December 6, 2024 at 10:05 PM EST
We have a 7-game slate in the NBA today, and here you can check out the NBA Picks for Friday 12/6/2024.
Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction NBA Picks 12/6/24
Magic at 76ers at 7 PM ET
The Orlando Magic have demonstrated exceptional performance lately, winning 13 out of their last 15 games. They are determined to continue this success after a narrow 106-102 victory over the 76ers in an away game on Wednesday. Franz Wagner was instrumental in the win, leading the team with 35 points on 12 of 23 shooting. Jalen Suggs also made a significant impact, scoring 17 points and recording six assists, while Jonathan Isaac added 14 points and two blocks from the bench.
The Philadelphia 76ers are currently experiencing a challenging period, having lost eight out of their last eleven games. They are looking to improve their performance following a narrow defeat to the Magic on Wednesday. Jared McCain was the standout player, scoring 24 points on 10 of 17 shooting, while Tyrese Maxey contributed 16 points and six assists. Additionally, both Guerschon Yabusele and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 15 points each to the team’s efforts.
The Pick:
While the Magic might consider themselves slightly fortunate to have secured the win on Wednesday, their overall consistency as a team is evident. I find them to be a worthwhile option at the current betting line in this matchup. Although winning against the same team twice in succession on their home court is a difficult task, I believe the Magic are sufficiently skilled to accomplish it.
LA Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction NBA Picks 12/6/24
Lakers at Hawks at 7:30 PM ET
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a challenging phase, having suffered defeats in six of their last eight contests. They are eager to end a two-game losing streak after a disappointing 134-93 loss to the Miami Heat during their recent away game on Wednesday. LeBron James led the scoring for the Lakers with 29 points and eight assists, achieving 12 successful shots out of 18 attempts. Additionally, Rui Hachimura scored 14 points, and D’Angelo Russell contributed 12 points to the team’s total.
Presently, the Atlanta Hawks are exhibiting remarkable form as they pursue a season-high sixth consecutive win after achieving a surprising 119-104 victory over the Bucks on Wednesday. Jalen Johnson spearheaded the team’s efforts with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. Furthermore, De’Andre Hunter made a notable impact off the bench with 20 points, while Trae Young contributed 17 points and seven assists to the team’s success.
The Pick:
The Lakers are in dire need of a victory to escape their current slump; however, they are somewhat injured and are now facing a Hawks team that has recently triumphed over both the Cavaliers and the Bucks. While it would not be surprising if the Lakers managed to secure a win on the road, the uncertainty surrounding James’s injury leads me to favor the Hawks for a home victory.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics Prediction NBA Picks 12/6/24
Bucks at Celtics at 7:30 PM ET
The Milwaukee Bucks have been performing remarkably well, achieving victories in nine of their last eleven games. However, they seek to recover in this upcoming match after their seven-game winning streak was broken by the Hawks, who defeated them 119-104 at home on Wednesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the team’s leading scorer with 31 points, along with 11 rebounds and five assists. Additionally, Damian Lillard contributed 25 points and five assists, while Taurean Prince added 10 points to the total.
The Boston Celtics have been in outstanding form, achieving nine wins in their last ten games. They are now targeting a third straight victory after their recent 130-120 home win against the Pistons on Wednesday. Jaylen Brown was instrumental in the win, scoring 28 points and dishing out nine assists. Kristaps Porzingis also made a notable contribution with 26 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, while Sam Hauser added 20 points, shooting seven for twelve from the field.
The Pick:
Prior to their last game against the Hawks, the Bucks were enjoying a successful streak, but they encountered an obstacle that halted their momentum. Fortunately, Middleton is anticipated to return to the lineup. Conversely, the Celtics have consistently outperformed their opponents, despite facing a growing list of injuries, including that of their leading scorer. The Celtics have been particularly difficult to defeat on their home court this season, and I expect them to emerge victorious once more. However, the spread seems substantial enough for me to lean toward the Bucks in what promises to be a closely contested game.
Sacramento Kings vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction NBA Picks 12/6/24
Kings at Spurs at 8 PM ET
The Sacramento Kings faced a loss to the Grizzlies but triumphed over the Rockets. At present, the Kings hold an average of 114.5 points scored per game with a shooting accuracy of 48.2 percent, while they allow 113.9 points on 46.3 percent shooting. De’Aaron Fox is averaging 27.2 points along with 5 rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan is contributing an average of 22.5 points and 4.2 rebounds.
The San Antonio Spurs recently suffered defeats against the Suns and Bulls. Currently, the Spurs are averaging 110.3 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.5, while they are conceding an average of 110.5 points at a shooting percentage of 45.8. Victor Wembanyama is contributing significantly with an average of 23.5 points and 10.4 rebounds, whereas Devin Vassell is averaging 17.9 points and 2.7 assists.
The Pick:
Until the Kings provide evidence of a more organized approach, I struggle to support them in their favored role, particularly in away games and at the end of a back-to-back situation. The San Antonio Spurs have defeated the Kings twice this season and have managed to cover the spread in five of their last six meetings. Thus, I am inclined to take the points with the Spurs while they are playing at home.
Indiana Pacers vs Chicago Bulls Prediction NBA Picks 12/6/24
Pacers at Bulls at 8 PM ET
The Indiana Pacers are currently facing difficulties, having lost nine of their last 13 contests. They seek to end a four-game losing streak after a 99-90 loss to the Nets on Wednesday. Tyrese Haliburton led the scoring with 17 points and eight assists. In addition, Pascal Siakam and TJ McConnell each recorded 14 points, while Myles Turner provided 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in the game.
Recently, the Chicago Bulls have shown a solid level of play, managing to win four and lose four of their last eight games. They are looking to achieve a third consecutive win after a commanding 139-124 victory against the Spurs on the road last night. Nikola Vucevic was instrumental in this success, scoring 39 points along with eight rebounds and five assists. Ayo Dosunmu also made a significant impact, recording a triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Talen Horton-Tucker contributed 13 points off the bench.
The Pick:
The Pacers have struggled to achieve any significant success thus far and are entering this matchup following a disappointing defeat to the Nets in their most recent game. Conversely, the Bulls are beginning to find their rhythm, having secured a decisive victory against the Spurs in last night’s away game. While it is understandable that the Pacers are considered slight favorites, given that the Bulls are playing their second game in as many nights, the Bulls have demonstrated greater consistency recently. I believe they can continue their positive trajectory with another narrow victory at home.
Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction NBA Picks 12/6/24
Jazz at Trail Blazers at 10 PM ET
The Utah Jazz faced defeats against the Lakers and the Thunder. The team is currently averaging 108.3 points with a shooting percentage of 45.2, while they allow an average of 118.6 points on 48.1 percent shooting. Lauri Markkanen is averaging 19.2 points and 6.5 rebounds, while John Collins contributes 17.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
The Portland Trail Blazers experienced losses to the Mavericks and the Clippers. At present, the team averages 107.2 points with a shooting accuracy of 43.8 percent, while allowing 115.3 points at a shooting rate of 47 percent. Shaedon Sharpe is contributing an average of 17.8 points and 3.2 rebounds, and Anfernee Simons is averaging 16.7 points along with 2.5 rebounds.
The Pick:
For the first time since February 25, the Trail Blazers are listed as the favorites to win a game. This is the seventh time since December of last year that they have been in this position. However, it is important to note that the Trail Blazers have lost six of their last eight games when favored. Although I am not particularly inclined towards the Jazz, it is astonishing to see the Trail Blazers as the favorites. I would opt for the Jazz and the points.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors Prediction NBA Picks 12/6/24
Timberwolves at Warriors at 10 PM ET
The Minnesota Timberwolves triumphed over the Clippers and the Lakers. At present, the Timberwolves are scoring an average of 111 points with a shooting accuracy of 46.6 percent, while they allow 107.5 points at a shooting rate of 46.1 percent. Anthony Edwards is averaging 26.2 points along with 5.5 rebounds, and Julius Randle is contributing 21 points and 4 assists per game.
The Golden State Warriors suffered a setback against the Nuggets but managed to defeat the Rockets. They are currently averaging 116.1 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.7, while their opponents are scoring an average of 110.3 points on 43.9 percent shooting. Stephen Curry’s performance includes an average of 22.6 points and 6.6 assists, while Andrew Wiggins averages 17.2 points and 2.5 assists.
The Pick:
The Timberwolves are currently on a three-game winning streak and benefit from a rest advantage in this matchup. Assuming that Curry and Draymond are returning, it explains the line’s inclination toward the Warriors. However, the Timberwolves present significant value, especially considering their successful week and the additional rest. Notably, the Timberwolves have triumphed in their last four encounters with the Warriors and have secured victory in seven of their last ten games overall. The line appears to favor the Warriors excessively. Therefore, I recommend backing the Timberwolves.