Free NBA Picks For Today, Wednesday 10/23/2024

The second day of the new NBA season brings us 10 games, so make sure to check out the NBA Picks for Wednesday 10/23/2024.

Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons Prediction NBA Picks 10/23/24

Pacers at Pistons at 7 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers are entering this season with a strong sense of optimism, having reached the Eastern Conference Finals last year, where they were ultimately defeated by the eventual champions. In terms of roster changes during the offseason, the Pacers were relatively quiet, with the notable exception of signing free agent James Wiseman. Despite facing numerous injuries, the team managed to secure 47 victories in the regular season. With the addition of Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin for a full season, the prospects for this young team appear promising.

The Detroit Pistons have faced an unprecedented season, marking the lowest point in their franchise’s history with only 14 wins and establishing a new record for the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history at 28 games. Cade Cunningham was undoubtedly the team’s most valuable player, yet he was limited to just 20 games, while Jalen Duren missed 61 games due to injury. In terms of player transactions, the Pistons have re-signed Cunningham and added Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Tobias Harris to their roster, alongside the hiring of JB Bickerstaff as the new head coach. This upcoming season is anticipated to be another rebuilding effort for the team, but with a focus on health, they could potentially reach the 20-win mark.

The Pick:

The previous encounters between these teams have been largely dominated by the Pacers, who emerged victorious in all four matchups last season. It would be unexpected if this pattern were to change in the upcoming game. Given the relatively modest point spread, I am inclined to support the dependable Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers to secure a victory and successfully cover the spread while playing away.

Brooklyn Nets vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction NBA Picks 10/23/24

Nets at Hawks at 7:30 PM ET

The Brooklyn Nets are striving for a rebound season after concluding the previous campaign with only 32 wins, which led them to the Draft Lottery. In terms of roster adjustments, the team has brought in Bojan Bogdanovic, Killian Hayes, and Shake Milton, while trading away Mikal Bridges and Keita Bates-Diop. Expectations are high for Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton to excel, yet the primary focus will be on the polarizing Ben Simmons, who is anticipated to finally participate in games during the final year of his lucrative contract. Although the Nets are expected to enhance their performance compared to last season, it is unlikely that this improvement will translate into a playoff appearance.

The Atlanta Hawks are looking to secure a spot in the NBA Playoffs after narrowly missing qualification last season with a 36-46 record. Trae Young was under considerable pressure to lead the team offensively, but his absence for 28 games prevented the Hawks from establishing any significant momentum, even with strong contributions from Dejounte Murray, who has since been traded along with Saddiq Bey and Bruno Fernando. The Hawks did not make substantial changes during the offseason, yet there is optimism regarding the contributions of their first overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher. I believe the Hawks have the potential to surpass last season’s record, but I doubt this will be sufficient for them to reach the playoffs.

The Pick:

I anticipate that the Nets will face significant challenges following the trade of one of their top scorers. Consequently, I am inclined to favor the more robust Hawks to capitalize on their home advantage. Trae Young will be motivated to redeem himself after a lackluster season, and I believe he will commence the new season with an impressive performance at home. Additionally, the Nets are adjusting to a new coaching staff, which further supports my prediction that the Hawks will secure a victory and cover the spread in this matchup.

Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat Prediction NBA Picks 10/23/24

Magic at Heat at 7:30 PM ET

The Orlando Magic are determined to continue their upward trajectory in the league after recording 47 wins last season, which marked their return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. While they faced elimination in the first round, their ability to challenge the Cavaliers in a seven-game series has generated optimism about the potential growth of players such as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. In roster developments, the Magic have released Joe Ingles but have strengthened their lineup with the addition of reliable role players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cory Joseph. Although the team is still young and has significant progress to make before becoming genuine contenders, their performance from the previous season suggests that achieving over 50 wins this year is a realistic goal.

The Miami Heat are keen to rectify the shortcomings of their last season, which ended in an early exit at the hands of the Celtics in the first round, despite a commendable 46-win regular season. The team finished with a 5th place defensive rating, yet they struggled offensively throughout a season marred by injuries. In an effort to improve, the Heat traded Patty Mills, Caleb Martin, and Delon Wright, while bringing in Alec Burks, Nassir Little, and Kel’el Ware. The team’s prospects for the upcoming season will significantly hinge on their ability to keep their star players, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro, healthy, as all three faced injury challenges last year.

The Pick:

The Magic were the league’s unexpected team last season, and I expect them to start this season with another impressive performance. Nevertheless, the Heat are finally back to full health, leading me to wonder why they are not favored by a greater amount, especially when playing at home. Although the young Magic have the ability to secure a minor upset away from home, I contend that the Heat present excellent value in this situation with the short line.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction NBA Picks 10/23/24

Bucks at 76ers at 7:30 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to return to the forefront of championship contention after achieving 49 wins in the regular season, only to be ousted by the Pacers in the playoffs’ first round. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury significantly revealed the team’s lack of depth, particularly as key players like Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez struggled to perform. During the offseason, the Bucks made notable changes to their roster, trading Malik Beasley and acquiring Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., and Delon Wright. Should Antetokounmpo remain healthy, he is likely to be a candidate for the MVP award; however, Lillard will be under pressure to improve after an underwhelming debut season with the franchise.

The Philadelphia 76ers are determined to move forward after a lackluster season, having achieved 47 wins before being eliminated by the Knicks in the playoffs’ first round. Joel Embiid struggled with injuries once again, missing two months of play, and he has already been ruled out for the first week of the new season. Tyrese Maxey stood out as a beacon of hope for the 76ers during a difficult campaign, averaging 25.9 points per game and receiving the Kia Most Improved Player award. In terms of roster adjustments, the 76ers traded away Nicolas Batum, Mo Bamba, Buddy Hield, Cameron Payne, and De’Anthony Melton, while acquiring Andre Drummond, Paul George, Eric Gordon, Caleb Martin, and Reggie Jackson. The 76ers will take on the Raptors after this game.

The Pick:

Both teams are entering the season with limited rosters. The Bucks are still missing Khris Middleton, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, while the 76ers will be without Joel Embiid and Paul George. The 76ers have made significant offseason moves, allowing them to immediately test their new additions. However, facing the Bucks with a largely new team is a daunting task. While it would not be entirely unexpected for the 76ers to pull off an upset, I expect the Bucks to take full advantage of the situation and secure a win, along with covering the spread on the road.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors Prediction NBA Picks 10/23/24

Cavaliers at Raptors at 7:30 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers are poised to capitalize on their previous season’s success, during which they secured 48 victories and concluded the regular season in 4th place within the Eastern Conference, despite being eliminated by the Celtics. Their achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the challenges posed by injuries to key players Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert, which frequently hindered their momentum. In light of their accomplishments, the Cavaliers opted for a quiet offseason, re-signing Jarrett Allen, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley, while appointing Kenny Atkinson as the new head coach, a decision that has raised some eyebrows. It is anticipated that the Cavaliers will continue to ascend in the standings, particularly if Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, and Darius Garland can maintain their health.

The Toronto Raptors are determined to put behind them a season characterized by a disheartening 19 losses in their last 21 regular season games, leading to a poor overall record of 25-57. During this period, the team made strategic moves by acquiring RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley while trading away Pascal Siakam. A silver lining in an otherwise bleak season was the performance of Scottie Barnes, who capitalized on increased playing time to average 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. As the Raptors enter another rebuilding year, it is wise to set realistic expectations, although it is unlikely they will perform worse than they did last season.

The Pick:

Both teams are experiencing player shortages, with the Cavaliers missing Max Strus and the Raptors lacking RJ Barrett, Kelly Olynyk, and Bruce Brown. It is reasonable to see the Cavaliers positioned as road favorites in this scenario, particularly in light of the Raptors’ lackluster performance last season. While the game may start off competitively, the absence of several key players for the Raptors is likely to impact their performance negatively. The Cavaliers won two out of three matchups against the Raptors last season, and I believe this trend will continue as the Cavaliers launch their season with a solid victory and cover on the road at this favorable line.

Charlotte Hornets vs Houston Rockets Prediction NBA Picks 10/23/24

Hornets at Rockets at 8 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets achieved 21 wins last season and have not reached the playoffs since the 2015-16 season. This season marks the initiation of the Charles Lee era. The team features a young and promising player in Brandon Miller, who is expected to enhance his performance following a noteworthy rookie year. Miles Bridges is a dependable forward, and there is still optimism that first-round draft picks Tre Mann and Mark Williams will begin to flourish. The return of LaMelo Ball is pivotal for the Hornets, as he is projected to be the franchise’s leading figure, although he has only participated in a total of 58 games over the last two seasons.

Last season, the Houston Rockets recorded 41 wins and are now entering their second year under Coach Ime Udoka. The only notable addition to the team is AJ Griffin, as no other changes were made to the roster. The franchise is counting on the continued development of Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. to bear fruit. Fred VanVleet proved to be a steady contributor in his first season after leaving Toronto, while Dillon Brooks has settled into his established role. The potential return of a healthy Steven Adams would be a significant boost for the Rockets, given his absence last year; he is a dependable presence in the paint on both ends of the court. The trajectory of the Rockets seems to be positive.

The Pick:

The Hornets are in a better state of health than they were during the last season, indicating progress. However, their failure to secure any significant new players renders them a rather mediocre team, which complicates any confident backing. Conversely, the Rockets are a youthful and skilled team that is on an upward trajectory. For them to have a shot at the playoffs, it is vital that they win these matches convincingly, particularly when they are at home. As such, I will choose to back the Rockets to cover the spread.

Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction NBA Picks 10/23/24

Bulls at Pelicans at 8 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls concluded the previous season with a total of 39 victories, marking the fifth year of their tenure under Coach Billy Donovan. Unfortunately, the team has not qualified for the playoffs in seven of the last nine seasons. Aside from the acquisition of Josh Giddey, the Bulls have not made significant moves to alter the trajectory of the franchise. Zach LaVine remains part of the team, despite ongoing trade speculation. Lonzo Ball appears to be in better health and may return at some point, which would be a significant boost. Coby White has developed into a competent starting guard, while Nikola Vucevic continues to deliver consistent double-double performances at the age of 34. Ayo Dosunmu is coming off his most successful season to date, which is a positive sign.

Following a season in which they achieved 49 wins, the New Orleans Pelicans are striving to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive year, a feat not accomplished since the 2008-09 season. Willie Green is set to begin his fourth year as head coach. The acquisition of Dejounte Murray marks a significant move for the team, although they have lost Jonas Valanciunas, who provided essential post presence. The Pelicans are an exciting team in the Western Conference, boasting a talented quartet of Murray, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson. Furthermore, they still have the contributions of Jose Alvarado and Herbert Jones coming off the bench. Should Zion remain injury-free and Ingram show commitment, the Pelicans could create considerable noise in the league.

The Pick:

The Bulls have considerable work ahead of them, as they have been a team that has hovered around mediocrity for a significant duration. They have not made any roster enhancements, and there are persistent trade rumors involving some of their players. On the other hand, I have previously asserted that the Pelicans are a team to watch, with the potential to make a legitimate playoff run, assuming their players can remain injury-free. I would favor the Pelicans along with a reasonably justifiable figure.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Utah Jazz Prediction NBA Picks 10/23/24

Grizzlies at Jazz at 9 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies finished the last season with 27 wins, entering their sixth year under the guidance of Coach Taylor Jenkins. This season is expected to present a different scenario, particularly with Ja Morant anticipated to participate fully, having only played 9 games last season, which curtailed the Grizzlies’ potential. Marcus Smart appears to be healthy, while Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are likely to continue as reliable support players. Zach Edey contributes significant size and physicality to the team and is considered a strong candidate for the Rookie of the Year award. Moreover, GG Jackson II gained important playing time last season and may become an essential contributor off the bench.

Last season, the Jazz achieved a total of 31 victories and are now entering their third year under the leadership of Coach Will Hardy. They have not experienced a playoff absence for three consecutive seasons since the 2015-16 campaign. On paper, the Jazz present an intriguing roster, featuring a wealth of young talent such as Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, John Collins, and Lauri Markkanen. Additionally, Jordan Clarkson stands out as one of the league’s more effective bench players. However, it is worth noting that Sexton and Markkanen have frequently been the subject of trade discussions, raising questions about the longevity of this team’s cohesion. The Jazz possess the capability to be competitive and vie for a playoff position, contingent upon maintaining their current roster and fostering mutual trust among the players.

The Pick:

On paper, the Grizzlies appear to be the superior team; however, they are currently facing several significant injuries among key players. In contrast, the Jazz are in good health and possess a level of talent that is often overlooked, which may allow them to surprise opponents as underdogs this season. I will be monitoring the Jazz closely in the early stages of the season, as I am curious to see if they can achieve notable success. They may be poised for an unexpected surge. We are still assessing these teams, of course. I would favor the Jazz in this matchup.

Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers Prediction NBA Picks 10/23/24

Suns at Clippers at 10 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns concluded the previous season with a record of 49 victories, only to be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. They now embark on a new chapter under the leadership of Mike Budenholzer. Given the high cost of their roster, the team remains largely unchanged. The trio of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant is expected to shoulder the majority of the team’s responsibilities. The acquisition of Tyus Jones at point guard is a positive development, as he can help stabilize the team, while Grayson Allen aims to build on an impressive shooting performance from last season. Although the Suns possess considerable talent, they are heavily reliant on their top players. If Budenholzer can effectively harness this potential, the team may thrive. Conversely, failure to do so could leave the Suns in a difficult financial situation with limited resources, prolonging their path to recovery.

The Clippers recorded 51 wins in the previous season, but they have not secured a playoff series victory since the 2020-21 season. Tyronn Lue is beginning his fifth year as head coach, and the team has seen notable changes with the exits of Paul George and Russell Westbrook. The Clippers have made some astute signings, including Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kevin Porter Jr., though it is debatable whether these moves will be adequate. The health of Kawhi Leonard is paramount, and James Harden faces significant expectations to regain his high-scoring capabilities. With the addition of Jones and Terance Mann, this version of the Clippers seems poised to adopt a more gritty approach. The critical factor will be whether they can muster enough scoring power.

The Pick:

The Clippers are expected to be energized for this game, as it represents the first contest in their newly established arena. Nonetheless, they have suffered considerable losses in terms of player production this offseason and will be missing Kawhi for an indeterminate duration. The outlook for the Clippers was not particularly promising even before the season began. On the other hand, the Suns have enhanced their coaching staff and boast a roster that is among the most talented in the league. I foresee the Suns coming out with vigor and achieving both a win and a cover. Thus, I will favor Phoenix.

Golden State Warriors vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction NBA Picks 10/23/24

Warriors at Trail Blazers at 10 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors have not qualified for the playoffs in three of the past five seasons, leading to a perception that an era is coming to a close. The partnership known as the Splash Brothers has effectively ended with Klay Thompson’s departure to Dallas, and the experiment involving Chris Paul has also concluded. The arrival of Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield may represent an improvement, particularly given Thompson’s inconsistent performance in recent years. Stephen Curry remains a pivotal figure, providing the Warriors with a competitive edge when he is in form. For the team to remain relevant in the Western Conference, Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga must show significant development. Additionally, Draymond Green needs to maintain exemplary conduct, while Andrew Wiggins should assume a more supportive role rather than being an afterthought. The return to health of Gary Payton II would also be beneficial. Nevertheless, the Warriors appear to be a franchise that has seen better days, heavily depending on Curry to navigate through challenging times.

Last season, the Portland Trail Blazers achieved 21 wins, entering their fourth year under Coach Chauncey Billups. The team has experienced a three-year absence from the playoffs and has not triumphed in a playoff series since the 2018-19 season. The Trail Blazers are currently undergoing a rebuilding process, featuring a predominantly young roster with only one player over the age of 30. The organization is hopeful that some of its young lottery selections, such as Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, and Shaedon Sharpe, will develop into long-term contributors. As the new season approaches, there is a desire to see Deandre Ayton complete a full season and for Anfernee Simons to advance in his performance at 25 years old. Nevertheless, it is expected that the Trail Blazers will face challenges in winning games this season, and the possibility of Jerami Grant being traded again looms. The emphasis for Portland remains on future development, with an uncertain timeline for achieving success.

The Pick:

The Trail Blazers have made minimal improvements to their roster and are now facing the absence of several rotation players at the start of the season. This predicament dampens any excitement surrounding the team. Although the Warriors might be facing a downturn, key players such as Steph and Draymond are expected to remain competitive. If the Warriors aim to secure a playoff berth, they must take advantage of matchups like this one. There should be no excuses for failure. I will back the Warriors by taking the points.