NBA Daily Picks For January 20th, 2025: Suns Face Mammoth Test Against Cavaliers

After a strong 5-2 performance in last night’s predictions, our season record now stands at 264-143, with an accuracy rate of 64.8%. Tonight, we have an exciting 8-game slate, with intriguing matchups across the league. Let’s dive into the action and aim for another successful outing.

The Dallas Mavericks face the Charlotte Hornets in a game that heavily favors Dallas.  The Detroit Pistons take on the Houston Rockets, with the Rockets aiming to capitalize on their recent improvements. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves meet the Memphis Grizzlies in what promises to be a physical Western Conference battle. 

The Atlanta Hawks take on the New York Knicks in a competitive Eastern Conference matchup. The Phoenix Suns face the mighty Cleveland Cavaliers in one of the marquee games of the night. 

The Boston Celtics look to heap more misery on the Golden State Warriors as the two storied franchises face off. The Utah Jazz meet the New Orleans Pelicans in what could be a tightly contested matchup.

Finally, the Chicago Bulls face the Los Angeles Clippers in a game where the Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, will look to impose their will against a Bulls team that has struggled to find cohesion this season.

Let’s aim for another successful round of predictions and keep our streak going strong.

Dallas Mavericks At Charlotte Hornets – 12:00 PM EST

Mavericks Current Record: 23-19

Hornets Current Record: 10-28

Mavericks Injuries: Dwight Powell – Out (Hip), Jaden Hardy – Out (Ankle), Dereck Lively II – Out (Ankle), Dante Exum – Out (Wrist), Luka Doncic – Out (Calf)

Hornets Injuries: N/A

Last 5 Meetings: Hornets Lead 3-2

The Dallas Mavericks take on the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center in what promises to be an intriguing cross-conference battle. The Mavericks are coming off a crucial 106-98 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, breaking a three-game losing streak. 

Without Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving has stepped up, averaging 26.8 points and 5.8 assists in Doncic’s absence. Dallas is looking to solidify their playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference, but their road struggles (10-11) remain a concern.

The Charlotte Hornets have shown flashes of improvement, winning three of their last four games after enduring a 10-game losing streak. LaMelo Ball continues to lead the team with his dynamic playmaking, supported by Miles Bridges and Mark Williams. However, the absence of Brandon Miller, their second-leading scorer, will test their depth against a Mavericks team eager to capitalize on Charlotte’s defensive lapses.

While the Hornets have found some recent momentum, Dallas’s experience and Kyrie Irving’s offensive firepower give them the edge. The Mavericks’ balanced scoring and superior defense should be enough to outlast a scrappy Charlotte squad.

Prediction: Mavericks def. Hornets 118-110

Detroit Pistons At Houston Rockets – 2:00 PM EST

Pistons Current Record: 21-21

Rockets Current Record: 28-13

Pistons Injuries: Jaden Ivey – Out (Leg)

Rockets Injuries: Amen Thompson – Day To Day (Calf), Jabari Smith Jr. – Out (Hand)

Last 5 Meetings: Rockets Lead 5-0

The Detroit Pistons travel to the Toyota Center to face the Houston Rockets in an intriguing clash. The Pistons have shown flashes of improvement recently, winning two of their last three games, including a high-scoring victory over the New York Knicks. 

Cade Cunningham continues to be the offensive focal point, averaging 25.2 points and 8.6 assists per game. However, the absence of Jaden Ivey and a lack of consistent production from role players have hindered Detroit’s ability to maintain momentum. Defensive lapses and turnovers also remain areas of concern for the Pistons.

The Houston Rockets have emerged as one of the league’s most balanced teams. Their defensive efficiency is a hallmark of their success, allowing just 107.9 points per game while excelling at limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities inside the arc. Alperen Şengün has been dominant in the paint, contributing significantly with his rebounding and playmaking. Offensively, the Rockets have found their groove, averaging nearly 124 points in their last five games while shooting 43.1% from beyond the arc.

Detroit’s struggles on both ends and Houston’s recent form suggest the Rockets are poised to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Look for Houston’s defense and second-chance opportunities to dictate the game.

Prediction: Rockets def. Pistons 117-112

Minnesota Timberwolves At Memphis Grizzlies – 2:30 PM EST

Wolves Current Record: 27-15

Grizzlies Current Record: 22-20

Wolves Injuries: Rudy Gobert – Day To Day (Ankle), Donte DiVincenzo – Out (Toe), Terrence Shannn Jr. – Out (Foot)

Grizzlies Injuries: Ja Morant – Day To Day (Foot), Marcus Smart – Out (Finger), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (Ankle), Cam Spencer – Out (Thumb)

Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 4-1

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies square off at FedExForum in a matchup between two Western Conference teams vying for consistent form. The Grizzlies boast the league’s top-ranked offense, scoring 123.4 points per game, with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane leading the charge. 

Memphis has been dominant at home, winning eight of their last ten games. They excel in offensive rebounding, creating second-chance opportunities, and shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc.

The Timberwolves, while strong defensively, face the challenge of limiting Memphis’ potent offense. Minnesota allows only 108.0 points per game, but their defense will be tested against a team averaging nearly 128.5 points in their last four outings. Anthony Edwards has been stellar offensively, averaging 30.6 points over the last 10 games, supported by Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert’s inside presence.

The last matchup between these teams was a nail-biter, with Memphis edging out Minnesota 127-125. The Timberwolves’ defense and transition game will be crucial, but the Grizzlies’ ability to push the pace and dominate on the boards gives them an edge.

Prediction: Grizzlies def. Wolves 125-120

Atlanta Hawks At New York Knicks – 3:00 PM EST

Hawks Current Record: 22-19

Knicks Current Record: 27-16

Hawks Injuries: Jalen Johnson – Day To Day (Shoulder), Trae Young – Day To Day (Achilles), Larry Nance Jr. – Out (Hand), Zaccharie Risacher – Out (Thigh), Cody Zeller – Out (Personal), Kobe Bufkin – Out (Shoulder)

Knicks Injuries: Josh Hart – Day To Day (Neck), Karl-Anthony Towns – Day To Day (Thumb), Mithcell Robinson – Out (Ankle), Kevin McCullar Jr. – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 3-2

The Atlanta Hawks travel to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks in what promises to be an intense Eastern Conference matchup. The Hawks have won both prior meetings this season, including a solid 108-100 victory in December. 

Atlanta, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference, has found consistency behind Trae Young’s playmaking and scoring, coupled with strong contributions from Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter. Their ability to dominate the glass and create second-chance points has been key, as seen in their earlier win over New York when they secured 22 offensive rebounds.

The Knicks, sitting third in the East, come into this game with some uncertainty surrounding the availability of Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite the recent loss to Minnesota, Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges have been the driving forces for New York. The Knicks’ defense has been a strength this season, allowing just 111.1 points per game, but they’ll need to improve their perimeter defense and rebounding against Atlanta’s physical play.

Expect the Hawks to continue exploiting the Knicks’ interior vulnerabilities while relying on Trae Young’s ability to orchestrate the offense. For the Knicks, balancing their offense and avoiding turnovers will be critical to protect the home court.

Prediction: Hawks def. Knicks 114-112

Phoenix Suns At Cleveland Cavaliers – 3:30 PM EST

Suns Current Record: 21-20

Cavaliers Current Record: 35-6

Suns Injuries: Bradley Beal – Day To Day (Ankle), Jusuf Nurkic – Out (Illness)

Cavaliers Injuries: Issac Okoro – Out (Shoulder), Evan Mobley – Out (Calf), Emoni Bates – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2

The Phoenix Suns travel to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in what promises to be an exciting matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Suns have been on a strong offensive run, winning five of their last six games behind the stellar play of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Booker, in particular, has been exceptional, scoring 30 or more points in five consecutive outings. Phoenix’s offensive efficiency will be tested against one of the league’s most dominant home teams.

The Cavaliers, holding a commanding 20-2 home record, are led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Mitchell’s scoring outbursts have been instrumental, while Garland continues to excel as a playmaker. Cleveland boasts the second-best scoring offense in the league, averaging 122.1 points per game. Their defense, anchored by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, excels in limiting opponents’ efficiency inside the paint.

The Suns will need their supporting cast to step up in what will likely be a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. However, Cleveland’s depth, combined with their defensive edge and home dominance, makes them the favorites in this matchup.

Prediction: Cavaliers def. Suns 123-114

Boston Celtics At Golden State Warriors – 5:00 PM EST

Celtics Current Record: 29-13

Warriors Current Record: 21-20

Celtics Injuries: Drew Peterson – Out (Concussion)

Warriors Injuries: Stephen Curry – Day To Day (Ankle), Brandin Podziemski – Out (Abdomen), Kyle Anderson – Out (Hip), Draymond Green – Out (Calf), Jonathan Kuminga – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2

The Boston Celtics visit the Golden State Warriors in a rematch of their early-season clash. The Celtics, second in the Eastern Conference, are looking to bounce back after a tough overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite their recent 3-4 skid, the defending champions remain one of the league’s most balanced teams, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Kristaps Porzingis, who missed the last matchup between these teams, is expected to return, adding firepower and rim protection for Boston.

The Warriors, fresh off a win against the Washington Wizards, continue to rely on Stephen Curry’s brilliance. Curry, who scored 27 points in their win over the Celtics earlier this season, will once again be pivotal. However, the Warriors’ struggles with consistency, particularly on the boards and defensively, will need to be addressed if they hope to contain Boston’s multifaceted offense.

The key battle will be between Curry’s sharpshooting and Boston’s ability to control the paint and limit turnovers. While the Warriors are always dangerous at home, the Celtics’ depth and defensive edge may prove too much.

Prediction: Celtics def. Warriors 116-109

Utah Jazz At New Orleans Pelicans – 8:00 PM EST

Jazz Current Record: 10-30

Pelicans Current Record: 11-32

Jazz Injuries: Colin Sexton – Out (Rest), Johnny Juzang – Out (Hand), Lauri Markkanen – Out (Back), Micah Porter – Out (Illness), John Collins – Out (Hip), Jordan Clarkson – Out (Foot), Taylor Hendricks – Out (Leg)

Pelicans Injuries: Dejounte Murray – Day To Day (Elbow), Zion Williamson – Day To Day (Illness), Yves Missi – Day To Day (Illness), Brandon Ingram – Out (Ankle), Herbert Jones – Out (Shoulder)

Last 5 Meetings: Pelicans Lead 3-2

The Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans meet for the second time in their back-to-back series. The Pelicans dominated the first matchup, securing a 136-123 victory. With Zion Williamson back in the lineup, New Orleans has found a rhythm, winning three consecutive games. Zion was unstoppable in the previous meeting, recording 24 points and 14 rebounds, and his presence in the paint will likely cause similar problems for the Jazz, who will be missing Lauri Markkanen and John Collins.

The Jazz have struggled mightily this season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference. Despite some promising performances from Keyonte George and Collin Sexton, Utah’s depleted roster lacks the firepower to keep up with teams at full strength. Their reliance on young players and role contributors will make it challenging to match the Pelicans’ depth and athleticism.

New Orleans’ improved cohesion, led by CJ McCollum’s scoring and Herbert Jones’ elite defense, makes them heavy favorites. While the Jazz will need their bench to step up significantly, it seems unlikely they’ll be able to slow down a resurgent Pelicans team.

Prediction: Pelicans def. Jazz 119-112

Chicago Bulls At Los Angeles Clippers – 10:30 PM EST

Bulls Current Record: 18-25

Clippers Current Record: 24-17

Bulls Injuries: Chris Duarte – Day To Day (Personal), Jevon Carter – Day To Day (Illness), Lonzo Bal – Day To Day (Rest), Adama Sanogo – Out (Knee), Torrey Craig – Out (Leg)

Clippers Injuries: Kawhi Leonard – Out (Rest), P.J. Tucker – Out (Away from team)

Last 5 Meetings: Clippers Lead 4-1

The Los Angeles Clippers host the Chicago Bulls in an intriguing matchup at the Intuit Dome. The Clippers enter this game riding a three-game winning streak, with standout performances from Norman Powell and James Harden. 

Powell has been averaging 23.6 points per game during this stretch, while Harden’s playmaking has been pivotal, contributing 21.6 points, 8.6 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game. The Clippers’ home-court advantage (14-6 at home) and defensive consistency should give them confidence heading into this contest.

On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls are struggling, with a 3-7 record in their last ten games and a current three-game losing streak. While Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic remain consistent offensive threats, the Bulls’ defense has been their Achilles heel, allowing 120.5 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. Injuries to key players like Talen Horton-Tucker and Torrey Craig further diminish their chances in this matchup.

Given their form and depth, the Clippers are well-positioned to extend their winning streak. Expect them to dominate defensively and capitalize on the Bulls’ lack of consistency, especially on the road.

Prediction: Clippers def. Bulls 117-107