November 18, 2024 at 10:45 PM EST
The start of a new NBA week provides us with an 8-game slate, and here you can check out the NBA Picks for Monday 11/18/2024.
Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons Prediction NBA Picks 11/18/24
Bulls at Pistons at 7 PM ET
The Chicago Bulls are currently experiencing a challenging period, having lost seven out of their last nine games. They aim to enhance their performance after a disheartening 143-107 defeat at home against the Rockets. Zach LaVine led the scoring for the team with 15 points, and Talen Horton-Tucker added 12 points from the bench, but unfortunately, no other player was able to score in double figures.
The Detroit Pistons have demonstrated impressive performance recently, securing victories in six of their last nine games. They are now striving for a third consecutive win following a commanding 124-104 victory against the struggling Wizards in an away game last night. Jaden Ivey was the standout player, contributing 28 points and eight assists. Malik Beasley supported the effort with 26 points on an efficient 10 of 16 shooting, while Cade Cunningham recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Additionally, Tobias Harris contributed with 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Pick:
Despite having a relatively healthy lineup, the Bulls have struggled to gain traction this season, and their morale suffered a severe blow after a 36-point defeat to the Rockets last night. Conversely, the Pistons have quietly established themselves as one of the league’s surprise teams, winning six of their last nine games and recently dominating the Wizards. Although it would not be surprising if the Bulls managed to achieve a minor upset on the road, the Pistons deserve commendation for their strong play thus far. I believe they will continue their successful streak with a win and cover the spread at home.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat Prediction NBA Picks 11/18/24
76ers at Heat at 7:30 PM ET
The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a troubling situation, having suffered losses in 10 of their initial 12 games. They are looking to break a three-game losing streak after a disappointing 98-86 loss to the Magic during their away game on Friday. Jared McCain was the leading scorer for the team, netting 29 points on 10 of 17 shooting. Joel Embiid supported the effort with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Paul George contributed 13 points and five assists. Unfortunately, no other teammate exceeded five points in scoring.
The Miami Heat are currently experiencing a downturn, having lost five out of their last seven games. They will be motivated to recover in their upcoming match after suffering a 119-110 defeat against the Pistons last night. Tyler Herro was the standout performer, scoring 28 points with seven successful three-pointers. Bam Adebayo contributed significantly with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Duncan Robinson added 20 points and four assists from the bench. In contrast, Terry Rozier had a subdued performance, managing only nine points on four of twelve shooting, and Haywood Highsmith did not score, finishing with zero points on six attempts.
The Pick:
At this juncture, we find ourselves examining two of the league’s more disappointing teams. The 76ers are plagued by injuries and are struggling to achieve consistency, while the Heat, despite being relatively fit, have yet to find their form. Supporting either team this season poses a challenge, but with the betting line being so close, I am inclined to place my faith in the Heat to secure a vital win on their home court.
Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks Prediction NBA Picks 11/18/24
Wizards at Knicks at 7:30 PM ET
The Washington Wizards are struggling significantly, having recorded losses in 10 of their first 12 games. They aim to halt an eight-game losing streak after a disappointing 124-104 home defeat against the Pistons last night. Kyle Kuzma was the top scorer for the team, netting 22 points on 10 of 14 shooting. Jordan Poole also scored 22 points, providing five assists with a shooting performance of eight of 16. Furthermore, Bilal Coulibaly contributed 15 points, shooting six of nine from the field.
The New York Knicks are on an upward trend, having claimed four victories in their last six games. They aim to secure a third consecutive win after overcoming the Nets with a score of 114-104 in their latest outing. Karl-Anthony Towns was instrumental in this success, leading the team with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists. In addition, OG Anunoby added 24 points, Mikal Bridges contributed 21 points on nine of 18 shooting, and Josh Hart provided valuable support with 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
The Pick:
The contrast between the faltering Wizards, who come into this contest having lost eight games in a row, and the Knicks, who are gaining momentum, is quite apparent. While the spread is somewhat larger than I had expected, my further examination of this matchup reinforces my belief that the Knicks are likely to achieve a substantial win on their home court.
Indiana Pacers vs Toronto Raptors Prediction NBA Picks 11/18/24
Pacers at Raptors at 7:30 PM ET
The Indiana Pacers are currently performing well, having secured victories in four of their last seven games. They will be motivated to continue this positive trend following their recent 119-110 home victory against the Miami Heat. Myles Turner was the standout player, contributing 34 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Additionally, Pascal Siakam scored 23 points, Bennedict Mathurin added 21 points, and Tyrese Haliburton contributed 16 points along with 13 assists.
At present, the Toronto Raptors find themselves in a considerable slump, having suffered losses in 12 out of their first 14 games. They are eager to break a seven-game losing streak after narrowly losing to the Celtics in an overtime match that ended 126-123 on Saturday. Jakob Poeltl was the leading scorer for the Raptors, achieving 35 points and 12 rebounds with a remarkable shooting accuracy of 84.2%. RJ Barrett recorded a triple-double, contributing 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists, while Chris Boucher provided 15 points in a supporting role off the bench.
The Pick:
As the Pacers approach their second game in a back-to-back series, they are starting to demonstrate a turnaround in performance, making their position as road favorites in this instance quite understandable. The Raptors, on the other hand, have been among the least successful teams this season, although they appeared revitalized in their recent overtime loss to the Celtics. While wagering on a team with no rest can be precarious, the Pacers are still favored and are likely to cover the spread without difficulty.
Houston Rockets vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction NBA Picks 11/18/24
Rockets at Bucks at 8 PM ET
The Houston Rockets triumphed over the Bulls and the Clippers in recent matchups. They are presently averaging 114.6 points with a shooting accuracy of 44.6 percent, while their opponents score an average of 106.1 points at a shooting rate of 42.9 percent. Jalen Green is contributing 19.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, and Alperen Sengun is averaging 17.3 points along with 11.4 rebounds.
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a victory against the Pistons but suffered a defeat to the Hornets. Currently, the Bucks are averaging 111.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47.2, while they are conceding an average of 113.7 points at a shooting percentage of 45.3. Giannis Antetokounmpo is contributing significantly with an average of 32.3 points and 12.3 rebounds, whereas Damian Lillard is averaging 26 points and 4.6 rebounds.
The Pick:
At this stage of the season, the Milwaukee Bucks stand out as the most disappointing team in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets, a developing team, are gaining momentum, reflected in their 8-2 straight-up record and 7-3 against the spread record in their past ten games. It is difficult to overlook the advantage of receiving points with the Rockets. The Bucks have not shown the necessary performance to warrant being favored against capable teams.
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns Prediction NBA Picks 11/18/24
Magic at Suns at 9 PM ET
The Orlando Magic emerged victorious against the 76ers and the Pacers. They are currently averaging 106.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44, while their opponents score an average of 102.5 points on 44.8 percent shooting. Paolo Banchero is averaging 29 points along with 5.6 assists, and Franz Wagner is contributing with 22.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
The Phoenix Suns experienced losses to the Timberwolves and the Thunder. At present, the team averages 112.4 points with a shooting accuracy of 45.3 percent, while they allow 113.2 points at a shooting percentage of 46.3. Kevin Durant is posting an average of 27.6 points and 6.6 rebounds, in contrast to Devin Booker’s average of 22.5 points and 3.7 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Suns are playing at home, boasting a strong record of 5-1 straight up this season. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic enjoy a rest advantage, as they have not played since Friday, yet they struggle with a 1-6 record in away games. Even in the absence of Banchero, the Suns have the necessary talent to emerge victorious in this contest. Considering the disparities in home and away performance for both teams, I will opt for the Suns, who are expected to win this game outright.
Atlanta Hawks vs Sacramento Kings Prediction NBA Picks 11/18/24
Hawks at Kings at 10 PM ET
The Atlanta Hawks secured a victory against the Wizards but suffered a defeat to the Trail Blazers. Currently, the Hawks are averaging 116.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.8, while they are permitting 120.4 points per game, also at a shooting percentage of 46.8. Trae Young is contributing an average of 23.4 points and 4 rebounds, whereas De’Andre Hunter is averaging 19.3 points and 5.3 rebounds.
The Sacramento Kings achieved a win against the Jazz but were defeated by the Timberwolves. They are currently averaging 117.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 49.3, while their opponents score an average of 113.9 points on 45.5 percent shooting. De’Aaron Fox is averaging 28.9 points and 5 rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan is contributing with 22.9 points and 4.1 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Atlanta Hawks find themselves at the conclusion of a back-to-back schedule, following a significant loss to the Trail Blazers. Furthermore, the Hawks have consistently posed challenges for bettors, ranking as the least successful team in covering the spread in the NBA last season, and they currently stand at 5-9 against the spread this season. I will choose to back the well-rested Kings at home.
Golden State Warriors vs LA Clippers Prediction NBA Picks 11/18/24
Warriors at Clippers at 10:30 PM ET
The Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Grizzlies and Mavericks in their recent matchups. At present, the team boasts an average of 121.3 points scored per game, achieving a shooting accuracy of 47.5 percent, while allowing 110.8 points at a shooting rate of 43.6 percent. Stephen Curry is averaging 22.7 points along with 6.4 assists, and Buddy Hield is contributing 17.7 points and 1.9 assists.
The LA Clippers faced a loss to the Rockets but managed to triumph over the Jazz. At present, the Clippers are scoring an average of 109.7 points with a shooting accuracy of 46.2 percent, while they are allowing 109.9 points with a shooting percentage of 46.4. Norman Powell is averaging 23.6 points and 3.3 rebounds, in contrast to James Harden, who is averaging 20.7 points and 8 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Golden State Warriors come into this matchup well-rested, boasting a record of 10-2 straight up and 9-3 against the spread. Although the Los Angeles Clippers have triumphed in 6 of their last 8 encounters with the Warriors, a longstanding rivalry has fueled tension between these teams. Given the Warriors’ superior consistency and the advantage of rest, I am going to back Golden State with a reasonable spread.