Free NBA Picks For Today, Friday 12/20/2024

The NBA action slows down with only three games on tap today, but we can surely make a profit, so take a look at the NBA Picks for Friday 12/20/2024.

Charlotte Hornets vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction NBA Picks 12/20/24

Hornets at 76ers at 7 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets find themselves in a considerable slump, having lost 11 out of their last 12 games. They are looking to avoid a fourth straight loss after falling to the underperforming Wizards with a score of 123-114 in a recent away match. LaMelo Ball led the team with an impressive performance, scoring 34 points, providing 13 assists, and recording four steals. Miles Bridges and Mark Williams each scored 16 points, while Cody Martin added 14 points to the tally.

The Philadelphia 76ers enter this matchup with significant momentum, having secured victories in five of their last seven contests. They are keen to maintain their winning streak following a decisive 121-108 victory against the Hornets on Monday. Tyrese Maxey was the standout performer, contributing 40 points, five assists, and four steals. Paul George supported the effort with 33 points and eight assists, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 19 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

The Pick:

While the line may seem a bit excessive, it is certainly justified considering the Hornets’ considerable struggles leading up to their recent loss to the Wizards, who hold the worst record in the league. The 76ers, despite missing several players, have sufficient offensive strength with George and Maxey performing well, enabling them to achieve both a win and a cover at home. Furthermore, the Hornets are engaged in their second game of a back-to-back schedule, prompting me to favor the 76ers to get the business done at home.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction NBA Picks 12/20/24

Bucks at Cavaliers at 7:30 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks are experiencing a remarkable run, having won 11 out of their last 13 games. They are motivated to continue their four-game winning streak after a commanding 97-81 victory against the Thunder in the NBA Cup Championship on Tuesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with a triple-double, recording 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Furthermore, Damian Lillard scored 23 points, and Brook Lopez contributed with 13 points, nine rebounds, and one block.

Presently, the Cleveland Cavaliers are demonstrating exceptional form, having triumphed in six out of their last seven contests. They are looking to achieve a third successive win after a commanding 130-101 away victory over the Nets on Monday. Evan Mobley led the scoring with 21 points on an efficient seven-of-nine shooting, while Caris LeVert provided 19 points off the bench, and Donovan Mitchell contributed 18 points and five assists.

The Pick:

As both teams approach this game, they carry considerable momentum. The Bucks have achieved four straight victories, culminating in their NBA Cup Championship win, whereas the Cavaliers have claimed six of their last seven games, with their most recent performance being a 29-point victory over the Nets on Monday. Given that the Bucks might be somewhat short-handed, I find myself leaning toward the Cavaliers, who have an impressive record of 14 wins out of 15 home games this season.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat Prediction NBA Picks 12/20/24

Thunder at Heat at 8 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious against the Magic but were defeated by the Bucks. The team is currently averaging 115.2 points with a shooting percentage of 46.5, while they allow 103.3 points on 42.5 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is performing exceptionally, averaging 30.3 points and 6.3 assists, while Jalen Williams contributes with averages of 21.7 points and 6.1 rebounds.

The Miami Heat triumphed over the Raptors but faced a loss against the Pistons. At present, the team averages 112.8 points with a shooting accuracy of 45.3 percent, while allowing 109.8 points at a shooting rate of 46.2 percent. Tyler Herro is posting an average of 24.1 points and 5.3 rebounds, in contrast to Jimmy Butler, who averages 19.4 points and 6.1 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Miami Heat are demonstrating their strongest performance of the season, having secured 8 of their 13 wins on home territory. Furthermore, the Heat typically rise to the occasion when facing stronger competition, which leads me to anticipate a solid showing against one of the league’s elite teams. The leniency of this line reflects the oddsmakers’ positive outlook on Miami. I favor the home underdog in this matchup.