Free NBA Picks For Today, Thursday 1/23/2025

The Pick:

The Spurs have occasionally showcased their potential this season, but they have recently experienced a downturn, particularly in comparison to the Pacers, who are enjoying their finest performance of the season. While the Spurs are capable of achieving an upset on the road, the slim margin in the betting line leads me to predict that the Pacers will continue their impressive run with another win and cover at home.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Orlando Magic Prediction 1/23/25 NBA Picks

Trail Blazers at Magic at 7 PM ET

The Orlando Magic are facing difficulties, having lost six of their last seven games. They are eager to halt a four-game losing streak after a heavy 109-93 loss to the Raptors in their recent away match on Tuesday. Paolo Banchero was the team's leading scorer with 26 points and 12 rebounds, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Anthony Black added 20 and 17 points, respectively.

The Pick:

The Trail Blazers encountered significant struggles leading up to their recent two-game winning streak, while the Magic continue to face challenges due to a lengthy injury list. Although the Trail Blazers are capable of winning this game, the Magic are optimistic about the potential return of several players. It is crucial to check the lineups before the game starts, but I am favoring the Magic to recover if they can have some of their players back in action.

Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction 1/23/25 NBA Picks

Raptors at Hawks at 7:30 PM ET

The Toronto Raptors appear to be entering a new phase, having secured victories in three of their last four games. Following a convincing 109-93 home win against the Magic on Tuesday, the Raptors are keen to maintain their momentum. RJ Barrett was the standout performer, contributing 19 points, while Scottie Barnes recorded 17 points along with 11 rebounds and eight assists. Additionally, Gradey Dick added 17 points to the team's total.

The Atlanta Hawks have been performing reasonably well, securing victories in four of their last six contests. They aim to recover following the interruption of their three-game winning streak, which was ended by the Knicks in a 119-110 loss on the road this past Monday. Trae Young was the standout player, contributing 27 points and six assists, while De'Andre Hunter provided 22 points from the bench. Additionally, Jalen Johnson made a notable contribution with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists.

The Pick:

Recently, the Raptors have revitalized their performance, achieving three wins in their last four contests, highlighted by a strong victory over the Magic on Tuesday. Conversely, the Hawks were on the rise until their progress was interrupted by the Knicks in their latest game. Given their overall consistency, the Hawks are justifiably favored in their home arena. Nevertheless, the Raptors have exhibited a notable change in their gameplay over the past two matches, indicating that they could remain competitive until the final moments of the game.

Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction 1/23/25 NBA Picks

Heat at Bucks at 7:30 PM ET

The Miami Heat are currently facing a tough stretch, having lost four of their last five games. They are determined to turn things around after a 116-107 defeat at home against the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Duncan Robinson was the top scorer for the team with 22 points, while Kel'el Ware added 20 points along with 15 rebounds and two blocks. Furthermore, Jimmy Butler contributed 13 points and eight assists to the effort.

Currently, the Milwaukee Bucks are on a winning streak, having claimed victory in seven of their last eight contests. Nevertheless, with last night's game postponed, they have not played since their 123-109 win over the 76ers on Sunday. Giannis Antetokounmpo was instrumental in that game, scoring 34 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out six assists, shooting 13 for 17 from the field. Furthermore, Damian Lillard contributed 25 points, and Khris Middleton added 13 points along with eight assists in 25 minutes off the bench.

The Pick:

The Bucks have recently demonstrated some of their finest basketball of the season and are likely to be well-rested, having not played since Sunday. While the Heat may appear appealing at the betting line if they were in better shape, their recent performances have not reflected their usual standards. Therefore, I am more confident in selecting the Bucks to secure a victory at home.

Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction 1/23/25 NBA Picks

Mavericks at Thunder at 8 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in a challenging situation, having suffered 10 losses in their last 13 games. They aim to avoid a third consecutive defeat after narrowly losing 115-114 to the Timberwolves last night. Kyrie Irving led the scoring with 36 points and nine assists, while PJ Washington added 30 points on 12 of 22 shooting. Daniel Gafford also made a notable contribution with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks. However, Spencer Dinwiddie had a difficult outing, finishing with only nine points on four of 13 shooting, and Quentin Grimes scored just five points on two of seven shooting over 36 minutes.

The Pick:

The Mavericks are finding it difficult to stay afloat amid a growing list of injuries, and they must be feeling disappointed after their close loss to the Timberwolves last night. On the other hand, the Thunder had been overpowering teams with relative ease prior to their tough win against the underperforming Jazz. Despite the Thunder's lackluster performance in last night's game, I anticipate that they will emerge stronger and effectively handle the Mavericks at home.

Sacramento Kings vs Denver Nuggets Prediction 1/23/25 NBA Picks

Kings at Nuggets at 9 PM ET

The Sacramento Kings triumphed over the Warriors and the Wizards in recent matchups. They are currently posting an average of 116.7 points per game, achieving a shooting accuracy of 47.5 percent, while allowing 113.9 points at a shooting rate of 46.3 percent. De’Aaron Fox leads the team with an average of 25.9 points and 5.2 rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan follows with 21.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

The Denver Nuggets secured victories against both the 76ers and the Magic. Currently, the team is averaging 120.1 points per game with a shooting percentage of 50.1, while permitting 115.6 points on 46.2 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic leads the team with an average of 30.1 points and 13.2 rebounds, whereas Jamal Murray contributes with an average of 20.1 points and 3.9 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Denver Nuggets are benefiting from a rest advantage and have posted an 8-2 record both straight up and against the spread in their last ten games. This game has the potential to be intriguing; however, I am leaning towards the Nuggets due to their recent success, the rest advantage, and the advantage of playing on their home court. I foresee the Nuggets pulling ahead in the fourth quarter, consistent with their usual performance. I advocate for supporting the Nuggets at a reasonable betting line.

Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction 1/23/25 NBA Picks

Celtics at Lakers at 10 PM ET

The Boston Celtics have emerged victorious against the Warriors and the Clippers. At present, the team averages 117.7 points per game with a shooting efficiency of 45.9 percent, while they allow 108.1 points on 45.1 percent shooting. Jayson Tatum is averaging 27.5 points along with 9.3 rebounds, and Jaylen Brown is contributing with an average of 23.1 points and 6 rebounds.

The Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Washington Wizards but faced a loss against the Los Angeles Clippers. At present, the team is averaging 111.3 points with a shooting accuracy of 47.4 percent, while allowing 113.9 points at a shooting rate of 48 percent. Anthony Davis is leading the team with an average of 25.6 points and 11.8 rebounds, while LeBron James contributes with an average of 23.8 points and 7.4 rebounds.

The Pick:

In this highly anticipated rivalry game, the Lakers previously defeated the Celtics on the road last February, despite being 14-point underdogs. It is expected that the Lakers, along with their fans, will be fully invested in this matchup. Historically, the underdog has managed to cover the spread in five out of the last ten games between the Celtics and Lakers. Therefore, I am inclined to back the Lakers and the additional points they receive at home.

Chicago Bulls vs Golden State Warriors Prediction 1/23/25 NBA Picks

Bulls at Warriors at 10 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls suffered a defeat against the Trail Blazers but achieved a win against the Clippers. They are currently averaging 117.2 points with a shooting percentage of 47, while their opponents are scoring an average of 120.5 points at 47.3 percent shooting. Zach LaVine's performance includes an average of 23.6 points and 4.9 rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic averages 20.6 points and 3.3 assists.

The Golden State Warriors experienced losses to the Celtics and the Kings. At present, the team averages 110.8 points with a shooting accuracy of 44.6 percent, while they allow 111.2 points at a shooting rate of 45.8 percent. Stephen Curry's performance includes an average of 22.9 points and 6.1 assists, while Andrew Wiggins contributes an average of 16.8 points and 2.3 assists.

The Pick:

Playing at home, the Warriors will benefit from having Curry, the standout player on the court. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls continue to struggle, having lost six out of their last eight games, including defeats against weaker teams like the Trail Blazers, Hornets, and Pelicans. With playoff ambitions, the Warriors must secure victories in home games, even in the face of injuries. I will back the Warriors in a must-win game.

Washington Wizards vs LA Clippers Prediction 1/23/25 NBA Picks

Wizards at Clippers at 10:30 PM ET

The Washington Wizards suffered defeats against both the Kings and the Lakers. Currently, the Wizards are averaging 108.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.1, while they are conceding an average of 122.8 points at a shooting percentage of 47.6. Jordan Poole is contributing an average of 21.6 points and 2.9 rebounds, whereas Kyle Kuzma is averaging 14.4 points along with 2.5 assists.

The LA Clippers faced defeats against the Bulls and the Celtics. They are currently averaging 109.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.8, while their opponents score an average of 106.8 points on 45.4 percent shooting. Norman Powell is averaging 23.7 points and 3.4 rebounds, and James Harden is contributing 21.3 points along with 5.8 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Washington Wizards are currently not performing well, struggling to achieve victories and lacking in defensive effectiveness, with a season record of 16-25-1 against the spread, despite often being large underdogs. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Clippers have covered the spread in seven of their last ten games and have a season record of 26-16-1 against the spread. If the Clippers can return key players to their roster, it is expected that the Wizards will suffer another considerable defeat.