Free NBA Picks For Today, Thursday 11/21/2024

The NBA action slows down today with only four games on tap, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a profit! Take a look at the NBA Picks for Thursday 11/21/2024.

Detroit Pistons vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction NBA Picks 11/21/24

Pistons at Hornets at 7 PM ET

The Detroit Pistons have performed reasonably well recently, securing victories in three of their last five games. However, they aim to recover in this matchup following the end of their two-game winning streak, which was halted by the Bulls in a 122-112 defeat at home on Monday. Cade Cunningham was the standout player, contributing 26 points and 10 assists, while Malik Beasley provided 21 points from the bench, and Tobias Harris added 16 points to the team’s efforts.

The Charlotte Hornets are currently facing a tough stretch, having lost four of their last five games. They are looking to halt a two-game losing streak after a close 116-115 loss to the Nets on Tuesday. Brandon Miller was the top scorer for the Hornets, finishing with 29 points, four assists, and three steals. Miles Bridges contributed 21 points on eight of 14 shooting, while Tre Mann added 19 points and six assists in a strong performance off the bench.

The Pick:

The Pistons were exhibiting solid basketball performance until they encountered an unexpected setback against the Bulls on Monday. Nevertheless, they are likely to feel confident about their chances against a Hornets team that is currently in a slump following yet another challenging loss. With the betting line set at a pick ’em, there appears to be value in backing the Pistons, who have clearly been in better form. Although this is not a game I would typically engage with, the short line leads me to believe that the Pistons could achieve a victory on the road.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Toronto Raptors Prediction NBA Picks 11/21/24

Wolves at Raptors at 7:30 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves are gaining momentum as they pursue their third consecutive victory, following a narrow 120-117 home win against the Suns on Sunday. Julius Randle was the standout performer, contributing 35 points and seven assists, while Anthony Edwards added 24 points and Donte DiVincenzo provided 15 points from the bench.

The Toronto Raptors have struggled significantly at the outset of the season, recording losses in 12 of their first 15 matches. However, they have found a reason to celebrate after halting a seven-game losing streak with a 130-119 home win against the Pacers on Monday. RJ Barrett led the charge with an impressive performance, tallying 39 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Jakob Poeltl also made a notable contribution, scoring 30 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, along with two blocks, while Gradey Dick added 15 points to the team’s total.

The Pick:

Although the Timberwolves might be missing some personnel for this game, they are still evidently the stronger team, particularly given the Raptors’ downward trend before their unexpected win against the Pacers on Monday. Furthermore, the Timberwolves have had ample rest, as they last played on Sunday, indicating that a bet on the visitors at the modest line is warranted.

Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction NBA Picks 11/21/24

Jazz at Spurs at 8 PM ET

The Utah Jazz suffered defeats against both the Lakers and the Clippers. Currently, the team is averaging 108 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.7, while they are conceding an average of 118.9 points on 48.5 percent shooting. John Collins is contributing an average of 17.5 points and 7.8 rebounds, whereas Lauri Markkanen is averaging 17.3 points and 6.4 rebounds.

The San Antonio Spurs faced a loss to the Mavericks but triumphed over the Thunder. At present, the Spurs are recording an average of 109.1 points with a shooting accuracy of 45.9 percent, while they allow 109.6 points at a shooting percentage of 45.6. Victor Wembanyama is averaging 22.7 points and 10.5 rebounds, and Devin Vassell is contributing 16.3 points and 3.5 assists per game.

The Pick:

Once again, the San Antonio Spurs will be without the services of Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell, while Zach Collins and Chris Paul remain uncertain for the game. This absence of key players significantly hampers a Spurs team that is already facing challenges. Should the Jazz not emerge victorious in this contest, it may signal a need to reassess their season. Additionally, it is important to highlight that the Jazz achieved a victory against the Spurs on the road earlier this month. This game represents a favorable opportunity for the Jazz to claim a clear win.

Orlando Magic vs LA Lakers Prediction NBA Picks 11/21/24

Magic at Lakers at 10:30 PM ET

The Orlando Magic secured a victory against the Suns but suffered a defeat to the Clippers. Currently, the Orlando Magic are averaging 106.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.5, while they are permitting 102.2 points on 44.6 percent shooting. Paolo Banchero is contributing an average of 29 points and 5.6 assists, whereas Franz Wagner is averaging 22.9 points and 5.5 rebounds.

The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged victorious against the Pelicans and the Jazz. They are currently posting an average of 117.4 points per game with a shooting efficiency of 48.3 percent while permitting 116 points on 47.8 percent shooting. Anthony Davis is averaging 30.7 points along with 11.4 rebounds, and LeBron James contributes with averages of 23.5 points and 8.1 rebounds.

The Pick:

The conclusion of consecutive games poses challenges for teams that are dealing with injuries, and the Magic remain without Paolo Banchero. Meanwhile, the Lakers are on a winning streak, having secured victories in six consecutive games, and they have triumphed in seven of their last eight encounters with the Magic. I would require a larger point spread to contemplate backing the Magic in this situation. I favor the Lakers to win and to cover a reasonable spread.