November 17, 2024 at 09:15 PM EST
This week in the NBA will conclude with a 10-game slate, and here you can check out the NBA Picks for Sunday 11/17/2024.
Phoenix Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction NBA Picks 11/17/24
Suns at Wolves at 3:30 PM ET
The Phoenix Suns have experienced a decline from their previous seven-game winning streak and are now striving to prevent a third consecutive loss following a significant 99-83 defeat to the Thunder on the road last Friday. Josh Okogie was the team’s leading scorer with a mere 15 points and nine rebounds, while Devin Booker contributed only 12 points. Royce O’Neale added 11 points off the bench, but no other player managed to reach double figures in scoring. Devin Booker struggled with his shooting, making only two of ten attempts from the field and committing four turnovers, whereas Jusuf Nurkic recorded just four points with an unsuccessful shooting performance of zero for seven.
Recently, the Minnesota Timberwolves have faced some difficulties, but their spirits have been lifted after securing a 130-126 overtime win against the Kings on Friday, thus breaking a three-game losing streak. Anthony Edwards was the team’s leading scorer with 36 points on 14 of 27 shooting. Julius Randle added 26 points and five assists, while Mike Conley contributed 14 points, seven assists, and five steals. Rudy Gobert also played a crucial role, finishing with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks.
The Pick:
The Suns had a strong beginning to the season, yet they are heavily reliant on a few key players and do not possess the depth required to manage the injuries of two of their top scorers. On the other hand, the Timberwolves experienced difficulties over a three-game span before achieving a gritty overtime win against the Kings on Friday. Considering the modest line for this contest, I am quite assured in choosing the Timberwolves to exploit the vulnerabilities of the undermanned Suns.
Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers Prediction NBA Picks 11/17/24
Heat at Pacers at 5 PM ET
Although the Miami Heat have struggled to find their rhythm in recent games, they are eager to capitalize on the momentum generated by their impressive 124-111 away win over the Pacers last Friday. Bam Adebayo was instrumental in this victory, recording 30 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and five steals. Additionally, Tyler Herro contributed 20 points and five assists, while Kevin Love provided valuable support with 15 points, seven rebounds, and four steals.
At present, the Indiana Pacers find themselves in a difficult situation, having suffered losses in three of their last four games. They are looking to recover after a tough defeat against the Heat on Friday. Obi Toppin emerged as the leading scorer for the team, netting 21 points on eight of ten shooting. Tyrese Haliburton also made a notable contribution with 18 points and eight assists, while Pascal Siakam and TJ McConnell each scored 14 points. Unfortunately, the Pacers did not receive sufficient scoring from their starters, as Myles Turner recorded only nine points and Bennedict Mathurin added just eight points.
The Pick:
The Heat have not yet reached their full potential this season; however, they likely gained significant confidence from their victory over the Pacers on Friday, especially since they accomplished this without Butler in the lineup. It is inherently challenging to defeat the same team consecutively on their home court, so I anticipate a strong response from the Pacers, who did not perform to their usual standards in the initial encounter.
Detroit Pistons vs Washington Wizards Prediction NBA Picks 11/17/24
Pistons at Wizards at 6 PM ET
The Detroit Pistons triumphed over the Raptors but faced a loss against the Bucks. At present, the team averages 108.6 points with a shooting accuracy of 46.1 percent, while allowing 110.6 points at a rate of 44.9 percent shooting. Cade Cunningham is posting an average of 23.2 points and 7.1 rebounds, and Jaden Ivey is contributing 18.2 points along with 3.9 assists.
The Washington Wizards experienced setbacks against the Spurs and the Hawks. They are currently averaging 110.9 points with a shooting percentage of 44 percent while permitting 124 points at a shooting rate of 47.2 percent. Jordan Poole is averaging 22.2 points and 2.3 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma contributes an average of 17.2 points and 2.3 assists.
The Pick:
The Wizards are performing poorly on the offensive end and rank last in points allowed. Given their current state, I prefer to distance myself from the Wizards. The Pistons are expected to secure a victory in this matchup, bringing them closer to a .500 record and a potentially fruitful season. I am willing to accept the reasonable spread with the Pistons.
Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction NBA Picks 11/17/24
Hornets at Cavaliers at 6 PM ET
The Charlotte Hornets have been performing well, having won three of their last five games. Their confidence is likely heightened after achieving a 115-114 victory over the Bucks in their home arena last night. LaMelo Ball led the charge with an impressive 26 points, along with nine rebounds and six assists. Miles Bridges contributed significantly with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Josh Green rounded out the scoring with 15 points and five assists.
Currently, the Cleveland Cavaliers are on an impressive winning streak, seeking their 15th straight victory after easily defeating the Bulls 144-126 in a home game on Friday. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 37 points, complemented by seven rebounds and four assists. Darius Garland added to the team’s success with 29 points and nine assists, while Jarrett Allen contributed 24 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. Off the bench, Caris LeVert made a notable contribution with 22 points and eight assists.
The Pick:
It comes as no shock that the Cavaliers are favored heavily at home, given their unbeaten record. Nonetheless, they will be missing Mitchell, who is central to their offensive strategy. Although the Cavaliers are likely to achieve an easy win at home, the Hornets have shown improvement beyond what their record reflects, and they may pose a challenge as the game unfolds.
Denver Nuggets vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction NBA Picks 11/17/24
Nuggets at Grizzlies at 6 PM ET
The Denver Nuggets have been performing exceptionally well, winning seven out of their last nine games. Nevertheless, they will be looking to rebound after their five-game winning streak was interrupted by a 101-94 loss to the shorthanded Pelicans on Friday. Michael Porter Jr. led the scoring with 24 points on 10 of 18 shooting, while Jamal Murray provided 16 points and eight assists. Peyton Watson also made a significant impact with 18 points, and Christian Braun contributed 15 points along with five steals. Conversely, Russell Westbrook had a lackluster outing, scoring just five points on two of eight shooting from the bench.
Recently, the Memphis Grizzlies have shown solid form, winning five out of their last eight games. Nonetheless, they are looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat after a close loss to the high-performing Warriors, who triumphed 123-118 in their recent away game on Friday. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the scoring with 32 points, complemented by six rebounds and two blocks. Desmond Bane contributed 18 points from the bench, while Jaylen Wells added 16 points to the tally. On the other hand, Santi Aldama had a quiet performance with just four points, Scotty Pippen scored three points, and Brandon Clarke finished with only two points.
The Pick:
The Grizzlies continue to compete without their star point guard; however, it is reasonable to assert that they gained significant confidence from their ability to challenge the Warriors, a team that has been dominating their opponents. While one could present arguments for both perspectives, I find myself inclined to support the Grizzlies, who are more experienced in playing with a reduced roster.
Atlanta Hawks vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction NBA Picks 11/17/24
Hawks at Trail Blazers at 6 PM ET
The Atlanta Hawks are showing signs of resurgence, winning four out of their last seven games. They are now in pursuit of a third straight win after achieving a commanding 129-117 home victory over the Wizards on Friday. Dyson Daniels led the scoring with 25 points, while De’Andre Hunter added 22 points from the bench. Jalen Johnson and Trae Young also made significant contributions, each scoring 18 points.
The Portland Trail Blazers have experienced a challenging beginning to the season, securing only three victories in their initial 11 games. However, they are now striving for a third consecutive win following a commendable 106-98 home triumph over the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Shaedon Sharpe was the standout performer, scoring 33 points on 12 of 23 shooting, while Donovan Clingan contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds. Additionally, Dalano Banton provided valuable support with 13 points and five assists from the bench.
The Pick:
The Hawks are still in the process of finding their optimal performance level, yet their ability to secure victories in their last two games is a positive sign, reflecting a team-oriented approach instead of depending solely on Young’s contributions. The Trail Blazers are experiencing a similar situation, having turned their fortunes around with two consecutive wins against the Timberwolves after a period of struggle. At this point, it is difficult to separate these two teams, and I consider this matchup to be evenly balanced; consequently, I would appreciate any free points that may be offered.
Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls Prediction NBA Picks 11/17/24
Rockets at Bulls at 7 PM ET
The Houston Rockets achieved victories against the Wizards and Clippers. They are currently averaging 112.5 points with a shooting percentage of 44 percent, while their opponents score an average of 106 points on 43.8 percent shooting. Jalen Green is averaging 19.8 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun contributes 17.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.
The Chicago Bulls suffered a defeat against the Cavaliers but managed to defeat the Knicks. They are currently averaging 116.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.8, while their opponents are scoring an average of 122.2 points on 48.4 percent shooting. Zach LaVine is averaging 21.9 points and 5.2 rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic contributes 21 points and 3.1 assists on average.
The Pick:
The Rockets are an emerging team with considerable talent that is beginning to establish its identity. In contrast, the Bulls are experiencing significant difficulties on the defensive end, leading to losses in six out of their last eight contests. I would need a larger point spread to genuinely consider the Bulls. The Rockets seem to be on an upward trajectory and can be trusted when facing teams of lesser quality. Thus, I will place my confidence in the Rockets.
Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks Prediction NBA Picks 11/17/24
Nets at Knicks at 7 PM ET
The Brooklyn Nets experienced losses to the Celtics and the Knicks. At present, the team averages 111.9 points, achieving a shooting accuracy of 46.1 percent, while allowing 114.7 points at a shooting rate of 48.5 percent. Cam Thomas leads the team with an average of 25.3 points and 3.2 rebounds, while Dennis Schroder contributes with an average of 18.8 points and 3 rebounds.
The New York Knicks suffered a defeat against the Chicago Bulls but secured a victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Currently, the Knicks are averaging 115.8 points per game with a shooting percentage of 49.6, while they are permitting 112.3 points on 47.2 percent shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns is contributing an average of 26.5 points and 12.2 rebounds, whereas Jalen Brunson is averaging 25.3 points and 6.6 assists.
The Pick:
Although the Nets are struggling to secure wins, they have an impressive 10-3 record against the spread this season, which is our main concern. The Knicks have triumphed in their last seven games against the Nets, but it is noteworthy that three of the last four contests were settled by five points or fewer. Furthermore, the Knicks could potentially be without McBride and Towns for this matchup, as their status remains questionable. Therefore, I suggest placing your confidence in the Nets along with the points.
Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction NBA Picks 11/17/24
Mavericks at Thunder at 7 PM ET
The Dallas Mavericks faced a loss to the Jazz but triumphed over the Spurs. At present, the Mavericks are scoring an average of 114.3 points with a shooting accuracy of 48 percent, while they allow 111.3 points at a shooting rate of 45.8 percent. Luka Doncic is averaging 29.3 points and 8 assists, while Kyrie Irving contributes an average of 25.2 points and 4.6 rebounds.
The Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious against the Suns and the Pelicans. They are averaging 115.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.9, while their opponents score an average of 102.2 points on 41.5 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is performing exceptionally, averaging 27.9 points and 6.2 assists, while Jalen Williams contributes significantly with averages of 20.3 points and 6.5 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Dallas Mavericks have triumphed in four out of their last five matchups against the Oklahoma City Thunder, yet their overall performance has been disappointing, particularly as they are finishing a back-to-back series. The Thunder, on the other hand, enjoy the advantage of rest, are competing on their home court, and face a Mavericks team that previously eliminated them in May. Furthermore, the Thunder were one of the league’s most effective teams in covering the spread last season and currently boast a 9-3-1 record against the spread this season. Consistently backing the Thunder has been a lucrative strategy in the NBA, and I intend to follow suit in this instance.
Utah Jazz vs LA Clippers Prediction NBA Picks 11/17/24
Jazz at Clippers at 9 PM ET
The Utah Jazz faced a loss to the Kings but managed to triumph over the Mavericks. At present, the team averages 106.6 points with a shooting accuracy of 43.4 percent, while they allow 118.5 points with an opponent shooting percentage of 47.8. John Collins is contributing an average of 18.1 points and 7.8 rebounds, and Lauri Markkanen is averaging 16.3 points along with 6.1 rebounds.
The LA Clippers suffered defeats against both the Thunder and the Rockets. Currently, the team is averaging 109.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46 percent, while they are permitting an average of 110.2 points on 46.2 percent shooting. Norman Powell is contributing an average of 23.6 points and 3.3 rebounds, whereas James Harden is averaging 20.7 points along with 8 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Jazz are concluding a back-to-back series, yet they have demonstrated competitiveness recently, managing to cover the spread in four of their last six contests. Conversely, the Clippers have suffered three consecutive losses and hold a record of 3-6-1 against the spread in their last ten games. Additionally, the Clippers have struggled as favorites, with a 1-5 record against the spread in their last six games when favored by eight points or more. I favor the Jazz along with the additional points.