a possible letdown following their significant comeback victory over the Rockets. Conversely, the Spurs, a team comprised of younger players, are steadily gaining confidence, having participated in many closely fought games and covered the spread in five consecutive outings. The Spurs are moving in a positive direction and are certainly a team to keep an eye on as underdogs.
Oliver’s Pick Grizzlies +7.5
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
