Free NBA Picks For Today, Thursday 1/2/2025

The Miami Heat have been in solid form, having triumphed in three of their previous four games. They are eager to sustain this success after narrowly defeating the Rockets 104-100 on Sunday. Tyler Herro led the charge with an impressive 27 points and nine assists, while Nikola Jovic made a notable contribution off the bench with 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Furthermore, Haywood Highsmith added 15 points to bolster the team's performance.

The Pick:

The Pacers are likely to regret their recent loss to the Bucks, a game that was within their reach. In contrast, the Heat enter this matchup with significant momentum, having secured a victory against the well-performing Rockets on Sunday. Currently, it is challenging to differentiate between these two teams; however, the Heat may have a slight advantage due to their home-court setting and the benefit of additional rest, as they have not played since Sunday. Therefore, I will confidently predict that the Heat will emerge victorious and cover the spread.

Boston Celtics vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction NBA Picks 1/2/25

Celtics at Timberwolves at 7:30 PM ET

The Boston Celtics have not performed at their peak recently, having divided their last ten games evenly. However, they aim to maintain their momentum following a commanding 125-71 victory against the struggling Raptors at home on Tuesday. Jayson Tatum was the standout performer, contributing 23 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Payton Pritchard provided a valuable 19 points from the bench, while Derrick White added 16 points, shooting an impressive six of eight.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were riding high on a three-game winning streak until they encountered the in-form Thunder, who handed them a 113-105 defeat on the road this Tuesday. Anthony Edwards was the leading scorer for the Timberwolves with 20 points, supported by Naz Reid's 19 points off the bench. Mike Conley also added 16 points to the team's total. On the other hand, Julius Randle had a relatively quiet performance, scoring just 11 points on five of twelve shooting, while Donte DiVincenzo recorded 10 points on three of ten shooting from the field.

The Pick:

The Celtics faced some challenges recently due to injuries, but they are entering this matchup with significant momentum following a decisive 54-point victory over the Raptors on Tuesday. On the other hand, the Timberwolves were gaining traction before encountering the formidable Thunder in their previous game, and they will be keen to recover in this contest. Although the Celtics possess the ability to secure a comfortable win despite their depleted roster, the Timberwolves will be optimistic about their prospects against an injured Celtics squad, and I believe they will succeed on their home court.

Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction NBA Picks 1/2/25

Nets at Bucks at 8 PM ET

The Brooklyn Nets find themselves in a challenging phase, having suffered defeats in 11 of their last 14 contests. They aim to halt a streak of three consecutive losses after being overwhelmed by the underperforming Raptors, resulting in a 130-113 loss during their latest road game. Cameron Johnson led the scoring with 24 points on seven of 12 shooting, while D'Angelo Russell provided 22 points and eight assists off the bench. Additionally, Nic Claxton contributed 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

The Milwaukee Bucks are currently in excellent shape, having triumphed in seven of their last ten games. They look to carry this momentum forward after their recent 120-112 victory over the Pacers on Tuesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo was instrumental in the win, scoring 30 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and providing five assists. Brook Lopez added 16 points with a shooting efficiency of seven out of eleven, while Khris Middleton contributed 15 points and seven assists to the team's success.

The Pick:

The Nets have been encountering persistent struggles for a while, and their confidence was notably shaken after being decisively defeated by the struggling Raptors, who were mired in an 11-game losing streak before last night’s game. On the other hand, the Bucks have been hitting their stride recently as they regain their health, displaying their strength in a commendable comeback win against the Pacers on Tuesday. While the Bucks were always projected to be substantial favorites in this matchup, I am convinced that they will continue their positive trajectory with another convincing win and cover the spread effectively.

LA Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction NBA Picks 1/2/25

Clippers at Thunder at 8 PM ET

The LA Clippers secured a victory against the Pelicans but suffered a defeat to the Spurs. Currently, the Clippers are averaging 108.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.4, while they are permitting 107.8 points on 45.9 percent shooting. Norman Powell is contributing an average of 24.3 points and 3.3 rebounds, whereas James Harden is averaging 21.9 points and 6.1 rebounds.

The Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious against the Timberwolves and the Grizzlies. They are currently averaging 115.3 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.6, while their opponents score an average of 103.3 points on 42.5 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is performing exceptionally, averaging 31.3 points and 6 assists, and Jalen Williams is also making significant contributions with an average of 21 points and 5.9 rebounds.

The Pick:

This season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have achieved a record of 21-9-3 against the spread. In contrast, the Los Angeles Clippers have been playing solid basketball, having won five of their last seven contests. Moreover, there are reports indicating that Kawhi Leonard is close to returning, which would certainly uplift the team's morale. The previous matchup between the Clippers and Thunder in November was a thrilling high-scoring battle. Unless there is a significant injury that has not been disclosed to me, I am not inclined to accept this line. I would choose to take the points with the Clippers.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Golden State Warriors Prediction NBA Picks 1/2/25

76ers at Warriors at 10 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers triumphed over the Trail Blazers but faced a loss against the Kings. At present, the team averages 106 points with a shooting accuracy of 44.3 percent, while allowing 110.5 points at a shooting rate of 47.7 percent. Tyrese Maxey leads the team with an average of 25.9 points and 5.3 assists, while Joel Embiid contributes with 23.7 points and 7 rebounds per game.

The Golden State Warriors suffered a defeat against the Cavaliers but managed to beat the Suns. They are currently averaging 111.5 points with a shooting percentage of 44.3, while their opponents score an average of 110.6 points on 45.1 percent shooting. Stephen Curry's performance includes an average of 22 points and 6.4 assists, while Jonathan Kuminga averages 16.8 points and 2.1 assists.

The Pick:

The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves at the end of a back-to-back schedule, coming off a disappointing loss to the Kings, where they allowed a considerable fourth-quarter resurgence. This may hinder their ability to bounce back for the next game. The Warriors, despite their own issues with consistency, are playing at home and are well-rested. Curry's availability is of great importance; should he take the court, I would favor the Warriors.

Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Lakers Prediction NBA Picks 1/2/25

Trail Blazers at Lakers at 10:30 PM ET

The Portland Trail Blazers secured a victory against the Mavericks but suffered a defeat to the 76ers. Their upcoming games include matchups against the Bucks, Pistons, and Pelicans. Currently, the Trail Blazers are averaging 108.1 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.4, while they are allowing 117.3 points on 48.2 percent shooting. Shaedon Sharpe contributes an average of 17.8 points and 3.5 rebounds, whereas Anfernee Simons averages 17.5 points and 2.7 rebounds.

The Los Angeles Lakers achieved a win against the Kings but were defeated by the Cavaliers. They are currently averaging 111.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47.3, while their opponents are scoring an average of 114.3 points at a shooting rate of 47.7 percent. Anthony Davis is performing exceptionally, averaging 26.1 points and 11.6 rebounds, while LeBron James contributes with averages of 23.4 points and 7.7 rebounds.

The Pick:

The LA Lakers have managed to cover the spread in 7 of their previous 10 games, with LeBron James absent from the injury report. They have won and covered the spread in each of their last three games against the Portland Trail Blazers. In total, the Lakers have emerged victorious in 6 of their last 7 meetings with the Trail Blazers. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have not covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games. Although the line is close, I suggest supporting the Lakers at home.