October 24, 2024 at 10:15 PM EDT
Four NBA games are on tap today, and here you can read the NBA Picks for Thursday 10/24/2024.
Boston Celtics vs Washington Wizards Prediction NBA Picks 10/24/24
Celtics at Wizards at 7 PM ET
In a single game, the Celtics demonstrated their intent to secure back-to-back championships by decisively defeating the Knicks with a score of 132-109 on Tuesday. Jayson Tatum ignited the offense early, sinking eight 3-pointers and finishing with 37 points and 10 assists. Derrick White contributed significantly with six 3-pointers, totaling 24 points, while Jaylen Brown added 23 points to the team’s impressive performance.
As the Washington Wizards prepare for another season of rebuilding, there is a sense of optimism following a challenging previous season that concluded with only 15 victories. Jordan Poole was expected to take on a leading role for the youthful team, but he recorded a disappointing 32.6 percent shooting from the three-point range, averaging 17.4 points and 4.4 assists per game. Kyle Kuzma emerged as a key scorer with an average of 22.2 points per game, while Deni Avdija added 14.7 points per game. In terms of player transactions, the Wizards have traded away Deni Avdija, Tyus Jones, and Landry Shamet, while acquiring Saddiq Bey, Malcolm Brogdon, and Jonas Valanciunas. Furthermore, the team made a notable selection in the NBA draft, choosing Alex Sarr with the second overall pick.
The Pick:
The Wizards have not yet taken the court this season, which creates anticipation regarding the integration of their new players. It is essential to recognize that they will likely face some initial hurdles as they adapt. Nonetheless, I am optimistic about the potential for the Wizards to show marked improvement over the course of the season, although this progress may not begin against a Celtics team that already appears to be in peak form. The spread is considerable, but I am going to favor the more stable Celtics to get a win away from home.
San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction NBA Picks 10/24/24
Spurs at Mavericks at 7:30 PM ET
The San Antonio Spurs are aiming to elevate their performance after finishing last season with only 22 wins. Victor Wembenyama showcased his remarkable skills, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year title, yet the team’s role players did not effectively engage him in the game. To rectify this, the Spurs have acquired Chris Paul in free agency and traded for Harrison Barnes. While the expectations for the 39-year-old Paul may be modest, his experience and scoring capabilities are expected to provide a boost, paving the way for a potentially outstanding season for Wembenyama.
The Dallas Mavericks aspire to reach the NBA Finals once again after being eliminated by the Celtics, following a successful regular season that saw them secure 50 victories. The team made headlines with the addition of Kyrie Irving and is now seeking to bolster their lineup by targeting Klay Thompson from the Warriors. Other significant off-season acquisitions included Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes, and Naji Marshall. Luka Doncic had a remarkable year, averaging 33.9 points per game, and the Mavericks are encouraged by the development of players such as Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, and PJ Washington.
The Pick:
The Spurs are commencing their season in nearly optimal health, with the exception of Devin Vassell, who remains sidelined due to a foot injury. Conversely, the Mavericks are still without Dante Exum, who is recovering from wrist surgery. The Mavericks have made significant changes during the offseason, appearing to be a more formidable team on paper. However, it will require time for the new players to acclimate. I anticipate that the Mavericks will secure a victory at home, yet I believe the restructured Spurs will provide a strong challenge and maintain competitiveness until the conclusion of the game.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Sacramento Kings Prediction NBA Picks 10/24/24
Timberwolves at Kings at 10 PM ET
The Minnesota Timberwolves faced a defeat against the Lakers in their season opener. Currently, the Timberwolves are averaging 103 points per game with a shooting percentage of 41.2, while they are conceding 110 points at a shooting percentage of 44.2. Anthony Edwards leads the team with an average of 27 points and 6 rebounds, followed by Julius Randle, who contributes 16 points and 4 assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is the third player to score in double digits, and Rudy Gobert is securing an impressive 14 rebounds per game. The Timberwolves are shooting 31.7 percent from three-point range and 74.1 percent from the free-throw line. Defensively, they are allowing opponents to shoot 16.7 percent from beyond the arc and are averaging 47 rebounds per game.
The Sacramento Kings achieved a total of 46 victories in the previous season and are now entering their third year under the leadership of Coach Mike Brown. Since the 2006-07 season, the Kings have only qualified for the playoffs on one occasion. The team made a significant acquisition by bringing in DeMar DeRozan, which provides them with an additional scoring option. Domantas Sabonis is regarded as one of the more underrated centers in the league, while De’Aaron Fox has proven himself to be an All-Star caliber point guard. Keegan Murray has demonstrated potential during his first two seasons, and Keon Ellis is anticipated to have a breakout year. Additionally, a full season with Kevin Huerter would be beneficial.
The Pick:
Compared to last season, the Kings have made significant strides and are expected to be keen on starting strong. On the other hand, the Timberwolves have the benefit of having played a game already, and if they intend to compete in the Western Conference again, they are unlikely to be seen as underdogs very often. Furthermore, the Timberwolves have achieved a 9-4 record against the spread in their last 13 outings as underdogs. Go with the Wolves.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets Prediction NBA Picks 10/24/24
Thunder at Nuggets at 10 PM ET
The Oklahoma City Thunder recorded 57 wins in the last season and began their fifth year with Coach Mark Daigneault at the helm. With valuable playoff experience gained, the team is anticipated to perform better than in the previous year. The signings of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein have strengthened the Thunder’s defense and introduced a level of toughness. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as a superstar, and Chet Holmgren is coming off his finest season thus far. Furthermore, players like Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort are progressing well in their development.
Following their NBA championship, the Denver Nuggets recorded 57 wins and reached the conference semifinals. As they enter their tenth season with Coach Michael Malone at the helm, the Nuggets continue to pose a significant challenge to the Celtics’ aspirations for a repeat title. The team has seen the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Reggie Jackson, and Justin Holiday, who have been replaced by Russell Westbrook, Dario Saric, and DaRon Holmes II. While Westbrook could prove to be a pivotal addition for the Nuggets, the team’s trajectory will primarily hinge on the performances of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.
The Pick:
The Nuggets have established themselves as one of the premier home teams in the NBA, and they are currently benefiting from good health. Conversely, Oklahoma City is missing several important rotation players, namely Williams and Hartenstein, which presents a challenging scenario when facing Jokic and his teammates. Therefore, I must support the Nuggets at home.