The NBA action brings an 8-game slate today, and here you can take a look at the NBA Picks for Thursday 1/9/2025.
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction 1/9/25 NBA Picks
Raptors at Cavaliers at 7 PM ET
The Toronto Raptors find themselves in a dire situation, having lost 14 out of their last 15 games. They are looking to break a three-game losing streak after suffering a 112-98 defeat against the Knicks last night. Immanuel Quickley led the Knicks with 22 points and five assists, while Scottie Barnes contributed 18 points and five assists. RJ Barrett also made a notable contribution with 16 points. On the other hand, Jakob Poeltl had a lackluster game with only eight points, and Gradey Dick managed to score just three points on one of six shooting attempts.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been performing exceptionally well, securing victories in 15 of their last 16 games. They are now aiming for their 12th consecutive win following a significant 129-122 triumph over the rising Thunder last night. Jarrett Allen was the standout performer, contributing 25 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists with an impressive shooting percentage of nine out of 11. Additionally, Evan Mobley recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while Darius Garland added 18 points and seven assists. However, Donovan Mitchell experienced a challenging shooting night, managing only three successful field goals out of 16 attempts.
The Pick:
Recently, the Raptors have been among the least competitive teams in the league, facing off against the Cavaliers, who are on a remarkable winning streak after overcoming the impressive Thunder. The betting line for this game was expected to be substantial; however, I do not believe it will influence my decision to back the Cavaliers, who are likely to achieve a comfortable win, assuming they maintain focus and do not underestimate the Raptors.
Golden State Warriors vs Detroit Pistons Prediction 1/9/25 NBA Picks
Warriors at Pistons at 7 PM ET
The Golden State Warriors have been struggling recently, having lost nine of their last 13 games. They are looking to avoid a third consecutive loss after suffering a 114-98 defeat against the Heat on Tuesday. Stephen Curry led the team with 31 points, hitting eight three-pointers and shooting 11 of 22 overall. Trayce Jackson-Davis supported the effort with 19 points on nine of 12 shooting, while Buddy Hield contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. However, Kyle Anderson faced difficulties, managing only five points on two of seven shooting from the field, and Dennis Schroder also had a tough outing, scoring five points on two of ten attempts.
Currently, the Detroit Pistons are in outstanding form, having won eight of their last nine matches. They are eager to maintain their five-game winning streak after a convincing 113-98 victory against the Nets last night on the road. Malik Beasley was the top scorer with 23 points and five assists, while Marcus Sasser made a significant impact with 15 points from the bench, and Cade Cunningham contributed 13 points along with five assists.
The Pick:
A win is essential for the Warriors to regain momentum in their season, yet their recent form has been poor, compounded by the potential absence of several key players due to injuries. On the other hand, the Pistons are arriving at this game in excellent form, having played some of their best basketball this season, which justifies their position as favorites at home. While it is true that the Pistons are facing a back-to-back game scenario, the Warriors' current cold streak may allow the Pistons to exploit this situation effectively. Back the Pistons to cover.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Orlando Magic Prediction 1/9/25 NBA Picks
Timberwolves at Magic at 7 PM ET
The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently performing well, having secured victories in five of their last eight games. They are looking to achieve a third consecutive win following their 104-97 triumph over the Pelicans on Tuesday. Anthony Edwards was the standout player, contributing 32 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Julius Randle supported the effort with 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Naz Reid provided valuable contributions off the bench with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Recently, the Orlando Magic have struggled, suffering defeats in four of their last seven contests. Nonetheless, they experienced a morale boost after securing a 103-94 win against the Knicks on the road on Monday. Cole Anthony was instrumental in this victory, scoring 24 points and recording seven rebounds and four assists. Furthermore, Wendell Carter Jr. made a significant impact off the bench with 19 points, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contributed 15 points to the team's success.
The Pick:
Although the Timberwolves have struggled to find their rhythm of late, they are still in relatively good health and should enjoy a considerable edge against a Magic team that is largely depleted of its key players. There is a possibility that Banchero could return for the Magic, but if he does, it is expected that he will be on a minute restriction. In light of this situation, I find that the Timberwolves offer solid value at the short line, and I am backing them in this contest.
Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction 1/9/25 NBA Picks
Rockets at Grizzlies at 8 PM ET
The Houston Rockets have demonstrated impressive form, winning nine of their last 13 contests. They are seeking to extend their winning streak to three games after a decisive 135-112 victory against the Wizards on Tuesday. Jalen Green led the scoring with 29 points on 10 of 22 shooting. Alperen Sengun contributed significantly with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Amen Thompson added 20 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists. Fred VanVleet also played a crucial role, finishing with 19 points and 12 assists.
The Memphis Grizzlies have been in good form, having won four of their last seven games. They are eager to build on this success after a decisive 119-104 victory at home against the Mavericks on Monday. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the charge with an impressive performance, scoring 35 points, securing 13 rebounds, and dishing out five assists on 13 of 23 shooting. In addition, Scotty Pippen Jr. contributed 18 points and five steals, while Jaylen Wells added 17 points and 11 rebounds to the team's total.
The Pick:
An extensive injury issue is hovering over the Grizzlies, which may alter the betting line as the game nears. Thus, it is understandable that the Rockets have been established as slight favorites for this away contest. If Jackson Jr. is sidelined, I would not expect the Grizzlies to perform well, particularly given his recent impressive play. On the other hand, if he is available to play, I believe the Grizzlies have a viable opportunity to achieve a small upset on their home court.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction 1/9/25 NBA Picks
Trail Blazers at Mavericks at 8:30 PM ET
The Portland Trail Blazers faced a loss to the Pistons but managed to triumph over the Pelicans. 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 Dallas Mavericks experienced a defeat against the Grizzlies but secured a victory over the Lakers. Currently, the Mavericks are averaging 116.4 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48.1, while they permit 111.9 points on 45.5 percent shooting. Luka Doncic is contributing an average of 28.1 points and 7.8 assists, whereas Kyrie Irving is averaging 24.3 points and 4.6 rebounds.
The Pick:
This is a considerable line for a Dallas Mavericks team that remains without Luka and Kyrie, and potentially Gafford as well. It is hard to endorse such figures when a team is lacking its two premier players. Moreover, the Mavericks have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games. There are likely superior options on Thursday's NBA card. Nevertheless, I will still take the points with the Trail Blazers.
Miami Heat vs Utah Jazz Prediction 1/9/25 NBA Picks
Heat at Jazz at 9 PM ET
The Miami Heat suffered a defeat against the Kings but managed to beat the Warriors. The team is currently averaging 111.3 points with a shooting percentage of 45.6, while they concede 110.1 points on 46.1 percent shooting. Tyler Herro is averaging 23.6 points and 5.6 rebounds, while Jimmy Butler contributes an average of 17.6 points and 5.5 rebounds.
The Utah Jazz triumphed over the Magic but faced a loss against the Hawks. At present, the team is averaging 111.6 points with a shooting accuracy of 46 percent, while allowing 118.5 points at a rate of 47.8 percent shooting. Lauri Markkanen is posting an average of 19.9 points and 6.2 rebounds, in contrast to John Collins, who is averaging 17.9 points and 8.3 rebounds.
The Pick:
Following a notable upset win over the Warriors, the Heat are experiencing a surge in confidence. This game also presents a chance for the Heat to avenge their previous loss to the Jazz, where they squandered a 22-point advantage. Although the Jazz have managed to cover the spread in eight of their last ten contests, their defensive shortcomings persist. The recent history between these teams adds an element of motivation for the Heat. The current line seems reasonable. I would suggest placing a wager on the Heat and the spread.
Atlanta Hawks vs Phoenix Suns Prediction 1/9/25 NBA Picks
Hawks at Suns at 9 PM ET
The Atlanta Hawks suffered a defeat against the Clippers but achieved a win against the Jazz. They are currently averaging 117.3 points with a shooting percentage of 46.4 while permitting 119.8 points on 47.4 percent shooting. Trae Young is averaging 22.6 points and 3.5 rebounds, and Jalen Johnson is averaging 19.8 points along with 10.1 rebounds.
The Phoenix Suns experienced a defeat against the Hornets but secured a victory over the 76ers. Currently, the Suns are averaging 111.8 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.8, while they are permitting 113.9 points on 46.4 percent shooting. Kevin Durant is contributing an average of 27.4 points and 6.5 rebounds, whereas Devin Booker is averaging 24.6 points and 3.9 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Suns' performance against the spread stands at 12-23 for the current season, yielding a cover percentage of 34.2, which is the worst in the league. The Atlanta Hawks have recently slowed down after a strong showing a few weeks ago, but their last-minute win over the Jazz could serve as a catalyst for a resurgence. Regardless, I see minimal potential in the Suns, a team that has not lived up to expectations and should be considering trades as the deadline nears. I would opt for the Hawks and the points.
Charlotte Hornets vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction 1/9/25 NBA Picks
Hornets at Lakers at 10:30 PM ET
The Charlotte Hornets suffered a defeat against the Cavaliers but got a win against the Suns. The team is currently averaging 106.1 points with a shooting accuracy of 42.5 percent, while they allow 112.3 points at a shooting percentage of 46.4. LaMelo Ball stands out with an average of 29.9 points and 5.4 rebounds, and Brandon Miller adds to the team's performance with 21.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered defeats against both the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks. Currently, the Lakers are scoring an average of 111.8 points with a shooting percentage of 47.3, while conceding 114 points at a shooting percentage of 47.7. Anthony Davis is contributing an average of 25.8 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, whereas LeBron James is averaging 23.8 points and 7.7 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Hornets are back to full health following the return of LaMelo and Miller. They recently pulled off a surprising win against the Suns and have covered the spread in three consecutive contests. When operating at full capacity, the Hornets can be both tricky and dangerous, showcasing impressive offensive skills and above-average athleticism. I would prefer to know the Lakers' player status before making any official commitments. Nonetheless, I am willing to back the Hornets with the points.
Oliver’s Pick Hawks +6.5
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
