This week in the NBA starts with a 6-game slate, and here you can get the NBA Picks for Monday 1/13/2025.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Washington Wizards Prediction 1/13/25 NBA Picks
Timberwolves at Wizards at 7 PM ET
The Minnesota Timberwolves were performing well, having secured three consecutive victories prior to their recent setback against the Grizzlies, resulting in a narrow 127-125 loss at home on Saturday. Donte DiVincenzo was the standout player, contributing 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists with an impressive shooting percentage of nine out of 14. Jaden McDaniels supported the effort with 21 points on nine of 12 shooting, while Naz Reid provided 19 points from the bench. Additionally, Julius Randle contributed 18 points, along with eight rebounds and eight assists.
The Washington Wizards find themselves in a dire situation, having suffered losses in 10 of their last 12 contests. They are looking to break a six-game losing streak after a heavy defeat at home to the Thunder, who triumphed with a score of 136-95. Corey Kispert led the scoring for the Wizards with 17 points off the bench, while Jordan Poole contributed 13 points along with four assists. Jonas Valanciunas added 11 points from the bench. In contrast, Bilal Coulibaly had a difficult outing, scoring only 10 points on three of 12 shooting, and Kyle Kuzma struggled as well, finishing with just six points on two of 12 shooting.
The Pick:
The Wizards are struggling, having dropped 10 of their last 12 contests, and they are entering this game following a substantial 41-point loss to the Thunder. The Timberwolves were expected to be significant favorites in this encounter, yet the point spread does not intimidate me, as the Wizards are competing in their second game of a back-to-back. I foresee the Timberwolves pulling ahead in the latter half, achieving both the win and the cover on the road.
Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Prediction 1/13/25 NBA Picks
Pistons at Knicks at 7:30 PM ET
The Detroit Pistons have demonstrated impressive form, winning nine of their last eleven contests. After their recent 123-114 victory against the Raptors on Saturday, they are eager to continue their successful streak. Tim Hardaway Jr. led the team with an outstanding performance, scoring 27 points, including seven three-pointers from nine attempts. Cade Cunningham also made a significant impact, achieving a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 17 assists, while Malik Beasley contributed 18 points as a bench player.
The New York Knicks have been facing challenges, having lost four of their last six games. However, their recent performance against the Bucks, where they secured a 140-106 victory at home, has likely improved their outlook. Jalen Brunson led the charge with an impressive 44 points and six assists on 16 of 26 shooting. In addition, Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 30 points along with 18 rebounds and four assists, while Cameron Payne added 18 points in a supporting role from the bench.
The Pick:
The Pistons approach this contest with considerable momentum, as they are in relatively good health and have had the advantage of extra rest compared to the Knicks, who are facing the challenge of a back-to-back game. It is not surprising that the Knicks are favored to win at home, especially after their strong showing in last night's match. However, I am confident that the Pistons can stay in contention and maintain a close score throughout the game.
Golden State Warriors vs Toronto Raptors Prediction 1/13/25 NBA Picks
Warriors at Raptors at 7:30 PM ET
The Golden State Warriors have encountered difficulties recently, having lost seven out of their last eleven games. They are seeking to improve their performance following a significant defeat against the Pacers, with a final score of 108-96 in a road game on Friday. Buddy Hield and Pat Spencer were the top scorers for the team, each contributing 17 points, while Dennis Schroder added 12 points and Gui Santos contributed 11 points. Unfortunately, no other player managed to reach double figures in scoring. Kyle Anderson recorded only eight points, and Moses Moody struggled, finishing with seven points on three of eleven shooting.
The Toronto Raptors find themselves in a troubling situation, having lost 16 out of their last 17 games. They are striving to break a five-game losing streak after falling to the Pistons with a score of 123-114 in their recent road game on Saturday. Immanuel Quickley led the scoring for the Raptors with 25 points, while Scottie Barnes recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks. Furthermore, Chris Boucher and Bruce Brown each contributed 14 points to the team's total.
The Pick:
The Warriors have been underperforming in recent games, and their confidence was further shaken by a lopsided defeat against the Pacers on Friday. On the other hand, the Raptors have been the least effective team in the league, despite having a fully fit roster, which makes the short line for this contest rather unexpected. Although the Warriors have not shown their best form lately, they retain substantial offensive strength and are likely to secure an essential victory, especially with Green expected to make his return to the lineup.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Prediction 1/13/25 NBA Picks
Grizzlies at Rockets at 8 PM ET
The Memphis Grizzlies experienced a loss to the Rockets but triumphed over the Timberwolves. At present, the Grizzlies are scoring an average of 123 points with a shooting accuracy of 48.2%, while they allow 115.1 points on 44.7% shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 22.9 points and 6.5 rebounds, and Ja Morant is contributing 21 points and 7.5 assists per game.
The Houston Rockets secured victories against the Grizzlies and Wizards Currently, the Rockets are averaging 113.1 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.4, while they permit an average of 107.1 points, also on 44.4 percent shooting. Jalen Green contributes an average of 20.4 points and 4.5 rebounds, whereas Alperen Sengun averages 19.3 points and 10.5 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Grizzlies have recorded nine losses out of their fourteen on the road. In contrast, the Houston Rockets have secured seven victories in their last ten games, indicating that they are a developing team striving to validate their potential. Contests like this are vital for the Rockets' self-assurance, as they aim to convince their players of their capability to contend seriously during the playoffs this season. The Rockets have emerged victorious in five of their last six meetings with the Grizzlies, one of which was a recent away win as 2.5-point underdogs. I am inclined to support the Rockets again in this home game.
Miami Heat vs LA Clippers Prediction 1/13/25 NBA Picks
Heat at Clippers at 10:30 PM ET
The Miami Heat emerged victorious against the Trail Blazers and the Jazz. They are presently averaging 111.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.5, while their opponents score an average of 109.3 points at a shooting rate of 45.7 percent. Tyler Herro is a key player, averaging 23.8 points and 5.6 rebounds, while Jimmy Butler contributes with averages of 17.6 points and 5.5 rebounds.
The LA Clippers suffered defeats against both the Timberwolves and the Nuggets. Currently, the team is averaging 108.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.4, while permitting 108.4 points on 46.1 percent shooting. Norman Powell is contributing an average of 23.7 points and 3.4 rebounds, whereas James Harden is averaging 21.4 points along with 6 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Heat are approaching this game on the heels of three straight wins, which may represent their finest performance of the season thus far. Tyler Herro is showcasing qualities befitting an All-Star, and players have remarked on the favorable dynamics within the locker room since the commencement of this road trip. It seems that the combination of departing Miami and Butler's suspension has sparked this winning momentum. Although the upcoming opponent presents a greater challenge than the Jazz and Trail Blazers, the Heat's current form suggests they can stay in contention. Go with the Heat.
San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction 1/13/25 NBA Picks
Spurs at Lakers at 10:30 PM ET
The San Antonio Spurs experienced losses to the Bucks and the Bulls. At present, the team is averaging 111.3 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 45.3 percent, while they are allowing 111.8 points, maintaining the same shooting percentage of 45.3. Victor Wembanyama stands out with an average of 25.1 points and 10.8 rebounds, and Devin Vassell contributes with an average of 15.2 points and 3 assists.
The Los Angeles Lakers faced defeats against the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks. At present, the team averages 111.8 points with a shooting efficiency of 47.3 percent, while permitting 114 points at a shooting rate of 47.7 percent. Anthony Davis is averaging 25.8 points and 11.9 rebounds, while LeBron James contributes with averages of 23.8 points and 7.7 rebounds.
The Pick:
Although the Los Angeles Lakers have not played for six days, I am not apprehensive about any potential rust. The team is composed of experienced players who regularly have Anthony Davis and LeBron James listed on the injury report. This time off could actually serve as an advantage for the Lakers. Furthermore, there is a strong motivation for the team to win, as they will likely wish to bring joy to the city of Los Angeles. It is worth noting that the Lakers secured two victories against the Spurs in November, which may hold significance. The betting line seems lenient. I am willing to take a chance on the Lakers.
Oliver’s Pick Timberwolves -13.5
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
