NBA Daily Picks For January 14th, 2025: Surging Kings Take On Struggling Bucks

After a decent 3-3 outing in last night’s predictions, our season record now stands at 248-129, with an accuracy rate of 65.7%. Tonight, we’re set for a competitive 7-game slate, featuring matchups with significant playoff implications. Let’s break it down and aim to regain momentum.

The night begins with the Cleveland Cavaliers facing the Indiana Pacers. Then, the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Philadelphia 76ers in a battle between youth and experience. 

In another intriguing matchup, the Phoenix Suns visit the Atlanta Hawks. After that, the New Orleans Pelicans face the Chicago Bulls in what should be a competitive game. 

The Sacramento Kings visit the Milwaukee Bucks in a clash of high-powered offenses. The Denver Nuggets take on the Dallas Mavericks in what promises to be a thrilling Western Conference showdown.

Finally, the Brooklyn Nets face the Portland Trail Blazers to close out the night. 

Let’s dive into these games and aim for a strong night in predictions!

Cleveland Cavaliers At Indiana Pacers – 7:00 PM EST

Cavaliers Current Record: 33-5

Pacers Current Record: 22-18

Cavaliers Injuries: Emoni Bates – Day To Day (Knee), Ty Jerome – Out (Illness)

Pacers Injuries: Tyrese Haliburton – Day To Day (Hamstring), Aaron Nesmith – Out (Ankle), Isaiah Jackson – Out (Achilles), James Wiseman – Out (Achilles)

Last 5 Meetings: Pacers Lead 3-2

The Cleveland Cavaliers seek redemption against the Indiana Pacers in their second meeting in three days. Cleveland, boasting the NBA’s best record, aims to rebound after a surprising 108-93 loss on Sunday. The Cavaliers struggled offensively in the second half of that game, scoring just 40 points and committing seven turnovers in the third quarter. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland lead Cleveland’s attack, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchor the interior.

Indiana, riding a six-game winning streak, showcased defensive grit in their victory, holding Cleveland to subpar shooting from beyond the arc. Myles Turner’s versatility and Pascal Siakam’s consistency have been pivotal for the Pacers. However, the likely absence of Tyrese Haliburton due to a hamstring injury may leave the Pacers without their top playmaker, making it challenging to replicate Sunday’s result.

Cleveland’s potent offense, which ranks first in efficiency, will likely adjust to Indiana’s defensive pressure. The Cavaliers have demonstrated resilience all season and are expected to respond with focus and intensity.

Prediction: Cavaliers def. Pacers 117-105

Oklahoma City Thunder At Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM EST

Thunder Current Record: 32-6

Sixers Current Record: 15-22

Thunder Injuries: Nikola Topic – Out (Knee), Chet Holmgren – Out (Hip), Ajay Mitchell – Out (Foot), Adam Flagler – Out (Foot)

Sixers Injuries: Caleb Martin – Day To Day (Groin), KJ Martin – Out (Foot), Joel Embiid – Out (Foot), Kyle Lowry – Out (Hip), Andre Drummond – Out (Toe), Jared McCain – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Sixers Lead 4-1

The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Philadelphia 76ers in a clash of teams heading in different directions. Oklahoma City, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has dominated on both ends of the court. They boast the league’s best defense, allowing just 103.4 points per game, and have exceptional contributors like Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein stepping up in key roles. Despite injuries to Chet Holmgren and others, the Thunder’s depth has been a major factor in their success.

On the other hand, the 76ers have struggled with consistency and injuries this season. Without Joel Embiid, the 76ers rely heavily on Tyrese Maxey and Paul George to carry the offensive load. Philadelphia ranks 27th in scoring and has shown vulnerabilities against top-tier defensive teams like Oklahoma City. Their defense, however, has been a bright spot, allowing 110.6 points per game, eighth-best in the league.

With the Thunder’s balanced attack and suffocating defense, they are well-positioned to control this game. Philadelphia’s ability to keep it competitive will hinge on strong performances from Maxey and George, but Oklahoma City’s overall cohesion and defensive prowess make them favorites.

Prediction: Thunder def. Sixers 118-98

Phoenix Suns At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST

Suns Current Record: 19-19

Hawks Current Record: 19-19

Suns Injuries: Grayson Allen – Day To Day (Knee), Jusuf Nurkic – Out (Flu)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 3-2

The Phoenix Suns (19-19) visit the Atlanta Hawks (19-19) in a matchup between two teams with identical records but vastly different recent trajectories. The Suns come into this game having won four of their last five, fueled by the stellar performances of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The Hawks, however, have dropped four of their last five games, struggling with defensive consistency despite their offensive prowess.

Led by Kevin Durant (27.1 PPG) and Devin Booker (24.9 PPG), the Suns have started to find a rhythm offensively. Their efficient three-point shooting (37.6%) and strong ball movement (27.3 assists per game) will test Atlanta’s porous defense, which ranks 28th in the league in points allowed per game. While Jusuf Nurkic’s availability is uncertain, Mason Plumlee and Durant will be crucial in protecting the paint.

Trae Young remains the catalyst for the Hawks, averaging 22.5 points and a league-leading 12.1 assists per game. Despite their offensive firepower (117.6 PPG, 6th in the league), Atlanta’s defensive struggles—especially on the perimeter—have cost them games. Jalen Johnson’s rebounding and shot-blocking provide some interior presence, but the Hawks need a cohesive defensive effort to contain the Suns.

The Suns’ recent form and balanced scoring edge make them slight favorites in this contest. Expect a high-scoring affair, but Phoenix’s improved defense and efficiency should give them the upper hand.

Prediction: Suns def. Hawks 120-115

New Orleans Pelicans At Chicago Bulls – 8:00 PM EST

Pelicans Current Record: 8-32

Bulls Current Record: 18-21

Pelicans Injuries: Brandon Ingram – Out (Ankle), Herbert Jones – Out (Shoulder)

Bulls Injuries: Coby White – Day To Day (Neck), Adama Sanogo – Out (Knee), Ayo Dosunmu – Out (Calf), Torrey Craig – Out (Leg)

Last 5 Meetings: Pelicans Lead 3-2

The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Chicago Bulls in a matchup between two teams with contrasting trajectories. The Bulls, led by Zach LaVine’s scorching offensive form, have won three of their last five games and rank fourth in the NBA in points per game. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are struggling without Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, both sidelined due to injuries.

New Orleans faces an uphill battle, with their defense allowing the sixth-most points in the league at 117.2 per game. Despite their backcourt duo of CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray providing consistent production, the Pelicans’ lack of frontline depth has hindered their ability to compete.

The Bulls, despite their defensive struggles, have thrived offensively. LaVine has been sensational, scoring 30+ points in six straight games, and Lonzo Ball has added a reliable perimeter shooting threat. Chicago’s ability to exploit New Orleans’ defensive weaknesses should give them the edge in this contest.

Prediction: Bulls def. Pelicans 125-112

Sacramento Kings At Milwaukee Bucks – 8:00 PM EST

Kings Current Record: 20-19

Bucks Current Record: 20-17

Kings Injuries: Malik Monk – Day To Day (Groin)

Bucks Injuries: Gary Trent Jr. – Day To Day (Hip), Ryan Rollins – Day To Day (Illness), Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Knee), Khris Middleton – Out (Ankles)

Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 4-1

The Sacramento Kings head to Fiserv Forum to face the Milwaukee Bucks in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. The Kings enter the game riding a seven-game winning streak, showcasing their offensive firepower. De’Aaron Fox leads the way with 26.6 points per game, while Domantas Sabonis, with his league-leading 14.2 rebounds per game, provides critical support. 

Sacramento has improved defensively during this streak, holding opponents to 111.3 points per game, while their ball movement has been exceptional, averaging over 30 assists per game.

The Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo (31.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG), will look to bounce back after a tough loss to the New York Knicks. With Damian Lillard adding 24.7 points and 7.3 assists per game, Milwaukee’s offense remains potent. However, their defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in transition, an area in which Sacramento thrives. The Bucks’ home record (11-7) provides an edge, but they’ll need a collective defensive effort to contain the Kings’ versatile attack.

This game will likely be a high-scoring affair, with both teams boasting offensive talent. While Milwaukee’s home-court advantage and star power are notable, Sacramento’s momentum and depth could tilt the scales in their favor.

Prediction: Kings def. Bucks 116-112

Denver Nuggets At Dallas Mavericks – 9:30 PM EST

Nuggets Current Record: 23-15

Mavericks Current Record: 22-17

Nuggets Injuries: Aaron Gordon – Day To Day (Calf), Jamal Murray – Day To Day (Knee), Nikola Jokic – Day To Day (Illness), Julian Strawther – Day To Day (Knee), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)

Mavericks Injuries: Kyrie Irving – Day To Day (Back), Dante Exum – Out (Wrist), Luka Doncic – Out (Calf)

Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 3-2

The Denver Nuggets face the Dallas Mavericks in a Western Conference matchup at American Airlines Center. Denver enters the game on a three-game winning streak, bolstered by Nikola Jokic’s MVP-level play. Jokic is averaging 31.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists, anchoring the Nuggets’ league-leading offense. Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook provide key contributions to a team that thrives on efficient scoring and strong ball movement.

The Mavericks continue to navigate Luka Doncic’s absence, relying heavily on Kyrie Irving (questionable for this game) and Klay Thompson, who scored 25 points in their last meeting against Denver. Dallas has struggled with consistency, particularly in closing games, as seen in their 112-101 loss to the Nuggets on Sunday. P.J. Washington and Spencer Dinwiddie will need to step up for Dallas to compete against Denver’s potent attack.

While the Mavericks can exploit Denver’s defensive lapses, the Nuggets’ offensive efficiency and depth, combined with their momentum, give them the edge. Expect another strong performance from Jokic and Denver’s supporting cast.

Prediction: Nuggets def. Mavericks 118-108

Brooklyn Nets At Portland Trail Blazers – 10:00 PM EST

Nets Current Record: 13-26

Blazers Current Record: 13-25

Nets Injuries: Cameron Johnson – Day To Day (Ankle), Nic Claxton – Day To Day (Hamstring), D’Angelo Russell – Day To Day (Shin), Ben Simmons – Day To Day (Knee), Trendon Watford – Out (Hamstring), Bojan Bogdanovic – Out (Foot), Cam Thomas – Out (Hamstring), Maxwell Lewis – Out (Ankle)

Blazers Injuries: Robert Williams III – Day To Day (Illness), Dalano Banton – Day To Day (Illness), Deni Avdija – Day To Day (Ankle), Jerami Grant – Out (Face), Matisse Thybulle – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 3-2

The Brooklyn Nets visit the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center in a clash of two struggling teams aiming to reverse their fortunes. The Nets have dropped five straight games, with key injuries to Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson, and D’Angelo Russell hampering their performance. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers, led by Anfernee Simons (18.9 PPG) and Shaedon Sharpe (18.3 PPG), have shown glimpses of improvement recently, going 4-1 against the spread in their last five games.

Brooklyn’s offense has struggled, averaging just 101.6 points in their last 10 outings, but their defensive tenacity could keep them competitive. Nic Claxton and Ben Simmons must step up to control the boards and anchor the defense against a Portland team that relies on interior scoring and aggressive play.

Portland has the advantage of playing at home, where they’ve been more consistent. Deandre Ayton’s expected presence in the paint provides the Blazers with a crucial rebounding and scoring edge. If their supporting cast, including Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara, can contribute effectively, Portland should handle the shorthanded Nets. 

Prediction: Blazers def. Nets 110-105