NBA Daily Picks For January 10th, 2025: Knicks Face Tough Test Against Dominant Thunder

After a solid 5-2 performance in last night’s predictions, our season record now stands at 237-123, with an accuracy rate of 65.8%. Tonight, we have a 7-game slate featuring exciting matchups as teams look to continue building momentum. 

The Golden State Warriors continue their East Coast trip, taking on the Indiana Pacers in what promises to be a high-paced game. The Milwaukee Bucks face the Orlando Magic in what should be a competitive Eastern Conference clash. 

The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Philadelphia 76ers, with Joel Embiid looking to maintain their strong form. The Sacramento Kings meet the Boston Celtics in what could be the game of the night. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder look to rebuild their winning streak as they take on the New York Knicks. The Washington Wizards face the Chicago Bulls in a battle of two struggling teams.

Finally, the Brooklyn Nets visit the Denver Nuggets in a marquee Western Conference matchup. 

Let’s dive into these games and aim for another strong night of predictions.

Golden State Warriors At Indiana Pacers – 7:00 PM EST

Warriors Current Record: 19-18

Pacers Current Record: 20-18

Warriors Injuries: Moses Moody – Day To Day (Knee), Andrew Wiggins – Out (Personal), Brandin Podziemski – Out (Abdomen), Jonathan Kuminga – Out (Ankle), Gary Payton II – Out (Calf)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Pacers Lead 4-1

The Indiana Pacers host the Golden State Warriors at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers, riding a four-game winning streak, are in strong form, coming off a commanding 129-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls. 

Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and Thomas Bryant have been key contributors, with Haliburton orchestrating the offense and maintaining exceptional efficiency. Indiana’s fast-paced style and strong perimeter shooting (37.4% from deep) will be pivotal against a Warriors team struggling with consistency.

The Golden State Warriors, on the other hand, have lost momentum with an 18-18 record. Stephen Curry remains their primary scorer, but the team is missing key contributors like Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II due to injuries. The Warriors’ offense, though reliant on perimeter shooting, has been inconsistent, and their defensive lapses have left them vulnerable in transition.

The Pacers’ depth and home-court advantage position them well against the Warriors, who have yet to find a rhythm this season. Expect Indiana’s balanced attack and strong defense to secure another victory.

Prediction: Pacers def. Warriors 118-108

Milwaukee Bucks At Orlando Magic – 7:00 PM EST

Bucks Current Record: 19-16

Magic Current Record: 22-17

Bucks Injuries: Ryan Rollins – Day To Day (Illness), Khris Middleton – Day To Day (Ankles), Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Knee), Damian Lillard – Day To Day (Calf)

Magic Injuries: Paolo Banchero – Out (Oblique), Moritz Wagner – Out (ACL), Jalen Suggs – Out (Back), Gary Harris – Out (Hamstring), Franz Wagner – Out (Oblique)

Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 3-2

The Milwaukee Bucks visit the Orlando Magic in an Eastern Conference showdown at the Kia Center. Milwaukee comes into the game riding a two-game win streak, highlighted by stellar defensive performances against the Spurs and Raptors. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to anchor the Bucks with his two-way dominance, supported by Damian Lillard’s offensive contributions.

Orlando has been resilient despite injuries to key players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. With Goga Bitadze stepping up as a defensive anchor and Cole Anthony leading the backcourt, the Magic have managed to maintain a competitive edge. However, a loss to Minnesota in their last outing highlighted Orlando’s scoring struggles and fatigue from a busy schedule.

This matchup pits the Bucks’ balanced offensive attack and defensive pressure against a Magic team that excels in limiting opponent scoring. With Giannis likely to dominate inside and the Bucks finding ways to close out games, Milwaukee appears poised to continue their strong form.

Prediction: Bucks def. Magic 108-100

New Orleans Pelicans At Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM EST

Pelicans Current Record: 7-31

Sixers Current Record: 15-20

Pelicans Injuries: Dejounte Murray – Day To Day (Elbow), Brandon Ingram – Out (Ankle), Trey Murphy III – Out (Ankle), Herbert Jones – Out (Shoulder)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Pelicans Lead 3-2

The Philadelphia 76ers host the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center in a matchup of two teams seeking to regain their footing this season. The 76ers come off a hard-fought 109-103 victory against the Washington Wizards, led by Tyrese Maxey’s 29 points. Philadelphia’s offense continues to rely on Maxey’s scoring, with Paul George providing veteran leadership and Guerschon Yabusele emerging as a reliable role player.

The Pelicans, struggling at 7-31, have faced injuries and inconsistency. CJ McCollum leads their scoring efforts, but New Orleans has struggled to find a rhythm on both ends of the floor. Zion Williamson’s limited availability further hampers their competitiveness, leaving the team searching for answers. Despite losing two straight games, the Pelicans remain dangerous with their ability to crash the boards and generate points through physical play.

The 76ers, with a home-court advantage and superior form, should capitalize on the Pelicans’ defensive vulnerabilities. While the Pelicans can challenge with offensive rebounds, Philadelphia’s balanced attack and defensive resilience make them the likely victors.

Prediction: Sixers def. Pelicans 115-104

Sacramento Kings At Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM EST

Kings Current Record: 18-19

Celtics Current Record: 27-10

Kings Injuries: De’Aaron Fox – Out (Glute)

Celtics Injuries: Jordan Walsh – Day To Day (Illness), Drew Peterson – Out (Concussion)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 5-0

The Boston Celtics host the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden in a highly anticipated matchup. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum’s 28.1 points per game, have been dominant on both ends, ranking fourth in scoring and fifth in defense. Supported by Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, Boston boasts one of the most well-rounded lineups in the league.

Sacramento enters the game with De’Aaron Fox (26.7 PPG) and Domantas Sabonis anchoring their offense. The Kings have shown flashes of brilliance this season, particularly with Sabonis’s exceptional rebounding (13.8 RPG) and playmaking. However, inconsistent defense and struggles from beyond the arc have held them back.

The Celtics’ strong home performance (119.1 PPG) and the Kings’ vulnerability on the road tilt the matchup in Boston’s favor. While Sacramento’s offensive firepower can keep them competitive, Boston’s defensive edge and depth should allow them to control the game.

Prediction: Celtics def. Kings 118-105

Oklahoma City Thunder At New York Knicks – 7:30 PM EST

Thunder Current Record: 30-6

Knicks Current Record: 25-13

Thunder Injuries: Ajay Mitchell – Out (Toe), Alex Caruso – Out (Hip), Alex Ducas – Out (Back), Adam Flagler – Out (Hand), Chet Holmgren – Out (Hip), Nikola Topic – Out (ACL)

Knicks Injuries: Miles McBride – Day To Day (Hamstring), Karl-Anthony Towns – Day To Day (Knee), Mitchell Robinson – Out (Ankle), Kevin McCullar Jr. – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 4-1

The Oklahoma City Thunder take on the New York Knicks in a much-anticipated matchup at Madison Square Garden. The Thunder, coming off a franchise-record 15-game winning streak that ended in Cleveland, aim to bounce back in this battle. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.3 points per game), the Thunder have established themselves as a top-tier defensive team, allowing only 103.7 points per game.

The Knicks, bolstered by Karl-Anthony Towns (25.3 points and 14 rebounds per game) and Jalen Brunson (25 points per game), are formidable at home. Their balanced offense, ranked seventh in the league, will challenge the Thunder’s elite defense. New York will rely on its depth, with contributions from players like Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, to counter Oklahoma City’s fast-paced attack.

The game will likely hinge on turnovers, where OKC excels, averaging just 11.2 per game. New York’s ability to protect the ball and utilize its size advantage in the paint could tip the scales. However, without Chet Holmgren for the Thunder, the Knicks’ interior presence looms large.

Prediction: Thunder def. Knicks 113-109

Washington Wizards At Chicago Bulls – 8:00 PM EST

Wizards Current Record: 6-29

Bulls Current Record: 17-20

Wizards Injuries: Richaun Holmes – Day To Day (Ankle)

Bulls Injuries: Alexandre Sarr – Day To Day (Illness), Johnny Davis – Day To Day (Illness), Jordan Poole – Day To Day (Hip), Tristan Vukcevic – Out (Ankle), Malcolm Brogdon – Out (Foot), Marvin Bagley III – Out (Knee), Saddiq Bey – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 3-2

The Chicago Bulls host the Washington Wizards at the United Center in a matchup where both teams are looking to bounce back from recent struggles. The Bulls, currently 10th in the Eastern Conference, have shown flashes of offensive brilliance led by Zach LaVine and Coby White. 

LaVine is averaging 23.3 points per game, while White has been a consistent three-point threat. However, Chicago’s defense has been a concern, allowing 121.2 points per game, which ranks near the bottom of the league.

On the other hand, the Wizards are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, having lost their last four games. Jordan Poole has been a bright spot, averaging 21.8 points and 5.0 assists per game. However, injuries have hampered Washington’s lineup, and their defense has struggled, allowing a league-worst 121.9 points per game. The team will rely on Jonas Valanciunas and Kyle Kuzma to provide stability on both ends of the court.

The Bulls’ superior offensive depth and recent home form make them the favorites in this matchup. While the Wizards have the potential to make it competitive, especially if Jordan Poole gets hot, their road struggles and defensive issues might be too much to overcome.

Prediction: Bulls def. Wizards 120-110

Brooklyn Nets At Denver Nuggets – 9:00 PM EST

Nets Current Record: 13-24

Nuggets Current Record: 21-15

Nets Injuries: Dariq Whitehead – Out (Concussion), Cameron Johnson – Out (Ankle), D’Angelo Russell – Out (Shin), Bojan Bogdanovic – Out (Foot), Trendon Watford – Out (Hamstring), Cam Thomas – Out (Hamstring), Maxwell Lewis – Out (Ankle)

Nuggets Injuries: Nikola Jokic – Day To Day (Illness), Aaron Gordon – Out (Calf), Spencer Jones – Out (Thigh), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 4-1

The Denver Nuggets host the Brooklyn Nets at Ball Arena on Friday in a matchup that heavily favors the home team. Denver is coming off a dominant 126-103 victory over the Clippers, powered by strong performances from Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. The Nuggets have one of the league’s top offenses, averaging 120.5 points per game, led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who contributes 31.5 points, 13 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per contest.

The Nets face an uphill battle, struggling with injuries to key players like Cameron Johnson and Cam Thomas. Brooklyn has lost three consecutive games, with limited offensive production and a lack of defensive consistency. Promising performances from young players like Noah Clowney provide some hope, but the team will need a cohesive effort to challenge Denver.

Given the disparity in form and depth, the Nuggets’ home-court advantage and potent offense make them the favorites. While the Nets may show flashes of competitiveness, Denver’s superior talent and efficiency should lead them to a comfortable win.

Prediction: Nuggets def. Nets 123-105