November 20, 2024 at 10:45 PM EST
The NBA action returns with an 8-game slate today, and here you can read the NBA Picks for Wednesday 11/20/2024.
Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction NBA Picks 11/20/24
Bulls at Bucks at 7:30 PM ET
The Chicago Bulls have encountered a challenging period, having lost seven out of their last ten games. However, their spirits are likely lifted following a 122-112 victory against the Pistons on the road this past Monday. Nikola Vucevic was the standout performer, contributing 29 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks. Additionally, Coby White and Zach LaVine each added 25 points, while Josh Giddey supported the effort with 11 points, eight rebounds, and ten assists.
The Milwaukee Bucks are on an upward trajectory, winning three out of their last four games. They are motivated to continue this success after a dramatic 101-100 home win against the Rockets on Monday. Brook Lopez was instrumental in the victory, scoring 27 points and securing 10 rebounds along with four blocks. Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed significantly with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks, while Damian Lillard provided valuable support with 18 points and 10 assists.
The Pick:
The Bulls encountered significant struggles before managing to defeat an improving Pistons team on Monday. Conversely, the Bucks come into this game with greater momentum, following a strong win against the Rockets in their last match. The teams last faced each other on October 25, when the Bulls achieved a notable 133-122 victory in Milwaukee. It is likely that the Bucks will be eager to rectify that outcome, and I expect them to come out strong in this game. Although the Bulls demonstrated exceptional skill in their last performance by making 23 three-pointers, I do not believe they will be able to secure a second victory against the Bucks in their own venue.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction NBA Picks 11/20/24
Pelicans at Cavaliers at 7:30 PM ET
The New Orleans Pelicans are struggling significantly, having recorded losses in 11 of their last 13 games. They are eager to halt a two-game losing streak after being overwhelmed by the Mavericks, who defeated them 132-91 in their most recent away contest. Trey Murphy was the standout performer for the team, scoring 19 points, while Brandon Ingram provided 17 points and four assists, and Javonte Green contributed 14 points.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been on an extraordinary run, securing 15 consecutive victories, making them the hottest team in the league. However, their winning streak was interrupted last night by the Boston Celtics, who triumphed with a score of 120-117 in an away game. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with an impressive performance, scoring 35 points and grabbing eight rebounds while also providing three assists. Evan Mobley also made a notable contribution with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, and Craig Porter Jr. added 15 points coming off the bench.
The Pick:
The Pelicans find themselves among the least effective teams in the league, grappling with a significant shortage of players and competing in their second away game in as many nights. On the other hand, the Cavaliers have just seen their 15-game winning streak come to a halt; however, there is a sense that they are ready to initiate another winning streak, starting with a comfortable win in this encounter.
Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets Prediction NBA Picks 11/20/24
Pacers at Rockets at 8 PM ET
The Indiana Pacers have been striving for greater consistency, having lost four out of their last six games. They are looking to improve following a significant defeat against the struggling Raptors, where they fell 130-119 on the road this past Monday. Bennedict Mathurin was the standout performer for the team, scoring 28 points, while Pascal Siakam contributed 25 points along with 10 rebounds and five assists. Obi Toppin provided a valuable 19 points off the bench, and Tyrese Haliburton added 16 points and five steals. However, Haliburton’s shooting difficulties persisted, as he managed to hit only five of his 18 attempts from the field and two of nine from beyond the arc.
Recently, the Houston Rockets have shown remarkable form, winning seven of their last nine contests. Nevertheless, they will be determined to rebound in this matchup after their five-game winning streak was interrupted by a close 101-100 defeat against the Bucks on Monday. Fred VanVleet led the scoring with 26 points, complemented by six rebounds and five assists. Jalen Green contributed 21 points and nine rebounds, while Alperen Sengun added 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to the team’s total.
The Pick:
The Pacers possess the potential to achieve an upset despite being short on personnel; however, the Rockets were on a five-game winning streak prior to their narrow loss to the Bucks by a single point on Monday. Therefore, I am confident in the Rockets’ ability to secure a victory at home.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction NBA Picks 11/20/24
76ers at Grizzlies at 8 PM ET
The Philadelphia 76ers are currently experiencing a significant downturn in performance, having suffered losses in 11 of their initial 13 games. They are eager to prevent a fifth consecutive defeat following a disappointing 106-89 loss to the Heat on the road this past Monday. Jared McCain was the standout performer for the team, scoring 20 points, while Paul George contributed 18 points along with six rebounds and five assists. Additionally, Caleb Martin added 12 points to the team’s efforts.
The Memphis Grizzlies are currently facing a rough patch, having lost three of their last four games. They are seeking to rebound after a lopsided defeat to the Nuggets, who won 122-110 last night. Santi Aldama led the scoring for the Grizzlies with 28 points and 11 rebounds from the bench. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 19 points, along with eight rebounds and five blocks, while Scotty Pippen Jr. added 16 points and six assists. However, Desmond Bane struggled significantly, finishing the game with just five points on a shooting record of one for ten.
The Pick:
The Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as the most underwhelming team in the league this season, struggling to find their rhythm even with their two star players returning to the roster. In contrast, the Memphis Grizzlies have demonstrated greater consistency throughout the season, although they are currently dealing with injuries and are facing their second consecutive game. Nevertheless, my confidence in the 76ers is lacking, leading me to favor the Grizzlies to secure a victory as the home underdogs in this matchup.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction NBA Picks 11/20/24
Trail Blazers at Thunder at 8 PM ET
The Portland Trail Blazers triumphed over the Timberwolves and the Hawks in recent matchups. The team is presently averaging 107.4 points with a shooting accuracy of 43.6 percent while allowing 114.2 points at a shooting rate of 46.9 percent. Shaedon Sharpe is contributing an average of 18 points and 3 rebounds, and Jerami Grant is averaging 16.9 points along with 3.4 rebounds.
The Oklahoma City Thunder faced losses to the Mavericks and Spurs. At present, the team averages 115.4 points, achieving a shooting accuracy of 46.2 percent, while allowing 103.5 points at a rate of 41.9 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the standout player, averaging 28.5 points and 6.3 assists, while Jalen Williams averages 20.8 points and 6.4 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Portland Trail Blazers have consistently demonstrated their competitiveness, having secured victories and covered the spread in their last three games. Additionally, they hold a record of 5-3-1 against the spread in their previous nine contests as double-digit underdogs. Given that Oklahoma City is facing a back-to-back situation following a disappointing defeat, I am hesitant to wager such a significant amount. I prefer to take the points.
New York Knicks vs Phoenix Suns Prediction NBA Picks 11/20/24
Knicks at Suns at 10 PM ET
The New York Knicks secured victories against both the Brooklyn Nets and the Washington Wizards. Currently, the Knicks are averaging 116.9 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 50 percent, while they permit an average of 111.1 points on 46.9 percent shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns is contributing significantly with an average of 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds, whereas Jalen Brunson is also making a notable impact, averaging 24.4 points and 7.1 assists.
The Phoenix Suns suffered defeats against both the Timberwolves and the Magic. Currently, the team is averaging 111.4 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.9, while they are conceding an average of 112.9 points at a shooting percentage of 46.6. Kevin Durant is contributing significantly with an average of 27.6 points and 6.6 rebounds, whereas Devin Booker is averaging 23.5 points and 3.7 rebounds.
The Pick:
It is difficult to place confidence in the Suns, considering their current roster limitations. On the other hand, the Knicks have been unpredictable this season and will be without Miles McBride. Their recent successes against the Nets and Wizards do not lead me to believe that the Knicks have found their rhythm. The Suns have a solid home record of 5-2 straight up and have won 8 of the last 10 matchups against the Knicks. Thus, I will opt to back the Suns and take the points.
Atlanta Hawks vs Golden State Warriors Prediction NBA Picks 11/20/24
Hawks at Warriors at 10 PM ET
The Atlanta Hawks achieved a win against the Kings but were defeated by the Trail Blazers. The team is currently averaging 116.1 points with a shooting percentage of 46.7, while they allow 119.5 points with a shooting percentage of 46.6. Trae Young is averaging 22.6 points and 4 rebounds, while De’Andre Hunter is contributing an average of 20.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.
The Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Grizzlies but faced a loss against the Clippers. At present, the Warriors are scoring an average of 119.7 points with a shooting accuracy of 47.3 percent, while they allow 110.2 points at a shooting rate of 43.5 percent. Stephen Curry is averaging 23 points along with 6.4 assists, and Buddy Hield is contributing 16.9 points and 1.8 assists.
The Pick:
Numerous recent contests featuring the Warriors have been decided by narrow margins, and the Hawks have surprisingly covered the spread in 6 out of their last 9 games. Furthermore, the Hawks have secured victories in 6 of their last 9 meetings with the Warriors. I will opt for the points with the Hawks, as this matchup seems poised for a dynamic and high-scoring battle.
Orlando Magic vs LA Clippers Prediction NBA Picks 11/20/24
Magic at Clippers at 10:30 PM ET
The Orlando Magic emerged victorious against the 76ers and the Suns. They are currently averaging 106.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.5, while their opponents score an average of 102.2 points on 44.6 percent shooting. Paolo Banchero is averaging 29 points along with 5.6 assists, and Franz Wagner is contributing with 22.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
The Los Angeles Clippers secured victories against both the Utah Jazz and the Golden State Warriors. Currently, the Clippers are averaging 109.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46, while they are permitting an average of 109.1 points with a shooting percentage of 46.2. Norman Powell is contributing significantly with an average of 23.3 points and 3.1 rebounds, whereas James Harden is averaging 20.1 points along with 7.7 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Magic have managed to keep their last six opponents below the 100-point mark. The LA Clippers are still missing Kawhi Leonard, and now they will also be without Norman Powell. Although James Harden has demonstrated some resurgence, it has been Powell who has carried much of the scoring burden. Competing against the Magic’s strong defense without their top scorer is far from ideal. I will back the Magic in this matchup.