This week in the NBA will conclude with a 6-game slate, and here you can check out the NBA Picks for Sunday 1/5/2025.
Boston Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction NBA Picks 1/5/25
Celtics at Thunder at 3:30 PM ET
The Boston Celtics have demonstrated remarkable form, winning four of their last five contests. They are set to pursue a fourth straight victory after achieving a commanding 109-86 win against the Rockets on the road this past Friday. Derrick White led the scoring with 23 points on eight of 16 shooting, while Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard each contributed 20 points. Furthermore, Jrue Holiday added 14 points to the team's overall performance.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are on an impressive trajectory, having won 18 out of their last 20 games. They are eager to capitalize on their current nine-game winning streak. In their most recent game, they defeated the Knicks with a score of 117-107 at home on Friday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with an outstanding performance, scoring 33 points and recording seven assists. Jalen Williams also made significant contributions with 20 points and five assists, while Aaron Wiggins provided valuable support off the bench, scoring 19 points on an efficient seven-of-nine shooting.
The Pick:
The Celtics enter this matchup with significant momentum, making them an appealing choice as underdogs, particularly due to their impressive roster. Meanwhile, the Thunder have been performing exceptionally well recently and are eager to continue their winning streak with another victory and cover. While both teams present compelling cases, I believe the Thunder will sustain their momentum and secure a decisive win in this contest.
Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction NBA Picks 1/5/25
Hornets at Cavaliers at 6 PM ET
The Charlotte Hornets find themselves in a challenging position, having lost 17 of their last 18 contests. They aim to halt a nine-game losing streak after a close 98-94 defeat to the Pistons in their latest road game on Friday. Miles Bridges was the top scorer for the team, recording 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Mark Williams also made a notable contribution with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Nick Richards scored 10 points; however, no additional players reached double-digit scoring.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been on a remarkable winning streak, achieving 13 wins in their last 14 contests. They are set to pursue their tenth straight victory after a commanding 134-122 away win against the Mavericks on Friday. Evan Mobley was the leading scorer for the team, amassing 34 points, along with 10 rebounds and four assists, shooting 14 of 21 from the field. Caris LeVert contributed 17 points off the bench, and Darius Garland added 16 points and nine assists to the overall performance.
The Pick:
As the underperforming Hornets prepare to challenge the thriving Cavaliers, who have shown remarkable consistency in recent weeks, the anticipated point spread for this game is likely to be substantial. Nevertheless, I do not believe this will influence my decision to back the Cavaliers for yet another win and to cover the spread in their home arena.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Prediction NBA Picks 1/5/25
Pelicans at Wizards at 6 PM ET
The New Orleans Pelicans have faced a dismal start to their season, recording losses in 29 of their first 35 games. However, they have found a reason to celebrate after breaking an 11-game losing streak with a 132-120 win against the Wizards on Friday. CJ McCollum led the team with an impressive 50 points, shooting 18 of 27 and hitting 10 three-pointers. Trey Murphy also played a key role, scoring 17 points and providing five assists, while Yves Missi contributed with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.
This season has been challenging for the Washington Wizards, who have recorded 26 losses in their first 32 games. Following a tough defeat to the Pelicans on Friday, the team is determined to rebound. Jordan Poole emerged as the leading scorer with 26 points and seven assists. Alexandre Sarr also made a significant contribution with 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Malcolm Brogdon added 16 points from the bench.
The Pick:
The Pelicans have had a tumultuous season, largely impacted by injuries. As they head into this contest, they are aiming for another significant victory after their impressive performance against the Wizards on Friday, which was propelled by McCollum's remarkable display. It is often a difficult task to defeat the same team in consecutive games. Nonetheless, the Pelicans boast a talented roster, featuring players such as McCollum and Murphy, and I believe they have the potential to clinch another win and cover the line.
Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic Prediction NBA Picks 1/5/25
Jazz at Magic at 6:30 PM ET
The Utah Jazz faced a loss to the Knicks but managed to triumph over the Heat. At present, the team averages 111.5 points with a shooting accuracy of 46.1 percent, while allowing 119.2 points at a shooting rate of 48.2 percent. Lauri Markkanen is contributing an average of 19.5 points and 6.4 rebounds, and John Collins is averaging 17.7 points along with 8.2 rebounds.
The Orlando Magic experienced a defeat against the Pistons but secured a victory over the Raptors. Currently, the team is averaging 105.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.8, while permitting an average of 103.4 points on 46.4 percent shooting. Paolo Banchero is contributing significantly with an average of 29 points and 5.6 assists, whereas Franz Wagner is averaging 24.4 points along with 5.6 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Magic typically perform well against teams they are expected to dominate, and I question whether the defensive intensity from Orlando is what the Jazz desire in their second game within a two-day span. I have little faith in the Jazz, particularly when playing away from home and lacking the advantage of rest. The absence of players such as Suggs, Wagner, and Banchero certainly does not aid their cause; however, the Magic remain significant favorites despite these injuries. The Jazz's performance has been subpar. I would favor the Magic in this matchup.
LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction NBA Picks 1/5/25
Lakers at Rockets at 7 PM ET
The Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Trail Blazers and the Hawks in their recent games. At present, the team is averaging 112.2 points with a shooting accuracy of 47.3 percent, while allowing 113.7 points at a shooting percentage of 47.6. Anthony Davis is posting an average of 25.8 points and 11.8 rebounds, and LeBron James is contributing 24.1 points along with 7.4 rebounds.
The Houston Rockets suffered a defeat against the Celtics but managed to beat the Mavericks. They are currently averaging 112.1 points with a shooting percentage of 44.1, while their opponents score an average of 106.4 points, also shooting at 44.1 percent. Jalen Green is averaging 19.6 points and 4.4 rebounds, and Alperen Sengun is contributing 18.9 points along with 10.6 rebounds.
The Pick:
If both Davis and LeBron are in the lineup, I would opt for the points with the Lakers. The team is currently exhibiting some of their finest performance of the season, boasting an impressive 8-2 straight-up and ATS record over their last ten games. While the Houston Rockets have shown more consistency, holding a 12-6 straight-up record at home, they have recently struggled. The Rockets squandered significant leads against the Timberwolves and Heat, and they are coming off a disappointing blowout defeat to the Celtics. As a young team, it will be intriguing to observe whether they can regain their confidence. Therefore, assuming LeBron and Davis are fit to play, I would favor the Lakers along with the points.
Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors Prediction NBA Picks 1/5/25
Kings at Warriors at 8:30 PM ET
The Sacramento Kings secured victories against both the Grizzlies and the 76ers. Currently, the Kings are averaging 115.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47.6, while they are permitting 114.1 points on 46.6 percent shooting. De’Aaron Fox is contributing an average of 26.7 points and 4.9 rebounds, whereas DeMar DeRozan is averaging 20.8 points and 3.9 rebounds.
The Golden State Warriors achieved victories against the 76ers and the Grizzlies. They are currently averaging 112.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45 percent, while their opponents score an average of 110.5 points on 45.2 percent shooting. Stephen Curry's performance includes an average of 22.3 points and 6.5 assists, while Jonathan Kuminga averages 16.9 points and 2.2 assists.
The Pick:
The Sacramento Kings, despite enjoying a rest advantage and winning three games in a row, have consistently underperformed this season, with a record of 12-22-1 against the spread. They are currently the least effective team in the NBA when it comes to covering the spread. On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors have managed to win three out of their last four contests, with ten of their eighteen victories coming at home. I find myself placing more trust in the Warriors in this situation, especially considering their home-court advantage. I will back the Warriors and the reasonable spread.
Oliver’s Pick Warriors -2.5
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
