The NBA action comes with an 11-game slate for today, and here you can take a look at the NBA Picks for Wednesday 1/15/2025.
New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction 1/15/25 NBA Picks
Knicks at 76ers at 7 PM ET
The New York Knicks are currently experiencing a challenging period, having lost five out of their last seven games. They are eager to recover following a narrow defeat to the Pistons, with a final score of 124-119 on Monday. Jalen Brunson was the standout performer for the team, scoring 31 points and providing 11 assists on 12 of 24 shooting. Mikal Bridges contributed significantly with 27 points on nine of 13 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 26 points, along with 12 rebounds and three assists.
The Philadelphia 76ers are currently facing a tough stretch, having lost six of their last eight contests. They aim to halt a three-game losing streak after last night's 118-102 loss to the Thunder. Justin Edwards led the team with an impressive performance, scoring 25 points and securing six rebounds and four assists off the bench. Guerschon Yabusele also made a significant contribution with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Jeff Dowtin Jr. chipped in with 18 points.
The Pick:
Although both teams are lacking certain players for this encounter, it is clear that the Knicks possess a significant edge, given that they still have Brunson available, whereas the other team will be missing several of their essential players. The betting line is relatively short, prompting me to favor the Knicks to achieve a win and successfully cover the spread on the road.
Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors Prediction 1/15/25 NBA Picks
Celtics at Raptors at 7:30 PM ET
The Boston Celtics have demonstrated impressive form, achieving five wins in their last seven contests. They are motivated to continue this success after narrowly defeating the Pelicans 120-119 on Sunday. Jayson Tatum led the charge with an impressive 38 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 14 of 30. Kristaps Porzingis contributed significantly with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, while Jaylen Brown rounded out the performance with 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
The Toronto Raptors have been struggling significantly, having lost 16 out of their last 18 games. However, they are likely to seek to gain some momentum following their recent victory, which ended a five-game losing streak, with a score of 104-101 against the Warriors on Monday. Scottie Barnes was the standout performer, contributing 23 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Additionally, Chris Boucher provided 18 points from the bench, while RJ Barrett added 15 points and five assists to the team's efforts.
The Pick:
This situation presents a potential trap game for the Celtics, who are currently at full strength and are expected to secure a victory against a struggling Raptors team. Nevertheless, despite their recent poor performance, the Raptors are entering this matchup with momentum from a recent win over the Warriors, which could make them a challenging opponent. While it is difficult to foresee anything other than a straightforward win for the Celtics, I believe the Raptors will remain competitive enough to cover the spread by the conclusion of the game.
Atlanta Hawks vs Chicago Bulls Prediction 1/15/25 NBA Picks
Hawks at Bulls at 8 PM ET
Recently, the Atlanta Hawks have encountered difficulties, having lost four out of their last six games. Nevertheless, they are likely to feel more optimistic after achieving a 122-117 home victory over the Suns last night. Trae Young was instrumental in this success, scoring 43 points and recording five assists. Onyeka Okongwu also made a significant impact with 22 points and 21 rebounds off the bench, while Garrison Matthews contributed 19 points.
The Chicago Bulls find themselves in a relatively good position, having achieved five wins in their previous nine games. They are eager to avert a third consecutive defeat after falling to the Pelicans with a score of 119-113. Zach LaVine was the top performer for the team, recording 25 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Nikola Vucevic contributed significantly with 22 points and 15 rebounds, while Coby White also made a notable impact, scoring 22 points and providing four assists.
The Pick:
One cannot confidently support either team, as both have failed to establish a consistent winning streak of late. That said, the Hawks appeared strong in their recent triumph over the Suns, and I am inclined to think they can carry that positive energy into this contest, ultimately emerging victorious with another standout performance from Young.
Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction 1/15/25 NBA Picks
Magic at Bucks at 8 PM ET
The Orlando Magic are currently in a respectable position, having achieved a balanced record in their last eight games. They are likely to feel encouraged after securing a 104-99 home win against the 76ers, which ended a two-game losing streak. Cole Anthony led the scoring with 27 points on 11 of 17 shooting. In addition, Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Isaac each scored 20 points, while Anthony Black made a significant impact off the bench with 17 points and six assists.
The Milwaukee Bucks have been performing well, having secured victories in four of their last five games. Following a decisive 130-115 home win against the Kings last night, the team is keen to maintain their momentum. Giannis Antetokounmpo was instrumental in this success, achieving a triple-double with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists. Additionally, Damian Lillard contributed 24 points and seven assists, while Brook Lopez added 21 points to the team's total.
The Pick:
The most recent encounter between these teams took place on Friday when the Bucks emerged victorious with a score of 109-106 in Orlando. The Magic are likely to seek retribution, and it is anticipated that the upcoming match will be closely contested. However, I predict that the Bucks will secure the victory and cover the spread at home.
Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction 1/15/25 NBA Picks
Mavericks at Pelicans at 8 PM ET
The Dallas Mavericks are currently experiencing a downturn, having lost seven out of their last nine games. They aim to end a two-game losing streak following a defeat to the Nuggets, with a final score of 118-99 last night. Daniel Gafford was the team's leading scorer, contributing only 13 points from the bench. Both Naji Marshall and Kyrie Irving managed to score 10 points each, while Klay Thompson added a mere eight points. PJ Washington struggled significantly, making only two of his ten attempts for a total of five points, and Kyrie Irving had a challenging night, shooting four of 18 from the field.
Recently, the New Orleans Pelicans have shown signs of improvement, winning four out of their last seven games. After a hard-fought 119-113 win against the Bulls on the road last night, the Pelicans are determined to continue their positive trajectory. Trey Murphy was instrumental in the victory, scoring 32 points and recording six rebounds and four assists. Zion Williamson also made a significant impact with 21 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists, while Dejounte Murray added 15 points and seven assists to the team's efforts.
The Pick:
The Mavericks find themselves in urgent need of a win to restore momentum to their season, yet they have been encountering considerable difficulties of late, and Irving's potential injury may be a concern, given his lackluster performance in last night's loss to the Nuggets. On the other hand, the Pelicans have not been particularly impressive, but they are starting to gain traction after a solid road win against the Bulls last night. There are compelling reasons to support either team, but I am inclined to believe that the Pelicans will prevail in a tightly contested-match at home.
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction 1/15/25 NBA Picks
Grizzlies at Spurs at 8 PM ET
The Memphis Grizzlies experienced a defeat against the Rockets but secured a victory over the Timberwolves. Currently, the Grizzlies are averaging 122.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48.3, while they permit an average of 115.2 points on 44.8 percent shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributes an average of 22.8 points and 6.4 rebounds, whereas Ja Morant averages 21.4 points and 7.3 assists.
The San Antonio Spurs faced a loss to the Bucks but triumphed over the Lakers. At present, the Spurs have an average of 111.7 points scored per game, with a shooting accuracy of 45.5 percent, while they allow an average of 111.6 points on 45.3 percent shooting. Victor Wembanyama is posting averages of 25.1 points and 10.7 rebounds, and Devin Vassell is contributing 15.6 points along with 3.1 assists.
The Pick:
The San Antonio Spurs have been performing exceptionally well in the last two weeks, recently showcasing a powerful second-half performance that resulted in a win against the Lakers. They have achieved 12 of their 19 victories at home and have covered the spread in seven of their last 10 games. Moreover, the underdog has covered in seven of the last nine matchups between the Grizzlies and the Spurs. The Spurs have illustrated their capacity to compete at a high level, indicating that they are more than just a team pleased to participate. Back the Spurs along with the extra point.
Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets Prediction 1/15/25 NBA Picks
Rockets at Nuggets at 9 PM ET
The Houston Rockets triumphed over the Grizzlies and the Wizards in their recent matchups. The team is performing with an average of 113.3 points scored per game, achieving a shooting accuracy of 44.5 percent, while allowing 107.3 points at a shooting rate of 44.7 percent. Jalen Green is averaging 21 points along with 4.4 rebounds, and Alperen Sengun is contributing 19.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
The Denver Nuggets secured victories against the Mavericks and the Nets. Currently, the Nuggets are averaging 120.4 points per game with a shooting percentage of 49.9, while conceding an average of 116.1 points at a shooting percentage of 46.3. Nikola Jokic leads the team with an average of 31.2 points and 13.2 rebounds, whereas Jamal Murray contributes with an average of 19 points and 3.9 rebounds.
The Pick:
It is uncommon for the Denver Nuggets to be positioned as a home underdog, yet they find themselves in this situation. This marks only the twelfth occasion since April 2022 that the Nuggets have been designated as such. In their last ten games, the Nuggets have achieved a record of 8-2 both straight up and against the spread, representing their most successful period of the season. While it is reasonable to suggest that the Rockets should be favored, the value lies with the Nuggets. They are currently performing at a high level and seldom appear as home underdogs. Therefore, I am backing the Nuggets.
Charlotte Hornets vs Utah Jazz Prediction 1/15/25 NBA Picks
Hornets at Jazz at 9 PM ET
The Charlotte Hornets suffered a loss to the Cavaliers and recorded a split in their matchups with the Suns. At present, the Hornets are scoring an average of 106.3 points, achieving a shooting accuracy of 42.5 percent, while allowing 112.4 points at a shooting rate of 46.4 percent. LaMelo Ball stands out with an average of 29.7 points and 5.4 rebounds, and Brandon Miller is also notable, averaging 21.1 points and 4.8 rebounds.
The Utah Jazz experienced a defeat against the Suns but secured a victory over the Nets. Currently, the team is averaging 110.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.7, while they are permitting 117.6 points on 47.6 percent shooting. Lauri Markkanen contributes an average of 20.1 points and 6.1 rebounds, whereas Collin Sexton averages 18.2 points and 2.8 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Utah Jazz are experiencing a significant injury crisis, making them the most depleted team in the league, with almost their entire roster out of action. The sheer volume of injuries raises the question of whether the Jazz are opting for a tanking approach. While they have successfully covered the spread in seven of their last ten games, I find it challenging to engage with the Jazz in light of their injury situation. Therefore, I would either back the Hornets or choose not to place a bet.
Golden State Warriors vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction 1/15/25 NBA Picks
Warriors at Timberwolves at 9:30 PM ET
The Golden State Warriors find themselves in a difficult situation, having suffered four losses in their last five games. They are looking to bounce back and avoid a third straight defeat after narrowly losing to the Raptors, 104-101, in an away match on Monday. Stephen Curry led the scoring with 26 points and provided seven assists, while Andrew Wiggins contributed 20 points and Dennis Schroder added 12 points to the team's efforts.
Presently, the Minnesota Timberwolves are in excellent form, having triumphed in four of their last five contests. They are motivated to continue this success after achieving a commanding 120-106 win over the Wizards in an away game on Monday. Anthony Edwards was instrumental in this victory, scoring 41 points and providing seven assists. Julius Randle also made a significant contribution with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists, while Donte DiVincenzo contributed 13 points.
The Pick:
The Warriors have been far from their best in recent outings, facing injury challenges and suffering a defeat to the struggling Raptors, who had won merely one of their last 17 games leading up to that match. The Timberwolves, while not in peak form, are performing well enough to secure a victory and cover the line at this short spread in their home arena.
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction 1/15/25 NBA Picks
Heat at Lakers at 10 PM ET
The Miami Heat achieved a win against the Trail Blazers but were defeated by the Clippers. The team's current statistics show an average of 110.8 points scored per game with a shooting percentage of 45.4, while they allow 109.3 points on 45.8 percent shooting. Tyler Herro leads with an average of 24 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Jimmy Butler contributes an average of 17.6 points and 5.5 rebounds.
The Los Angeles Lakers experienced losses to the Spurs and Mavericks. They are currently averaging 111.6 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 47.2 percent, while their opponents are scoring an average of 114.3 points on 47.8 percent shooting. Anthony Davis leads the team with an average of 25.9 points and 11.9 rebounds, and LeBron James follows with average of 23.7 points and 7.6 rebounds.
The Pick:
Backing the Heat poses a challenge, particularly with Butler already absent and the potential absence of Bam. As the Heat's leading defender, Bam also plays a vital role in their offensive strategy. If he does not take the court, Davis is likely to have a significant impact. The Heat are already lacking in size and interior strength, and without Bam, their situation becomes dire. It is essential to check the injury report before engaging in any betting activities; however, at this point, I would advise placing a bet on the Lakers.
Brooklyn Nets vs LA Clippers Prediction 1/15/25 NBA Picks
Nets at Clippers at 10:30 PM ET
The Brooklyn Nets suffered a defeat against the Jazz but achieved a win against the Trail Blazers. The team is currently averaging 107.3 points with a shooting percentage of 44.7, while they concede 113.7 points at a shooting percentage of 48.8. Cam Thomas is averaging 24.7 points and 3.6 rebounds, while Cameron Johnson contributes an average of 19.5 points and 4.3 rebounds.
The LA Clippers faced a loss to the Nuggets but triumphed over the Heat. At present, the team averages 108.9 points with a shooting accuracy of 46.4 percent, while they allow 108.1 points with an opponent shooting percentage of 45.9. Norman Powell is posting an average of 23.9 points and 3.5 rebounds, and James Harden is contributing 21.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
The Pick:
For the first time this season, the Clippers find themselves as a double-digit favorite. It is noteworthy that they have struggled with a 4-10 record against the spread in their last 14 games under similar circumstances. In contrast, the Nets have achieved a profitable 21-18-1 record against the spread this season, suggesting they are not without merit. Moreover, the persistent fire issue in Los Angeles is impacting all involved, including the athletes. Considering the large point spread, I am willing to take a chance on the Nets and the considerable points available.
Oliver’s Pick Timberwolves -5.5
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
