Free NBA Picks For Today, Monday 3/17/2025

The New York Knicks are currently struggling, having suffered defeats in four of their last six games. They aim to recover after a narrow 97-94 loss to the impressive Warriors on the road last Saturday. Karl-Anthony Towns led the team with an impressive performance, scoring 29 points, along with 12 rebounds and three assists. OG Anunoby also made a significant contribution with 23 points, nine rebounds, and three steals, while Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride each tallied 19 points. Regrettably, no other player was able to score more than two points.

The Pick:

Following Brunson's unfortunate ankle sprain, the Knicks have predictably encountered difficulties, yet they showed competitiveness in their recent narrow loss to the strong Warriors. Although the Heat could potentially surprise and achieve an upset, I have my doubts. The Knicks are the stronger team, enjoy a healthier roster, and should find it relatively easy to overcome the Heat in their home arena.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Houston Rockets Prediction 3/17/25 NBA Picks

76ers at Rockets at 8 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers have experienced a significant downturn, suffering defeats in 15 of their last 18 games. However, they are likely to feel more optimistic after breaking a three-game losing streak with a 130-125 victory against the Mavericks on the road last night. Quentin Grimes was the standout performer, contributing 28 points and six assists, while Jalen Hood-Schifino provided 19 points from the bench. Additionally, both Guerschon Yabusele and Jeff Dowtin Jr. each added 14 points to the team's total.

The Houston Rockets have been in impressive form, winning eight out of their last eleven games. They are now seeking their seventh straight win after narrowly defeating the depleted Bulls 117-114 at home on Saturday. Jalen Green led the scoring with 28 points on 11 of 25 shooting, while Alperen Sengun provided a strong performance with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists. Additionally, Fred VanVleet contributed 23 points and seven assists to the team's success.

The Pick:

The 76ers approach this game after a rare triumph, which came against a shorthanded Mavericks team, and they had been performing poorly prior to that victory. In contrast, the Rockets are becoming healthier and are riding high on confidence following their sixth consecutive win over the Bulls on Saturday. The odds for this matchup were anticipated to be significant, but I am convinced that the Rockets are finding their rhythm and should secure a convincing win while covering the spread.

Indiana Pacers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction 3/17/25 NBA Picks

Pacers at Timberwolves at 8 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers are currently struggling, having lost four of their last six contests. They are eager to rebound following a 126-119 loss to the Bucks during their road game on Saturday. Aaron Nesmith led the scoring for the Pacers with 30 points, shooting 11 of 16. Pascal Siakam contributed 26 points, along with seven rebounds and two blocks, while Tyrese Haliburton added 24 points, 15 assists, and five steals to the effort. Conversely, TJ McConnell had a quiet performance, scoring only four points on two of eight shooting, and Ben Sheppard did not score at all.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been performing exceptionally well, now seeking their eighth consecutive win after a commanding 128-102 victory against the Jazz at home last night. Anthony Edwards was the star of the game, scoring 41 points on 16 of 27 shooting. Jade McDaniels also made a significant impact with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks, while Donte DiVincenzo supported the team with 11 points and seven assists.

The Pick:

Given the injury issues affecting the Pacers, it is advisable to examine the lineups before the game begins. On the other hand, the Timberwolves are demonstrating some of their strongest play of the season. After allowing their starters to rest early in last night's match, I anticipate that they will achieve both a win and a cover against a possibly undermanned Pacers roster.

Detroit Pistons vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction 3/17/25 NBA Picks

Pistons at Pelicans at 8 PM ET

The Detroit Pistons are currently experiencing a challenging phase, having lost four out of their last six games. They aim to prevent a third consecutive loss following a narrow 113-107 defeat at home against the Thunder on Saturday. Tobias Harris was the team's top scorer with 18 points, while Dennis Schroder made a significant impact off the bench, contributing 17 points and 11 assists. Malik Beasley also added 15 points to the scoreboard. Unfortunately, Cade Cunningham struggled during the game, making only five of his 18 attempts from the field and failing to score from beyond the arc, going zero for four.

The New Orleans Pelicans are currently facing a tough stretch, having lost six of their last seven games. They are eager to halt a two-game losing streak after suffering a 119-115 loss to a depleted Spurs team on Saturday. CJ McCollum was the top scorer for the Pelicans, finishing with 26 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. Trey Murphy contributed 20 points, while Bruce Brown added 19 points and six assists. Karlo Matkovic also made a notable contribution with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Pistons enter this matchup as the obvious favorites, even though they are the visiting team. This status is justified, particularly considering the Pelicans' recent struggles and the possibility of Williamson being sidelined once more. In their previous game, the Pelicans failed to secure a victory against a weakened Spurs team. I believe their chances are slim in this contest against the formidable defense of the Pistons, who performed admirably against the rising Thunder in their last appearance.

Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz Prediction 3/17/25 NBA Picks

Bulls at Jazz at 9 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls have been performing well, winning six out of their last ten games. They are looking to rebound after their four-game winning streak was snapped by the Rockets in a close 117-114 defeat on Saturday. Coby White led the team with an impressive 23 points, along with seven rebounds and four assists. Tre Jones contributed 19 points and six assists, while Nikola Vucevic added 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Despite Coby White's recent excellence, he had a subpar performance this time, shooting only seven of 21 from the field and one of seven from three-point range. Jalen Smith also faced difficulties, hitting just two of seven shots from the field and missing all five attempts from beyond the arc, resulting in only four points.

The Utah Jazz are experiencing a challenging period, having lost 13 of their last 15 matches. They aim to end a nine-game losing streak after being defeated by the Timberwolves with a score of 128-102 in an away game last night. Collin Sexton was the top scorer for the team, netting 22 points on nine of 18 shooting. Lauri Markkanen added 16 points, and Walker Kessler made a notable contribution with 15 points and 19 rebounds.

The Pick:

Although the Bulls are missing some crucial players, their injury situation is not as severe as that of the Jazz. The Bulls have demonstrated impressive form recently, coming close to overcoming the in-form Rockets despite a subpar shooting performance from White in their last outing. With the betting line being relatively close, I will opt for the more dependable Bulls to exploit the Jazz's considerable shortcomings.

Washington Wizards vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction 3/17/25 NBA Picks

Wizards at Trail Blazers at 10 PM ET

The Washington Wizards secured victories against both the Pistons and the Nuggets. Currently, the team is averaging 108.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 43.8%, while they are permitting 120.6 points on 47.1% shooting from their opponents. Jordan Poole is contributing an average of 21 points and 3.3 rebounds, whereas Malcolm Brogdon is averaging 12.7 points along with 4.1 assists.

The Portland Trail Blazers suffered a defeat against the Knicks but managed to beat the Raptors. They are currently averaging 110.6 points with a shooting percentage of 45.2, while their opponents score an average of 114.6 points on 47.1 percent shooting. Anfernee Simons is averaging 19.1 points and 2.8 rebounds, and Shaedon Sharpe is contributing 17.7 points along with 4 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Trail Blazers find themselves at the end of a back-to-back schedule, which poses a challenge. In contrast, the Wizards have secured nine wins in the last six weeks and are riding a two-game winning streak as double-digit underdogs. Notably, the underdog has managed to cover the spread in eight of the last nine matchups between the Trail Blazers and Wizards. Considering the rest advantage and the Wizards' recent resurgence, I am inclined to back the Wizards along with the points they are being offered.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Sacramento Kings Prediction 3/17/25 NBA Picks

Grizzlies at Kings at 10 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies triumphed over the Miami Heat but faced a loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers. At present, the team averages 122.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48.1, while allowing 117 points on 45.6 percent shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 22.7 points and 5.8 rebounds, and Ja Morant is contributing 21.8 points along with 7.5 assists per game.

The Sacramento Kings suffered losses to the Warriors and the Suns. They are currently averaging 116.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47.7 while allowing 115.2 points at a shooting rate of 46.8 percent. DeMar DeRozan is posting an average of 22.1 points and 4 rebounds, and Zach LaVine is averaging 23.4 points and 4.1 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Grizzlies have recorded 14 of their 25 losses during away games, and Morant will not be available. In their January matchup, the Kings overwhelmed the Grizzlies, scoring 138 points. If the Kings are serious about stopping their downward trend and avoiding a fall to the 10th seed, this is a game they need to win. There are no excuses for not succeeding. I will place my confidence in the Kings at home.

Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Suns Prediction 3/17/25 NBA Picks

Raptors at Suns at 10 PM ET

The Toronto Raptors triumphed over the Jazz but faced a loss against the Trail Blazers. At present, the Raptors are averaging 111.1 points with a shooting accuracy of 46.1 percent, while allowing 115.7 points with an opponent shooting percentage of 46.7. RJ Barrett is averaging 21.7 points and 6.5 rebounds, in contrast to Scottie Barnes, who is averaging 19.8 points and 7.8 rebounds.

The Phoenix Suns experienced a defeat against the Lakers but secured a victory over the Kings. Currently, the Suns are averaging 114.5 points with a shooting percentage of 48.1%, while they are permitting 116.3 points at a shooting percentage of 46.7%. Kevin Durant is contributing an average of 26.7 points and 6.1 rebounds, whereas Devin Booker is averaging 25.8 points and 4.1 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Suns' ATS record stands at 26-41-1, indicating their lack of reliability in the role of significant favorites. Conversely, the Raptors are frequently underestimated by oddsmakers, holding a commendable ATS record of 41-26-1. With a cover percentage of 61.1, they are surpassed only by the Cavaliers and Thunder in terms of successful ticket cashing. The Suns' cover percentage is a mere 38.8, making it the second-lowest, just ahead of the 76ers. Thus, the most rational choice is to back the Raptors along with the points.

Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Prediction 3/17/25 NBA Picks

Nuggets at Warriors at 10 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets achieved a win against the Lakers but were defeated by the Wizards. They are currently averaging 121.2 points with a shooting percentage of 50.7 while allowing 116.8 points at a shooting rate of 46.5 percent. Nikola Jokic is posting averages of 29 points and 12.9 rebounds, while Jamal Murray averages 21.4 points and 3.8 rebounds.

The Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Knicks and the Kings. They are currently averaging 113.8 points with a shooting accuracy of 45.1% while allowing 111.2 points at a shooting rate of 46.3%. Stephen Curry's performance includes an average of 24.3 points and 6.1 assists, in contrast to Jimmy Butler, who averages 16.8 points and 5.8 assists.

The Pick:

In their last ten games, the Nuggets have managed only a 2-8 record against the spread. Meanwhile, the Warriors have shown significant improvement following the Jimmy Butler trade, winning nine out of their last ten matches. They have not lost a home game in over six weeks. Considering the Warriors' strong form, I am reluctant to bet against them. However, the injury report includes several prominent players, so it is important to check for the latest updates before wagering. At this moment, I am prepared to back the Warriors and accept the points.

San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction 3/17/25 NBA Picks

Spurs at Lakers at 10:30 PM ET

The San Antonio Spurs faced a defeat against the Hornets but secured a victory over the Pelicans. Currently, the Spurs are scoring an average of 114.2 points with a shooting accuracy of 46.6 percent, while they are conceding 116.6 points at a shooting percentage of 47.3. Devin Vassell contributes an average of 15.9 points and 3.8 rebounds, whereas Stephon Castle averages 13.4 points and 3.5 assists.

The LA Lakers faced a loss to the Nuggets but triumphed over the Suns. At present, the Lakers are scoring an average of 113 points with a shooting accuracy of 47.9%, while they allow 111.7 points at a shooting rate of 46% from their rivals. LeBron James is averaging 25 points and 8.2 rebounds, in contrast to Luka Doncic, who averages 26.1 points and 8.6 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Spurs have struggled significantly in recent weeks, lacking sufficient healthy talent to compete effectively, particularly against teams that are above average. Meanwhile, the Lakers are vying for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs and cannot afford to lose games of this nature. I will support the Lakers by covering the spread, although this is not my top choice on the NBA schedule.