December 22, 2024 at 07:05 PM EST
This week in the NBA concludes with three games, and here you can read the NBA Picks for Sunday 12/22/2024.
Houston Rockets vs Toronto Raptors Prediction NBA Picks 12/22/24
Rockets at Raptors at 6 PM ET
Recently, the Houston Rockets have shown impressive form, winning six of their last nine contests. They are motivated to continue this trend after a convincing 133-113 win at home against the shorthanded Pelicans on Thursday. Jalen Green led the scoring with 34 points, complemented by six rebounds and three assists. Dillon Brooks contributed significantly with 26 points, and Alperen Sengun added 23 points, along with nine rebounds and seven assists.
The Toronto Raptors are currently facing significant challenges, having suffered defeats in nine of their last twelve games. They are eager to end a six-game losing streak following a 101-94 loss to the Nets on Thursday. Ochai Agbaji was the standout performer for the team, scoring 20 points on eight of 16 shooting. Gradey Dick contributed 19 points, while Scottie Barnes added 16 points and six assists. However, no other player managed to reach double figures in scoring.
The Pick:
The Rockets have been consistently strong this season, and their dominant performance against the Pelicans on Thursday highlighted their skill. Conversely, the Raptors come into this game after suffering their sixth consecutive loss, having fallen to the struggling Nets in their most recent match. The Rockets were always likely to be the favorites in this contest, and I believe they will find success with relative ease if they can begin the game with a swift start. Go with the Rockets.
Indiana Pacers vs Sacramento Kings Prediction NBA Picks 12/22/24
Pacers at Kings at 6 PM ET
The Indiana Pacers have demonstrated impressive performance lately, winning four out of their last five games. They are looking to achieve a fourth straight victory after defeating the Suns with a score of 120-111 in an away game on Thursday. Pascal Siakam was the team’s leading scorer with 25 points, complemented by 18 rebounds and three assists. Myles Turner and Andrew Nembhard both contributed 19 points, while Tyrese Haliburton added 13 points along with 12 assists.
The Sacramento Kings are currently facing a downturn, having lost 10 of their last 15 games. They are eager to halt a three-game losing streak after a 103-99 loss to the Lakers last night. De’Aaron Fox led the team with an impressive 31 points and seven assists. Domantas Sabonis contributed significantly with 19 points, 19 rebounds, and five assists, while DeMar DeRozan added 12 points and three assists. Conversely, Malik Monk had a difficult game, scoring just seven points on three of 14 shooting and recording five turnovers.
The Pick:
The Pacers faced significant challenges at the beginning of the season; however, they are beginning to improve and demonstrated their potential with a solid victory against the Suns on Thursday. In contrast, the Kings have maintained an erratic performance throughout the season, even though they are among the few teams in the league that are relatively injury-free. While it is understandable that the Kings are favored to win at home, they are competing in their second game of a back-to-back series, which leads me to consider the possibility of an upset in this matchup.
Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction NBA Picks 12/22/24
Nuggets at Pelicans at 7 PM ET
The Denver Nuggets faced a loss to the Trail Blazers but triumphed over the Kings. At present, the Nuggets are scoring an average of 119.4 points with a shooting accuracy of 49.6 percent, while allowing 116.9 points at a shooting rate of 46.7 percent. Nikola Jokic is averaging 31 points and 13 rebounds, and Jamal Murray is contributing 18.7 points along with 3.9 rebounds.
The New Orleans Pelicans suffered defeats against both the Rockets and the Knicks. Currently, the team is averaging 105.4 points per game with a shooting percentage of 43.7, while they are permitting 117.1 points on 48.7 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is contributing an average of 22.7 points and 8 rebounds, whereas Brandon Ingram is averaging 22.2 points along with 5.6 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Denver Nuggets continue to struggle with consistency, as evidenced by their recent defeat to the Trail Blazers. Notably, seven of their eleven losses have occurred away from home, including a previous loss to the Pelicans last month. Given the current form of the Nuggets, who have been lackluster throughout the season, the substantial point spread seems challenging for them. I am inclined to support the Pelicans to cover the spread.