The NBA action continues with a 5-games slate today, and here you can check out the NBA Picks for Tuesday 1/21/2025.
New York Knicks vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction 1/21/25 NBA Picks
Knicks at Nets at 7:30 PM ET
The New York Knicks have faced significant challenges recently, suffering defeats in six of their last ten games. However, they will be motivated to gain momentum following their recent victory against the Hawks, where they secured a 119-110 win at home. Jalen Brunson was the standout performer, contributing 34 points and six assists, while Mikal Bridges added 26 points. Additionally, Josh Hart made a notable contribution with 14 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
At present, the Brooklyn Nets find themselves in a considerable slump, having suffered losses in 11 of their last 13 games. They are looking to break a three-game losing streak after a heavy defeat against the Thunder, who triumphed 127-101 in their recent road matchup on Sunday. Cameron Johnson and Tyrese Martin each scored 15 points, while Nic Claxton contributed 11 points. Regrettably, no other players were able to score in double figures. Noah Clowney managed only two of eight shooting for nine points, and D'Angelo Russell recorded a similar performance, shooting two of six for nine points.
The Pick:
The Knicks have not been performing at their peak recently; however, they are in relatively good health and are entering this matchup following a commendable victory against the Hawks. Conversely, the Nets are experiencing a continued decline, having suffered another loss, and are contending with several players listed on the injury report. Although the betting line may appear concerning, I believe the Knicks will find it manageable to overcome this undermanned Nets team.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Miami Heat Prediction 1/21/25 NBA Picks
Trail Blazers at Heat at 7:30 PM ET
The Portland Trail Blazers have struggled recently, suffering defeats in eight of their last eleven games. However, they managed to break a five-game losing streak with a 113-102 victory against the Bulls on Sunday. Scoot Henderson was the standout performer, contributing 25 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Shaedon Sharpe provided a valuable 23 points from the bench, while Deni Avdija recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds. Jerami Grant also made a significant contribution with 18 points.
After experiencing a difficult period marked by three consecutive losses, the Miami Heat managed to regain their form with a commanding 128-107 win over the Spurs on Sunday. Kel'el Ware was instrumental in this victory, leading the team with 25 points on 10 of 19 shooting. Duncan Robinson followed closely with 21 points on eight of 12 shooting, while Terry Rozier contributed 20 points. Additionally, Tyler Herro played a key role, scoring 18 points and recording seven assists.
The Pick:
On January 11, these teams faced each other, resulting in a commanding 119-98 victory for the Heat, largely attributed to Tyler Herro's outstanding contribution of 32 points. Despite the Trail Blazers' erratic performance this season, the generous point spread encourages me to endorse the Trail Blazers to keep the final score within single digits.
Orlando Magic vs Toronto Raptors Prediction 1/21/25 NBA Picks
Magic at Raptors at 7:30 PM ET
The Orlando Magic are currently in a difficult stretch, having lost five of their last six games. They are eager to halt a three-game losing streak after being defeated by the Nuggets with a score of 113-100 on Sunday. Wendell Carter Jr. was the leading scorer for the team, achieving 16 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. Anthony Black made a notable contribution from the bench, scoring 14 points and providing five assists, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 12 points and four assists. Paolo Banchero had a challenging outing, finishing with just 10 points on a shooting performance of four for 17.
The Toronto Raptors are currently facing a tough period, having lost six of their last eight games. They had previously enjoyed a brief resurgence with two consecutive wins before being overwhelmed by the Milwaukee Bucks, who defeated them 130-112 in an away game last Friday. RJ Barrett emerged as the leading scorer for the Raptors, amassing 21 points along with 10 assists. Bruce Brown made a significant impact off the bench with 17 points, while Scottie Barnes contributed 10 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists. Although the Raptors performed reasonably well offensively, they struggled to defend against the Bucks' dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who together scored 61 points.
The Pick:
At this moment, backing either team with assurance is difficult, but the Raptors had recently recorded two commendable wins before facing the Bucks in their latest game. This contest is anticipated to be closely contested, but I am inclined to think that the Raptors could achieve a minor upset if they can exhibit the same level of play that led to their victories over the Warriors and the Celtics earlier this week.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction 1/21/25 NBA Picks
76ers at Nuggets at 10 PM ET
The Philadelphia 76ers suffered defeats against both the Pacers and the Bucks. Currently, the team is averaging 107.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.9, while they are conceding an average of 111.6 points at a shooting percentage of 48.4. Tyrese Maxey leads the team with an average of 26.4 points and 5.8 assists, whereas Joel Embiid contributes an average of 24.4 points and 7.9 rebounds.
The Denver Nuggets triumphed over the Heat and the Magic in their recent games. They are posting an average of 120.1 points per game, achieving a shooting accuracy of 50.1 percent, while allowing 115.6 points at a shooting rate of 46.2 percent. Nikola Jokic stands out with an average of 30.1 points and 13.2 rebounds, and Jamal Murray adds an average of 20.1 points along with 3.9 rebounds.
The Pick:
The 76ers are accumulating losses at an alarming rate, with a season record of 14-27 against the spread. They have been unable to cover the spread in nine out of their last ten games and are frequently positioned as considerable underdogs. Until the team improves its health status, they are likely to be a team to avoid in betting scenarios. Consequently, I expect the Nuggets to secure a commanding win.
Washington Wizards vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction 1/21/25 NBA Picks
Wizards at Lakers at 10:30 PM ET
The Washington Wizards experienced losses to the Kings and the Warriors. At present, the team averages 108.6 points with a shooting accuracy of 44.1 percent, while allowing 122.8 points at a shooting rate of 47.6 percent. Jordan Poole is posting an average of 21.6 points and 2.9 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma contributes 14.4 points and 2.5 assists per game.
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a victory against the Brooklyn Nets but suffered a defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers. Currently, the Lakers are averaging 111.3 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47.4, while they are conceding an average of 113.9 points on 48 percent shooting. Anthony Davis is contributing significantly with an average of 25.6 points and 11.8 rebounds, whereas LeBron James is averaging 23.8 points and 7.4 rebounds.
The Pick:
In the aftermath of the Lakers' defeat to the Clippers, LeBron conveyed his frustration, stating that the team must perform almost perfectly to secure wins in the current environment. The Lakers have not demonstrated the capability to cover significant point spreads, as reflected in their 3-6 ATS record over their last nine games as double-digit favorites. I would back the Wizards while taking the points.
Oliver’s Pick Knicks -10.5
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
