Free NBA Picks For Today, Sunday 1/12/2025

The New York Knicks have recently seen a decline in their performance, suffering losses in four of their last five games. After a disappointing 126-101 defeat to the Thunder on Friday, the Knicks are looking to bounce back. Jalen Brunson led the team with an impressive 27 points and five assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 23 points and secured 10 rebounds. Josh Hart also made a notable impact with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and three steals. However, OG Anunoby had a lackluster outing, managing only four points on two of eight shooting, and Mikal Bridges was unable to score, finishing the game with zero points after going zero for nine from the field.

The Pick:

Although the Bucks have not been at their best, they are enjoying their healthiest period of the season and are starting to find their rhythm again, with four wins in their last six games. In contrast, the Knicks have faltered, losing four of their last five games, and their confidence has taken a severe hit after a disappointing defeat to the Thunder in their previous match. While the Knicks are justifiably favored on their home court, I contend that the Bucks have shown greater prowess in recent performances, and I foresee them potentially causing a minor upset in this encounter.

Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction 1/12/25 NBA Picks

Nuggets at Mavericks at 3 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets have demonstrated remarkable form, winning six out of their last eight contests. They are looking to achieve a third consecutive victory after decisively defeating the Nets with a score of 124-105 in their home arena on Friday. Nikola Jokic was the standout player, achieving a significant triple-double with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists. Russell Westbrook also made a notable contribution, recording a triple-double of 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Michael Porter Jr. supported the team with 17 points.

The Dallas Mavericks seem to have left behind their difficult five-game losing streak, now setting their sights on achieving a third straight win after narrowly defeating the Trail Blazers 117-111 at home on Thursday. Jaden Hardy led the scoring with 25 points, shooting 10 of 18 off the bench. Furthermore, PJ Washington contributed 23 points and secured 14 rebounds, while Dereck Lively made a significant impact with 21 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks.

The Pick:

Despite the absence of Jokic, the Nuggets have managed to maintain their winning streak, and their performance has been further enhanced by his recent triple-doubles in collaboration with Westbrook, a valuable addition this season. On the other hand, the Mavericks have shown improvement by winning their last two matches without their star players. The Nuggets seem to be in a strong rhythm and are expected to have more than enough offensive capability to overcome the injured Mavericks roster, even if Murray and Gordon do not play.

Sacramento Kings vs Chicago Bulls Prediction 1/12/25 NBA Picks

Kings at Bulls at 3:30 PM ET

The Sacramento Kings have demonstrated significant improvement and are now targeting a season-high seventh consecutive win after achieving a decisive 114-97 victory against the Celtics on the road this past Friday. DeMar DeRozan was the standout performer, scoring 24 points and providing nine assists. Domantas Sabonis also made a substantial impact with 23 points, 28 rebounds, and three assists, while Malik Monk supported the team with 22 points and eight assists.

The Chicago Bulls have been performing well, having won five of their last seven games. They are eager to keep their winning streak alive following a resounding 138-105 victory against the Wizards at home on Friday. Zach LaVine was the top scorer with 33 points on 14 of 21 shooting. Nikola Vucevic supported the team with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, shooting nine of 12, while Josh Giddey added 12 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists to the effort.

The Pick:

Currently, the Kings are recognized as one of the league's most dynamic teams, likely exuding confidence after their impressive win against the in-form Celtics. On the other hand, the Bulls have also been performing admirably, achieving victories in five of their last seven contests. Although one could argue in favor of either team, I find myself more impressed by the Kings' recent form, and I anticipate that they will continue their success with a win and cover in this narrow line.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Boston Celtics Prediction 1/12/25 NBA Picks

Pelicans at Celtics at 6 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans have struggled significantly, suffering defeats in 13 of their last 16 games. However, they will be keen to gain some traction following their recent 123-115 victory against the 76ers on the road last Friday. CJ McCollum was the standout performer, scoring 38 points on 13 of 24 shooting. Additionally, Jordan Hawkins contributed 21 points, while Dejounte Murray recorded a notable performance with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.

The Boston Celtics have been performing reasonably well, having secured victories in four of their last six games. They will be looking to recover from a significant loss to the Kings, which resulted in a 114-97 defeat at home on Friday. Jaylen Brown was the standout player, contributing 28 points and five assists, while Kristaps Porzingis added 22 points along with 10 rebounds and two blocks. Jayson Tatum also made a notable contribution with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.

The Pick:

The betting line for this game was destined to be significant, considering the Celtics are the obvious favorites at home against a struggling Pelicans roster. I believe the line is insufficient, as the Celtics are expected to come out aggressively after suffering an unusual loss on Friday.

Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction 1/12/25 NBA Picks

Pacers at Cavaliers at 6 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers have demonstrated exceptional performance, winning 11 out of their last 14 games. They are motivated to continue their five-game winning streak after a commanding 108-96 home victory over the Warriors on Friday. Pascal Siakam led the scoring with 25 points on an efficient 12 of 16 shooting. Tyrese Haliburton also made a notable impact, recording 25 points, 10 assists, and three steals, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 21 points and secured 10 rebounds.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been on a remarkable winning streak, achieving 16 wins out of their last 17 contests. They are set to pursue their 13th consecutive victory after narrowly defeating the Raptors 132-126 at home on Thursday. Darius Garland led the charge with an impressive 40 points and nine assists, shooting 14 of 22 from the field. Furthermore, Evan Mobley contributed 21 points, along with 11 rebounds and six assists, while Jarrett Allen supported the team with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks.

The Pick:

The Pacers come into this contest with a strong sense of momentum, highlighted by their impressive victory over the Warriors on Friday. However, this is dwarfed by the Cavaliers' exceptional performance, as they have maintained an impressive level of play throughout the past month. I expect the game to be closely fought, but I predict that the Cavaliers will ultimately prevail and cover the spread at home, thanks to significant contributions from Mitchell and Mobley.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Washington Wizards Prediction 1/12/25 NBA Picks

Thunder at Wizards at 6 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Knicks but faced a loss against the Cavaliers. At present, the Thunder are scoring an average of 115.6 points with a shooting accuracy of 47.1 percent, while they allow 103.6 points at a shooting rate of 42.7 percent. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the standout player, averaging 31.5 points and 5.9 assists, while Jalen Williams averages 20.6 points and 5.7 rebounds.

The Washington Wizards suffered defeats against both the 76ers and the Bulls. Currently, the team is averaging 108.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.5, while they are conceding an average of 122.3 points on 47.5 percent shooting. Jordan Poole is contributing an average of 21.8 points and 2.7 rebounds, whereas Kyle Kuzma is averaging 14.6 points along with 2.1 assists.

The Pick:

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to demonstrate their prowess on the court, currently holding a record of 25-10-3 against the spread for the season. Their cover percentage stands at an impressive 73.5 percent, the highest in the NBA. Additionally, the Thunder have shown remarkable consistency, going 12-3 against the spread in their last 15 games when favored by double digits. Such statistics provide ample reason to confidently support the Thunder. In their recent encounter with the Wizards, Oklahoma City triumphed by 18 points. It is evident that the Thunder are set for another commanding victory.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic Prediction 1/12/25 NBA Picks

76ers at Magic at 6 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers suffered a defeat against the Pelicans but achieved a win against the Wizards. The team is currently averaging 107.7 points with a shooting percentage of 44.8, while they concede an average of 110.8 points at a shooting percentage of 48. Tyrese Maxey is performing exceptionally, averaging 25.7 points and 5.9 assists, while Joel Embiid averages 24.4 points and 7.9 rebounds.

The Orlando Magic experienced losses to the Timberwolves and the Bucks. At present, the team averages 104.9 points, achieving a shooting accuracy of 44.5 percent, while allowing 103.4 points at a shooting rate of 46.4 percent. Paolo Banchero is the standout player, averaging 29.8 points and 5.2 assists, while Franz Wagner averages 24.4 points and 5.6 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Orlando Magic are currently facing significant injury challenges, yet the return of Paolo Banchero provides a substantial advantage. In a recent match, the Magic pushed the Bucks to the limit, which can be considered a commendable performance given their circumstances. Meanwhile, the 76ers suffered a defeat at home against the Pelicans, who were 7.5-point underdogs. The Pelicans ranked as the weakest team in the Western Conference, have managed only three victories on the road. This loss serves as a harsh reminder of the 76ers' inconsistency. Given that the Magic have secured 13 of their 22 wins at home and with Banchero back in the lineup, I am inclined to support the Magic.

Brooklyn Nets vs Utah Jazz Prediction 1/12/25 NBA Picks

Nets at Jazz at 8 PM ET

The Brooklyn Nets faced defeats against the Nuggets and the Pistons. They are currently averaging 107.2 points with a shooting percentage of 44.7, while their opponents score an average of 113.8 points on 48.9 percent shooting. Cam Thomas is performing notably with an average of 24.7 points and 3.6 rebounds, and Cameron Johnson is also making significant contributions with 19.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

The Utah Jazz suffered defeats against both the Suns and the Heat. Currently, the team is averaging 110.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.7, while they are conceding an average of 117.8 points on 47.7 percent shooting. Lauri Markkanen contributes an average of 20 points and 6.1 rebounds, whereas Collin Sexton averages 18 points and 2.8 rebounds.

The Pick:

This marks the first occasion since March of the previous year that the Jazz have been designated as the favorite. Currently, the Jazz are concluding a back-to-back series and hold a record of 2-14 straight up at home. Although the Nets are not performing well, they have managed to secure eight of their 13 victories this season while playing away. It is unusual to see the Jazz in a favored position, regardless of their opponent, and there are additional factors that raise questions. There are superior alternatives available on the NBA schedule for Sunday, but I will not be placing my bets on the Jazz. Therefore, I recommend backing the Nets.

Charlotte Hornets vs Phoenix Suns Prediction 1/12/25 NBA Picks

Hornets at Suns at 9 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets experienced a defeat against the Cavaliers but secured a victory over the Suns. Currently, the Hornets are averaging 106.1 points per game with a shooting percentage of 42.5, while they are permitting 112.3 points on 46.4 percent shooting. LaMelo Ball is leading the team with an average of 29.9 points and 5.4 rebounds, and Brandon Miller follows with an average of 21.2 points and 4.9 rebounds.

The Phoenix Suns triumphed over the Hawks and the Jazz in their recent matchups. The team is posting an average of 112.2 points, achieving a shooting accuracy of 47.2 percent, while allowing 113.8 points with an opponent shooting percentage of 46.4. Kevin Durant leads the team with an average of 27.2 points and 6.3 rebounds, and Devin Booker follows closely with averages of 24.4 points and 3.9 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Suns have yet to achieve a series of consecutive victories, currently standing at 13-24 against the spread this season. Their cover percentage of 35.1 percent places them at the bottom of the NBA rankings for this statistic. In contrast, the Charlotte Hornets are experiencing a period of good health and recently secured a victory over the Suns last week. Furthermore, the Suns are concluding a back-to-back series, while the Hornets have enjoyed a five-day break. Due to postponed games against the Lakers and Clippers, the Hornets have a considerable advantage in terms of rest. It is challenging to understand why one would not support the Hornets and the points in this matchup. I would recommend considering the road underdog.