Free NBA Picks For Today, Monday 12/16/2024

The new week in the NBA tips off with a 6-game slate, and here you can take a look at the NBA Picks for Monday 12/16/2024.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction NBA Picks 12/16/24

76ers at Hornets at 7 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers have demonstrated solid performance recently, securing victories in four of their last six contests. However, they will be eager to recover from a disappointing defeat against the Pacers, where they lost 121-107 on Friday. Tyrese Maxey was the standout player for the team, scoring 22 points, while Paul George contributed 15 points along with two steals and two blocks. Additionally, Kelly Oubre Jr. made a notable impact with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists.

The Charlotte Hornets are currently experiencing a significant downturn, having suffered defeats in nine of their last ten games. They will be looking to recover from a recent setback, having been overwhelmed by the Bulls in a 109-95 loss on the road last Friday. Brandon Miller was the standout performer for the team, contributing 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Additionally, Mark Williams scored 15 points in just 17 minutes, while Miles Bridges added 14 points, along with nine rebounds and four assists.

The Pick:

Prior to their last match against the Pacers, the 76ers were beginning to find their rhythm, whereas the Hornets have been on a downward trajectory, recording their ninth loss in ten games. Supporting either team with confidence is difficult, but considering the slim margin, I am inclined to predict that the shorthanded 76ers will emerge victorious away from home.

Miami Heat vs Detroit Pistons Prediction NBA Picks 12/16/24

Heat at Pistons at 7 PM ET

The Miami Heat have been performing exceptionally well, winning eight of their last eleven games. They are on the hunt for a fifth consecutive victory after overcoming the Raptors with a score of 114-104 in their home arena on Thursday. Tyler Herro was the leading scorer with 23 points on nine of thirteen shooting, while Bam Adebayo contributed 21 points, along with 16 rebounds and five assists. Nikola Jovic also made a significant impact, scoring 14 points off the bench.

Recently, the Detroit Pistons have experienced a decline in performance, suffering losses in eight of their last eleven contests. After a disappointing 123-99 defeat against the Celtics on the road last Thursday, the team is looking to enhance their efforts. Ronald Holland emerged as the leading scorer with 26 points, shooting 11 of 14 from the bench. Cade Cunningham supported the effort with 18 points and eight assists, while Jaden Ivey added 10 points; unfortunately, no other teammates scored in double figures.

The Pick:

This situation represents a classic example of two teams moving in opposite directions, with the Heat on an upward trajectory and the Pistons experiencing a downturn following a significant defeat to the Celtics in their last outing. The teams last faced each other on November 12, where the Pistons claimed a close victory of 123-121 in overtime. However, the Heat’s current form indicates they are the stronger team, and it is likely they will avenge their earlier loss in this matchup.

Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors Prediction NBA Picks 12/16/24

Bulls at Raptors at 7:30 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls faced a loss to the 76ers but managed to triumph over the Hornets. At present, the Bulls have an average of 118.7 points scored per game, achieving a shooting accuracy of 47.5 percent, while allowing 121.9 points at a shooting rate of 48.1 percent. Zach LaVine is averaging 21.7 points and 4.4 rebounds, in contrast to Nikola Vucevic, who averages 21 points and 3.2 assists.

The Toronto Raptors suffered defeats against both the Knicks and the Heat. Currently, the Raptors are averaging 112 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.3, while they are conceding an average of 117.1 points with a shooting percentage of 46.4. RJ Barrett is contributing an average of 23.2 points and 6.8 rebounds, whereas Scottie Barnes is averaging 20.6 points and 8.4 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Raptors have recorded only 7 wins throughout the season, which dampens my eagerness to back them as favorites. Moreover, they are still without Brown, Quickley, and Barnes. Conversely, the Chicago Bulls have experienced more success, holding a .500 record over their past 10 games. I would like to verify LaVine’s availability before making a commitment, but it seems we are presented with a beneficial opportunity from the more competent team. Thus, I will lean toward the Bulls on Monday night.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction NBA Picks 12/16/24

Cavaliers at Nets at 7:30 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers have found their rhythm, winning five out of their last six contests. After achieving a 115-105 victory against the Wizards at home on Friday, they are determined to continue their winning streak. Darius Garland led the scoring with 24 points and provided eight assists, while Jarrett Allen contributed 21 points and secured 11 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell also played a significant role, adding 20 points and six assists to the team’s success.

At present, the Brooklyn Nets find themselves in a difficult situation, having suffered five losses in their last six games. They are eager to avoid a third straight defeat after a heavy loss to the Grizzlies, who triumphed 135-119 in their latest road match on Friday. Dorian Finney-Smith led the scoring for the team with 19 points, while Dennis Schroder and Jalen Wilson each contributed 15 points, and Keon Johnson added 12 points to the tally.

The Pick:

The Cavaliers were always positioned as the obvious favorites in this encounter, and I am convinced they will succeed against a Nets team that is struggling with the uncertainties surrounding possible trades. I anticipate that the Cavaliers will secure a victory and cover the spread during this away game.

Denver Nuggets vs Sacramento Kings Prediction NBA Picks 12/16/24

Nuggets at Kings at 10 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets secured victories against both the Hawks and the Clippers. Currently, the Nuggets are averaging 118.8 points per game with a shooting percentage of 49.4, while they permit 116 points on 46.7 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic leads the team with an average of 31.5 points and 13.3 rebounds, and Michael Porter Jr. contributes with an average of 18.9 points and 7 rebounds.

The Sacramento Kings triumphed over the Pelicans and the Jazz in their recent games. They are posting an average of 116.2 points with a shooting accuracy of 48.3 percent while allowing 113.1 points at a shooting rate of 46 percent. De’Aaron Fox is leading the team with an average of 26.1 points and 5.1 rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan follows with 22.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

The Pick:

I find it difficult to place my trust in the Kings, a team that has consistently underperformed and continues to exhibit defensive weaknesses. Their home record this season is only 6-7 straight up. On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets have made notable strides in the past few weeks and are clearly the stronger team when both are at their peak. To take the Kings seriously, I would need a more substantial point margin. I prefer the Nuggets with a slight spread.

Utah Jazz vs LA Clippers Prediction NBA Picks 12/16/24

Jazz at Clippers at 10:30 PM ET

The Utah Jazz faced setbacks against the Kings and the Suns. The team is currently averaging 109.8 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.8, while they permit an average of 119.3 points with an opponent shooting percentage of 48.3. Lauri Markkanen is averaging 18.6 points and 6.3 rebounds, while John Collins contributes an average of 18.1 points and 8.2 rebounds.

The LA Clippers experienced losses to the Nuggets and the Rockets. At present, the team averages 108.3 points with a shooting accuracy of 46.2 percent, while they allow 107.9 points at a shooting percentage of 46.6. Norman Powell is leading the team with an average of 23.2 points and 3 rebounds, while James Harden contributes 21.4 points and 6.7 rebounds on average.

The Pick:

The Clippers have a pattern of losing games that they are anticipated to lose while effectively winning those they are expected to win. In contrast, the Utah Jazz are facing ongoing defensive issues, contributing to their recent losses, and they have a 3-7 record against the spread in their last ten games. This makes it challenging to endorse the Jazz with assurance. A month ago, the Clippers defeated the Jazz by 11 points. I foresee a solid home win for the Clippers, primarily as a response to the Jazz’s current difficulties.