Free NBA Picks For Today, Wednesday 1/8/2025

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been performing exceptionally well, achieving 14 victories in their last 15 games. They are now aiming for their 11th consecutive win following a 115-105 triumph over the Hornets on Sunday. Darius Garland was the standout player, contributing 25 points on eight of 14 shooting, while Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell each added 19 points, and Evan Mobley contributed 17 points.

The Pick:

As two of the league's most successful teams go head-to-head, a thrilling encounter is anticipated, marking a significant moment in the season. The exceptional form displayed by both teams thus far is reflected in the closely contested odds for this game. Although the Cavaliers appear to be the more well-rounded squad, the appeal of the Thunder as underdogs makes this matchup particularly intriguing.

Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction 1/8/25 NBA Picks

Wizards at 76ers at 7 PM ET

The Washington Wizards are experiencing a difficult period, having lost 10 out of their last 13 games. They are eager to end a three-game losing streak after suffering a heavy defeat at home against the Rockets, with a final score of 135-112 last night. Corey Kispert emerged as the leading scorer for the team, recording 23 points on seven of ten shooting off the bench. Jonas Valanciunas also made a notable contribution with 18 points, while Jared Butler added 14 points and five assists. Conversely, Alexander Sarr had a challenging game, finishing with only two points on one of twelve shooting from the field.

Recently, the Philadelphia 76ers have experienced a downturn in performance, having lost three out of their last four games. They are eager to recover following a disappointing 109-99 home loss to the struggling Suns on Monday. Tyrese Maxey was the standout player, contributing 31 points and 10 assists, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 26 points and secured 11 rebounds. Guerschon Yabusele also made a notable contribution with 14 points and 10 rebounds. In contrast, Paul George had a challenging game, shooting only five of 18 from the field and finishing with a mere 13 points, as the bench collectively managed just seven points.

The Pick:

The Wizards have been experiencing a tough season since their opening game, and their situation has become increasingly dire with many essential players out due to injuries. The 76ers have also suffered from injuries during their recent poor performance. At this point, it is hard to have faith in either team, which leads me to prefer not engaging with this matchup. However, if I were required to make a decision, I would tend to support the 76ers in their pursuit of a necessary victory against a depleted Wizards team that appears to have little left to fight for.

Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers Prediction 1/8/25 NBA Picks

Bulls at Pacers at 7 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls are currently performing well, having secured victories in four of their last five games. They aim to achieve a third consecutive win following a dramatic 114-110 triumph over the Spurs at home on Monday. Zach LaVine was the standout player, contributing 35 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Nikola Vucevic supported the effort with 24 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 10 of 22 from the field, while Coby White added 23 points, along with four assists and four steals.

The Indiana Pacers are currently in excellent form, having won nine of their last 13 games. They aim to secure their fourth consecutive victory after a convincing 113-99 win over the Nets on the road on Monday. Tyrese Haliburton was instrumental in the victory, scoring 23 points and dishing out eight assists, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 20 points, and Pascal Siakam added 19 points in a mere 24 minutes of action.

The Pick:

Both teams are coming into this match with a series of victories, which promises an engaging contest. It is crucial to check the lineups before the game starts, as Haliburton's participation will certainly affect the betting line. At this point, I am still inclined to support the Pacers, who have proven to be the more dependable team this season. The line is tight enough, so I recommend choosing the Pacers to win and cover the spread at home.

Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks Prediction 1/8/25 NBA Picks

Raptors at Knicks at 7:30 PM ET

The Toronto Raptors are currently facing a severe slump, having lost 13 of their last 14 games. They are looking to avoid a third consecutive loss after suffering a 128-104 defeat against the Bucks on Monday. RJ Barrett was the leading scorer for the team, recording 25 points, nine rebounds, and five assists on 11 of 18 shooting. Scottie Barnes contributed 21 points and five assists, while Jakob Poeltl added 12 points on six of nine shooting. Gradey Dick had a challenging performance, hitting only three of 12 attempts from the field, and no bench player managed to score more than eight points.

The New York Knicks seem to have lost their winning touch after an impressive nine-game streak, now aiming to break a three-game losing streak following a 103-94 loss to the undermanned Magic on Monday. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson were the standout performers, each scoring 24 points, while Josh Hart contributed 15 points along with 14 rebounds. Precious Achiuwa added 10 points from the bench, but the rest of the team failed to score in double digits. OG Anunoby had a lackluster outing, managing only nine points on four of 11 shooting, and Cameron Payne recorded eight points on two of seven shooting.

The Pick:

The Raptors were destined to be significant underdogs in this contest, having struggled as one of the least effective teams in the league, even while maintaining relative health. Conversely, the Knicks had been performing well until they experienced a setback with three consecutive losses. I anticipate that the Knicks will recover and secure a crucial victory at home; however, should they be lacking key players, I believe the Raptors will remain competitive and keep the final score close.

Detroit Pistons vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction 1/8/25 NBA Picks

Pistons at Nets at 7:30 PM ET

The Detroit Pistons achieved victories against the Timberwolves and the Trail Blazers. They are currently averaging 112 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.6, while their opponents are scoring an average of 113.8 points on 47.2 percent shooting. Cade Cunningham is a standout player, averaging 24.4 points and 6.7 rebounds, and Jaden Ivey is also performing well with an average of 17.6 points and 4 assists.

The Brooklyn Nets suffered defeats against both the 76ers and the Pacers. Currently, the team is averaging 107.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45, while they are conceding an average of 113.5 points at a shooting percentage of 48.7. Cam Thomas is contributing significantly with an average of 24.7 points and 3.6 rebounds, whereas Cameron Johnson is also making an impact with 19.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

The Pick:

Recently, the Detroit Pistons have triumphed in eight of their last ten games, managing to cover the spread in six of those encounters. Their defensive strategy has become more robust, leading to a significant increase in turnovers by their opponents. The Pistons are clearly progressing positively, and if this trend continues, they should achieve both a victory and a cover in the forthcoming match. On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets are starting to exhibit the form that was expected from them at the beginning of the season. The betting line appears to be reasonable. I suggest placing your confidence in the Pistons and the spread.

Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction 1/8/25 NBA Picks

Trail Blazers at Pelicans at 8 PM ET

The Portland Trail Blazers faced a loss to the Pistons but managed to triumph over the Bucks. At present, the team averages 108.1 points with a shooting accuracy of 44.9 percent, while allowing 116.9 points at a rate of 47.9 percent shooting. Anfernee Simons is contributing an average of 18.6 points and 2.7 rebounds, and Shaedon Sharpe is averaging 17.9 points along with 3.7 rebounds.

The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a defeat against the Timberwolves but achieved a win against the Wizards. The team is currently averaging 107.2 points with a shooting percentage of 44 percent while permitting 117.1 points at a shooting percentage of 48.4. CJ McCollum averages 22.8 points and 3.8 rebounds, while Zion Williamson contributes an average of 22.7 points and 8 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Pelicans have secured victories in two of their last three matches, recently posing a challenge to the Timberwolves. The atmosphere surrounding the team has improved significantly with the return of Jose Alvarado and Zion Williamson. Although the Pelicans' season is effectively concluded in terms of their win-loss record, the current morale is the highest it has been all year. With players returning, there is a palpable sense of enthusiasm. I am going with the Pelicans.

LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction 1/8/25 NBA Picks

Clippers at Nuggets at 9 PM ET

The LA Clippers experienced a defeat against the Timberwolves but secured a victory over the Hawks. Currently, the Clippers are averaging 109.1 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.6, while they are permitting 107.9 points on 45.9 percent shooting. Norman Powell is contributing an average of 23.5 points and 3.4 rebounds, whereas James Harden is averaging 21.6 points and 6.1 rebounds.

The Denver Nuggets were defeated by the Celtics and ended up splitting their series with the Spurs. The team is currently averaging 120.8 points per game with a shooting percentage of 49.8, while they allow 117.3 points on 46.7 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic stands out with an average of 31.5 points and 13 rebounds, and Jamal Murray contributes significantly with an average of 19.4 points and 4.2 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Clippers have struggled lately, suffering defeats in three of their last four games, and their away record stands at 8-10 straight up, indicating difficulties on the road. The Nuggets are a consistently strong team at home, and it is unusual for them to be regarded as underdogs. In the recent history of their matchups, the home team has won six out of the last eight games between the Clippers and the Nuggets. Furthermore, the Nuggets achieved a decisive 22-point victory over the Clippers last month. I will choose to back the Nuggets, but it is essential to keep an eye on the injury report before finalizing any bets.

San Antonio Spurs vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction 1/8/25 NBA Picks

Spurs at Bucks at 9:30 PM ET

The San Antonio Spurs faced losses to the Nuggets and the Bulls. At present, the team is averaging 111.4 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 45.5 percent, while they are allowing 111.6 points on 45.3 percent shooting. Victor Wembanyama stands out with an average of 25.6 points and 10.8 rebounds, and Devin Vassell contributes with an average of 15.4 points and 3.1 assists.

The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a defeat against the Trail Blazers but managed to beat the Raptors. They are currently averaging 112.8 points with a shooting percentage of 47.8, while their opponents score an average of 111 points on 45.3 percent shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo is leading the team with an impressive average of 31.6 points and 11.6 rebounds, while Damian Lillard averages 24.7 points and 4.4 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Milwaukee Bucks are still in pursuit of consistency as they work to reintegrate Khris Middleton, who has just returned to the lineup. In contrast, the San Antonio Spurs have shown significant improvement in recent weeks, achieving wins and exhibiting an increase in confidence. Their recent losses have also been tightly contested. Notably, the Spurs have managed to cover the spread in eight out of their last ten games. I have been backing the Spurs during this successful stretch and appreciate their current form. Go with the Spurs to cover.