Free NBA Picks For Today, Monday 12/23/2024

It’s a busy day in the NBA as we have a 14-game slate, so make sure not to miss out on the NBA Picks for Monday 12/23/2024.

Utah Jazz vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Jazz at Cavaliers at 7 PM ET

The Utah Jazz have faced significant challenges recently, suffering defeats in eight of their last eleven games. However, they are now striving for a third consecutive victory following their 105-94 triumph over the Nets on Saturday. Lauri Markkanen was the standout performer, contributing 21 points, while Collin Sexton and Svi Mykhailiuk each added 18 points. Additionally, Jordan Clarkson provided valuable support with 16 points and eight assists coming off the bench.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are enjoying a remarkable run, having won eight of their last nine games. They are eager to enhance their current four-game winning streak after a resounding 126-99 victory against the 76ers at home on Saturday. Darius Garland was the leading scorer with 26 points, achieving nine of 11 shooting accuracy. In addition, Evan Mobley provided a strong performance with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Donovan Mitchell contributed 19 points and five assists to the team’s overall success.

The Pick:

The Jazz have exhibited strong basketball skills in their last two wins; however, they may encounter a formidable opponent in the Cavaliers, who are at the top of the league standings and recently triumphed over the 76ers by 27 points. The Cavaliers were expected to be the clear favorites in this contest, and it seems probable that they will decisively overcome the spread at home.

Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Celtics at Magic at 7 PM ET

The Boston Celtics have been performing exceptionally well, achieving victories in 13 of their previous 16 games. Following their impressive 123-98 win against the Bulls on Saturday, they are eager to sustain this success. Jayson Tatum led the charge with a triple-double, amassing 43 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. Furthermore, Kristaps Porzingis added 22 points, while Jaylen Brown contributed 19 points and eight assists to the overall team performance.

The Orlando Magic have encountered difficulties recently, suffering defeats in four of their last six games. However, they managed to break a three-game losing streak with a 121-114 victory against the Heat on Saturday. Cole Anthony was the standout performer, contributing 35 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists from the bench. Additionally, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 24 points, while Goga Bitadze added 18 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks to the team’s efforts.

The Pick:

The Magic enter this matchup following their most impressive comeback victory of the season, largely attributed to a standout performance by Cole Anthony. However, prior to this win, the team faced significant challenges, leading me to anticipate a rather lopsided affair. While the Magic possess the capability to compete, their chances are diminished with their two leading scorers unavailable due to injuries. Consequently, the Celtics are likely to demonstrate superior offensive strength in this game.

San Antonio Spurs vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Spurs at 76ers at 7 PM ET

The San Antonio Spurs have shown considerable progress, achieving victories in four of their previous five games. They are now looking to extend their winning streak to three games after a convincing 114-94 home win over the Trail Blazers on Saturday. Victor Wembenyama led the charge with an impressive 30 points, along with seven rebounds and 10 blocks. Charles Bassey added to the team’s success with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Devin Vassell contributed 11 points.

Recently, the Philadelphia 76ers have shown solid form, winning six of their last nine contests. Nevertheless, they are looking to rebound after their two-game winning streak was halted by the league-leading Cavaliers, who handed them a 126-99 loss on the road this past Saturday. Tyrese Maxey was the leading scorer for the team with 27 points, while Paul George and Ricky Council each contributed 11 points. Regrettably, no other players were able to score in double figures.

The Pick:

We are likely to witness an exciting competition, as both teams come into this match with substantial momentum. While the 76ers are favored due to their home advantage, I feel that the spread is a bit too steep. I expect a very close game and have faith in the Spurs’ prospects for an outright victory.

Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Rockets at Hornets at 7 PM ET

The Houston Rockets have demonstrated impressive form, winning seven out of their last ten games. They are set to pursue a third consecutive victory after narrowly defeating the Raptors 114-110 in a road match last night. Dillon Brooks led the scoring with 27 points on six of twelve shooting, while Jalen Green added 22 points. Furthermore, Alperen Sengun contributed significantly with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.

Currently, the Charlotte Hornets are struggling significantly, having lost 12 out of their last 13 games. They aim to halt a four-game losing streak after their recent 108-98 loss to the 76ers on the road last Friday. Vasilije Micic was the top scorer for the team, netting 20 points, while Miles Bridges contributed 15 points and two blocks. Cody Martin added 11 points to the tally. In contrast, Josh Green had a minimal impact, scoring only four points in 33 minutes, and LaMelo Ball did not play in this match.

The Pick:

The Rockets approach this game as the distinct favorites, even as they face the challenge of a back-to-back game. The betting line is tight for this matchup, and due to the Hornets’ inconsistent play, I am not inclined to place my confidence in them. Thus, I will back the Rockets to get a W here.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Timberwolves at Hawks at 7:30 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves have performed reasonably well, securing victories in six of their last nine contests. However, they aim to prevent a third consecutive loss following a defeat to the Warriors, which ended in a score of 113-103 on Saturday. Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo each contributed 19 points, while Rudy Gobert recorded 18 points along with 12 rebounds. Additionally, Julius Randle and Naz Reid both tallied 16 points.

After a successful six-game winning streak, the Atlanta Hawks seem to have hit a rough patch, having lost four out of their last five games. They are now experiencing a three-game losing streak, culminating in a 128-112 defeat to the Grizzlies on Saturday. De’Andre Hunter led the scoring with 26 points, shooting nine of 14 from the bench. Dyson Daniels also made a significant impact with 15 points, six assists, and six steals, while Jalen Johnson contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.

The Pick:

Prior to the tipoff, it is advisable to examine the lineups for this matchup. Assuming Young is absent again, I am inclined to favor the Timberwolves as they seek to recover their momentum with a vital win and cover during their away game.

Brooklyn Nets vs Miami Heat Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Nets at Heat at 7:30 PM ET

The Brooklyn Nets find themselves in a challenging phase, having suffered losses in seven of their last nine contests. They aim for a stronger showing after a disappointing home loss to the struggling Jazz, which ended with a score of 105-94 on Saturday. Cameron Johnson topped the scoring for the team with 18 points and five assists, while Ben Simmons added 15 points along with 10 assists. Shake Milton also made a contribution off the bench with 11 points.

The Miami Heat have experienced a decline from their previous four-game winning streak and are now striving to prevent a fourth consecutive loss. This follows their recent setback against the shorthanded Magic, resulting in a 121-114 defeat on the road this past Saturday. Bam Adebayo and Terry Rozier each contributed 23 points, while Tyler Herro added 22 points along with five assists, and Dru Smith contributed 14 points.

The Pick:

It is important to assess the lineups before the game commences. Despite the Heat potentially missing Butler again, I am confident that they will recover and improve their performance in the near future. The Nets are capable of pulling off an upset, but they are currently in a state of disarray, having recently lost to a struggling Jazz team. Although the line is higher than I would like, I still anticipate that the Heat will secure a victory and cover the spread.

Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Raptors at Knicks at 7:30 PM ET

The Toronto Raptors are currently facing a difficult period, having lost 10 out of their last 13 games. They are looking to end a seven-game losing streak after a close loss to the Rockets, which concluded with a score of 114-110 last night. Ja’Kobe Walter was the top scorer for the team, achieving 27 points on nine of 18 shooting. Ochai Agbaji and Chris Boucher each scored 15 points, while Gradey Dick contributed 14 points and recorded six assists.

Presently, the New York Knicks are in excellent form, having triumphed in eight of their last ten contests. They are motivated to continue their three-game winning streak after a commanding 104-93 win over the Pelicans on Saturday. Jalen Brunson was instrumental in this success, scoring 39 points and providing six assists on 13 of 19 shooting. Mikal Bridges contributed 18 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns rounded out the performance with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

The Pick:

The Raptors merit significant recognition for their competitive performance against the well-performing Rockets last night; however, they ultimately fell short, a scenario I anticipate will recur. The Knicks enter this matchup as the evident favorites, boasting a healthy roster and an offensive capability that is likely to overwhelm the Raptors, who are facing the challenge of a second game in a back-to-back series.

Washington Wizards vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Wizards at Thunder at 8 PM ET

The Washington Wizards faced a loss to the Bucks but managed to triumph over the Hornets. At present, the team averages 107.8 points with a shooting accuracy of 44.1 percent, while allowing 122.6 points at a rate of 47.6 percent shooting. Jordan Poole is averaging 20.6 points along with 2.4 rebounds, and Kyle Kuzma is contributing 15.8 points and 1.9 assists per game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious against the Magic and the Heat. They are currently averaging 115.2 points per game with a shooting efficiency of 46.5 percent, while their opponents are scoring an average of 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 is contributing with averages of 21.7 points and 6.1 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Oklahoma City Thunder have achieved a record of 17-8-3 ATS this season, including a remarkable 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games when favored by double digits. Conversely, the Washington Wizards exhibit significant defensive weaknesses, struggle to secure victories, and possess a 9-16-1 ATS record for the season. One team proves to be a lucrative option for NBA bettors, while the other tends to result in financial losses. In their last matchup in February, the Thunder decisively defeated the Wizards, 147-106. A similar outcome is expected in their upcoming game.

LA Clippers vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Clippers at Grizzlies at 8 PM ET

The LA Clippers emerged victorious against the Jazz and recorded a split in their encounters with the Mavericks. The team is currently averaging 109.9 points, achieving a shooting percentage of 46.9, while conceding 107.4 points with an opponent shooting percentage of 46.2. Norman Powell is averaging 23.7 points and 3.2 rebounds, while James Harden contributes an average of 22.2 points and 6.4 rebounds.

The Memphis Grizzlies triumphed over the Warriors and the Hawks in recent matchups. They are currently posting an average of 123 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 48.8 percent, while their opponents are scoring an average of 113 points on 43.7 percent shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 21.8 points and 5.8 rebounds, and Ja Morant is contributing 21.2 points along with 8.1 assists per game.

The Pick:

The Grizzlies are delivering impressive returns for bettors, currently holding the top position in the league for covers. I will not place a wager against the Grizzlies until their winning trend ceases. I favor the Grizzlies at home with an appropriate spread.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Bucks at Bulls at 8 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks achieved a win against the Wizards but were defeated by the Cavaliers. The team is currently averaging 113.3 points with a shooting percentage of 48.4, while they allow 111.9 points on 45.1 percent shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 32.7 points and 11.5 rebounds, and Damian Lillard is contributing 25.7 points and 4.5 rebounds on average.

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Raptors and recorded a split against the Celtics. The team is currently averaging 118.8 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47.3 while permitting 121.4 points on 47.8 percent shooting. Zach LaVine’s performance includes an average of 22.3 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic contributes an average of 20.9 points and 3.3 assists.

The Pick:

Prior to finalizing any decisions, it is essential to examine the injury report. That being said, I remain confident in choosing the Bucks. The Chicago Bulls have demonstrated poor performance, especially defensively, and they currently possess a 4-10 straight-up record at home. Should one of the Bucks’ star players take the court, they are expected to achieve a win. I am placing my support with the Bucks.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Trail Blazers at Mavericks at 8:30 PM ET

The Portland Trail Blazers suffered a defeat against the Spurs but managed to beat the Nuggets. The team is currently averaging 107.6 points with a shooting percentage of 43.9, while they allow 116.4 points on 47.8 percent shooting. Anfernee Simons is averaging 17.7 points and 2.6 rebounds, while Shaedon Sharpe contributes an average of 17.3 points and 3.6 rebounds.

The Dallas Mavericks secured a victory against the Warriors and achieved a split in their matchups with the Clippers. Currently, the Mavericks are averaging 118.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48.8, while they permit an average of 112.7 points on 45.4 percent shooting. Luka Doncic is contributing significantly with an average of 28.9 points and 8.2 assists, whereas Kyrie Irving is averaging 23.9 points along with 4.7 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Portland Trail Blazers have demonstrated an ability to surprise, highlighted by their recent triumph over the Nuggets and their competitive spirit against the Suns. In a previous encounter this month, the Trail Blazers engaged in a tightly contested game against the Mavericks that was decided in the closing seconds. Their scoring proficiency allows them to stay in contention. Go with the Blazers.

Indiana Pacers vs Golden State Warriors Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Pacers at Warriors at 10 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers secured victories against both the Suns and the Kings. Currently, the Pacers are averaging 114.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48.7, while they are permitting an average of 117.1 points on 48.1 percent shooting. Pascal Siakam contributes significantly with an average of 20.1 points and 7 rebounds, whereas Tyrese Haliburton averages 18 points and 3.4 rebounds.

The Golden State Warriors faced a loss to the Grizzlies but triumphed over the Timberwolves. At present, the team averages 113.2 points with a shooting accuracy of 45 percent, while allowing 111.2 points at a rate of 44.9 percent shooting. Stephen Curry is averaging 22 points along with 6.4 assists, and Andrew Wiggins contributes an average of 17.8 points and 2.3 assists.

The Pick:

The Warriors may have just celebrated a notable triumph over the Timberwolves, yet they have suffered defeats in seven of their last ten contests. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers are enjoying a successful run, having won four games in a row, with three of those victories occurring on the road. Their offense is beginning to flourish, despite ongoing defensive shortcomings. Nevertheless, their capacity to score more than 120 points with relative ease overshadows these issues. I am willing to place my confidence in the Pacers and the points, a decision I have made repeatedly over the past week.

Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Suns at Nuggets at 10 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns suffered defeats against both the Pacers and the Pistons. Currently, the team is averaging 113.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47.2, while conceding an average of 114.4 points at a shooting percentage of 46.9. Kevin Durant is contributing an average of 26.4 points and 6.7 rebounds, whereas Devin Booker is averaging 25.1 points and 3.7 rebounds.

The Denver Nuggets suffered a setback against the Trail Blazers but managed to defeat the Pelicans. They are currently averaging 119.4 points with a shooting percentage of 49.6, while their opponents are scoring an average of 116.9 points on 46.7 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic stands out with an average of 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Jamal Murray adds an average of 18.7 points and 3.9 rebounds to the team’s performance.

The Pick:

I have not been impressed by the Suns’ display this season. However, the Nuggets have also failed to make a significant impact, especially as they are coming off a back-to-back schedule that featured an overtime game. It is difficult for me to comprehend why the Nuggets are assigned this level of favoritism, particularly when the Suns have secured victories in their previous two meetings with them. I back the Suns along with the extra points.

Detroit Pistons vs LA Lakers Prediction NBA Picks 12/23/24

Pistons at Lakers at 10:30 PM ET

The Detroit Pistons faced a loss to the Jazz but managed to triumph over the Suns. At present, the team averages 111 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 46.2 percent, while they allow 114.3 points on 46.7 percent shooting. Cade Cunningham leads the team with an average of 23.9 points and 7.3 rebounds, and Jaden Ivey follows with 17.3 points and 4.2 assists per game.

The Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Grizzlies and the Kings in their recent matchups. The team is posting an average of 111.4 points, achieving a shooting accuracy of 46.8 percent, while allowing 114.3 points at a shooting rate of 47.7 percent. Anthony Davis leads the team with an average of 27.5 points and 11.7 rebounds, and LeBron James follows with an average of 22.6 points and 7.9 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Detroit Pistons currently rank as a subpar team that lacks reliability, holding a record of 14-14-1 against the spread despite often being significant underdogs. Their performance on the road is even less impressive. Although the Pistons secured a victory against the Lakers last month, I do not consider that result to be particularly indicative of their capabilities. The current line appears justified. I would favor the Lakers, as a defeat or a narrow victory would be seen as unsatisfactory. A largely healthy Lakers squad is expected to perform strongly.