NBA Daily Picks For January 6th, 2025: Suns Look To Snap Losing Streak Against Surging Sixers

After a tough 3-3 outing in last night’s predictions, our season record now stands at 216-124, with an accuracy rate of 63.5%. Tonight, we have a 9-game slate featuring intriguing matchups across the league. Let’s break it down and aim for a strong rebound.

The night starts with the Portland Trail Blazers facing the Detroit Pistons in a battle of two struggling teams. The Phoenix Suns, battling injuries and inconsistency, face the surging Philadelphia 76ers. 

The Indiana Pacers take on the Brooklyn Nets in a game featuring two contrasting styles. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks face the Toronto Raptors in an Eastern Conference showdown. 

In another big matchup, the Orlando Magic meet the New York Knicks in a game where both teams are eager to solidify their playoff positions. The San Antonio Spurs take on the Chicago Bulls, with both teams looking to shake off inconsistent stretches. 

The Dallas Mavericks clash with the Memphis Grizzlies in a Western Conference battle. The Los Angeles Clippers face the Minnesota Timberwolves in what promises to be an intense contest. Finally, the Miami Heat meet the Sacramento Kings in the last game of the night. 

Let’s dive into these matchups and aim for a bounce-back night in predictions.

Portland Trail Blazers At Detroit Pistons – 7:00 PM EST

Blazers Current Record: 12-22

Pistons Current Record: 17-18

Blazers Injuries: Deandre Ayton – Day To Day (Rest), Matisse Thybulle – Out (Ankle), Jerami Grant – Out (Face)

Pistons Injuries: Jaden Ivey – Out (Leg)

Last 5 Meetings: Blazers Lead 4-1

The Portland Trail Blazers face off against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Portland comes into the game with some momentum after a narrow victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Anfernee Simons’ 28-point effort. However, the Blazers have struggled on the road this season, losing their last eight away games, and will need a collective effort to overcome their challenges.

Detroit, meanwhile, has shown flashes of improvement, highlighted by Cade Cunningham’s stellar performances. Cunningham, averaging 24.1 points per game, is coming off a 40-point showcase in their win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Pistons’ young core, featuring Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris, has been instrumental in their recent success, including a three-game winning streak.

The key matchup will be between Portland’s Deandre Ayton and Detroit’s Jalen Duren in the paint, as both teams look to establish dominance inside. The Pistons’ home-court advantage and Cade Cunningham’s leadership position Detroit as the favorites in this clash, but Portland’s resilience could make it a competitive outing.

Prediction: Pistons def. Blazers 117-110

Phoenix Suns At Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM EST

Suns Current Record: 15-18

Sixers Current Record: 14-19

Suns Injuries: Royce O’Neale – Out (Ankle)

Sixers Injuries: Kelly Ouber Jr – Day To Day (Hand), Kyle Lowry – Day To Day (Hip), Joel Embiid – Day To Day (Foot), KJ Martin – Out (Foot), Jared McCain – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2

The Philadelphia 76ers host the Phoenix Suns in a key matchup at Wells Fargo Center. Both teams enter the game looking to steady their inconsistent seasons. The 76ers have shown promise recently, winning seven of their last nine games, while the Suns are on a four-game losing streak.

Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, fresh off a dominant performance, remains the focal point. He’s projected to lead with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, supported by Tyrese Maxey’s scoring and playmaking. The 76ers’ defense, ranked 10th in points allowed, will look to contain the Suns’ high-powered offense.

Phoenix faces internal challenges, as they experiment with their lineup, moving Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic to the bench. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker remain the Suns’ primary offensive threats, combining for over 49 points per game. However, the team’s defensive inconsistencies and lack of cohesion on the road (5-10 record) have been glaring issues.

With the 76ers capitalizing on recent momentum and boasting a home-court edge, expect Philadelphia to edge out the Suns in a close contest.

Prediction: Sixers def. Suns 113-110

Indiana Pacers At Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 PM EST

Pacers Current Record: 18-18

Nets Current Record: 13-22

Pacers Injuries: Aaron Nesmith – Out (Ankle), Isaiah Jackson – Out (Achilles), James Wiseman – Out (Achilles)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Nets Lead 3-2

The Indiana Pacers take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 6, 2025. The Pacers aim to build on their recent momentum, riding a two-game winning streak powered by Tyrese Haliburton’s spectacular play. Over the last two games, Haliburton has totaled 60 points, 23 assists, and zero turnovers, exemplifying his All-NBA-caliber form. Myles Turner has also been instrumental, adding 41 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks over the same stretch.

The Nets, meanwhile, continue to grapple with injuries to key players Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson, both sidelined with significant issues. Brooklyn has struggled offensively, averaging under 100 points in recent games. Newly acquired D’Angelo Russell provides some scoring punch but has yet to stabilize the team’s inconsistency.

Indiana boasts one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, and Brooklyn’s depleted roster lacks the firepower and depth to keep up. The Pacers will look to exploit their advantage in offensive efficiency, with Haliburton orchestrating and Turner anchoring the defense. The Nets will need an inspired effort from Russell and others to remain competitive. The Pacers’ strong form and offensive depth will prove too much for the shorthanded Nets.

Prediction: Pacers def. Nets 120-105

Milwaukee Bucks At Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM EST

Bucks Current Record: 17-16

Raptors Current Record: 8-27

Bucks Injuries: Andre Jackson Jr – Day To Day (Illness), Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Knee), Khris Middleton – Day To Day (Ankles)

Raptors Injuries: RJ Barrett – Day To Day (Illness)

Last 5 Meetings: Raptors Lead 3-2

The Milwaukee Bucks visit the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena in a game where both teams are eager to bounce back from recent struggles. Milwaukee comes off a tough 105-102 loss to the Trail Blazers but remains a team led by one of the league’s most dominant players, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers, averaging 32.3 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Damian Lillard provides critical support with his scoring and playmaking ability.

The Raptors, meanwhile, are having a challenging season but have seen consistent performances from RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes. Barrett leads Toronto in scoring with 23.4 points per game, while Barnes contributes across the board with his rebounding, playmaking, and defensive presence. Jakob Poeltl has been solid inside, but the team’s overall struggles on defense and inconsistent shooting have plagued them all season.

Milwaukee’s combination of star power and depth should allow them to control the game, especially given Toronto’s difficulty stopping elite offenses. Look for Giannis to dominate the paint and the Bucks to secure a solid road win.

Prediction: Bucks def. Raptors 115-103

Orlando Magic At New York Knicks – 7:30 PM EST

Magic Current Record: 21-16

Knicks Current Record: 24-12

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

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

Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 4-1

The New York Knicks host the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. The Knicks aim to continue their dominance over the Magic, having already beaten them three times this season. New York, powered by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, looks to rebound after a tough loss to the Bulls. Brunson has been outstanding against Orlando, averaging 26 points in their previous meetings, while Towns anchors the team with consistent scoring and rebounding.

The Magic, on the other hand, are dealing with significant injuries, with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs all sidelined. Despite these setbacks, Orlando managed an impressive win over the Raptors in their last outing, led by Goga Bitadze’s rebounding and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s perimeter shooting. The Magic will need a complete team effort to overcome the Knicks’ firepower and depth.

With the Knicks excelling at home and the Magic hampered by injuries, New York is well-positioned to take care of business.

Prediction: Knicks def. Magic 114-100

San Antonio Spurs At Chicago Bulls – 8:00 PM EST

Spurs Current Record: 18-17

Bulls Current Record: 16-19

Spurs Injuries: N/A

Bulls Injuries: Ayo Dosunmu – Out (Calf), Torrey Craig – Out (Leg)

Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 5-0

The San Antonio Spurs take on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in a game featuring two teams vying to improve their playoff standing. The Spurs are led by rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who has been dominant this season, averaging 25.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game. His all-around brilliance, combined with veteran Chris Paul’s playmaking, gives San Antonio a strong offensive and defensive edge.

Chicago, however, enters the game with momentum after a high-scoring victory against the New York Knicks. Zach LaVine leads the Bulls with 22.7 points per game, while Nikola Vucevic contributes a consistent double-double with 20.4 points and 10.1 rebounds. The Bulls will rely on their home-court advantage and their three-point shooting prowess, ranking second in the league with 16.5 threes made per game.

While Chicago has struggled defensively, allowing 121.3 points per game (29th in the NBA), their offense can pose challenges for the Spurs. San Antonio’s ability to control the paint and limit Chicago’s perimeter shooting will be crucial in this matchup.

Prediction: Spurs def. Bulls 118-114

Dallas Mavericks At Memphis Grizzlies – 8:00 PM EST

Mavericks Current Record: 20-15

Grizzlies Current Record: 23-13

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

Grizzlies Injuries: Desmond Bane – Day To Day (Ankle), Ja Morant – Out (Shoulder), Yuki Kawamura – Out (Shoulder), Santi Aldama – Out (Ankle), Luke Kennard – Out (Hamstring), Marcus Smart – Out (Finger), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (Ankle), GG Jackson II – Out (Foot)

Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 3-2

The Dallas Mavericks visit the Memphis Grizzlies in a key Western Conference matchup. The Mavericks enter this contest struggling, riding a four-game losing streak and missing Luka Doncic due to a calf injury. Kyrie Irving is expected to lead Dallas, supported by Klay Thompson and emerging contributors like P.J. Washington. Despite their challenges, Dallas has shown resilience, relying on improved depth and a balanced approach.

The Grizzlies, third in the Western Conference, have been dominant at home with a 14-4 record. Jaren Jackson Jr. leads Memphis with 22.3 points per game, while Desmond Bane’s playmaking adds another layer to their dynamic offense. Memphis excels in offensive rebounding and pace, putting significant pressure on opponents. Their bench, featuring talents like Zach Edey and Scottie Pippen Jr., provides crucial support.

With the Mavericks missing Doncic and facing a potent Grizzlies lineup, this game will test Dallas’s adaptability. While Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks’ defense can keep it competitive, Memphis’s home-court advantage and balanced attack should secure them the win.

Prediction: Grizzlies def. Mavericks 123-115

Los Angeles Clippers At Minnesota Timberwolves – 8:00 PM EST

Clippers Current Record: 20-15

Wolves Current Record: 17-17

Clippers Injuries: P.J. Tucker – Out (Away from team)

Wolves Injuries: Josh Minott – Day To Day (Illness), Luka Garza – Out (Ankle), Rob Dillingham – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 4-1

The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Los Angeles Clippers in a matchup featuring two teams vying for consistency in the competitive Western Conference. Minnesota is coming off a 109-80 win over the Lakers, where Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert showcased their talents. The Timberwolves, however, have struggled on the road this season, holding a 3-6 away record.

The Clippers, on the other hand, have been strong at home, boasting a 9-4 record at the Intuit Dome. James Harden has been pivotal, averaging 24.5 points and providing leadership on the court, while Norman Powell has excelled in recent games, including back-to-back performances with 28 and 30 points. The return of Kawhi Leonard, albeit in limited minutes, offers a significant boost to the Clippers’ roster.

Minnesota’s solid defense (allowing just 108 points per game) will be tested by Los Angeles’s balanced offensive attack. With the Clippers performing well as home underdogs and the Timberwolves struggling on the road, the Clippers’ depth and home-court advantage might give them the edge.

Prediction: Clippers def. Wolves 112-108

Miami Heat At Sacramento Kings – 10:00 PM EST

Heat Current Record: 17-16

Kings Current Record: 17-19

Heat Injuries: Haywood Highsmith – Day To Day (Personal), Josh Richardson – Out (Heel), Dru Smith – Out (Achilles)

Kings Injuries: De’Aaron Fox – Day To Day (Hip)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 3-2

The Miami Heat face the Sacramento Kings in a high-stakes clash at the Golden 1 Center. Miami is looking to rebound from a tough 136-100 loss to the Utah Jazz, where their offense faltered and their defense struggled against a hot-shooting opponent. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo will need to step up and lead the Heat, especially with Jimmy Butler unavailable. The Heat’s strength lies in their defense and three-point shooting, which could exploit Sacramento’s occasional defensive lapses.

Sacramento, on the other hand, enters the game with momentum following a commanding 129-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Led by Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk, the Kings have proven their offensive capabilities, averaging 115.4 points per game. Their home-court advantage and balanced offensive attack will be crucial against Miami’s defensive pressure. De’Aaron Fox’s status is uncertain, but the Kings’ depth could still pose significant challenges for Miami.

The game is likely to be a battle of contrasting styles: Miami’s defensive grit versus Sacramento’s offensive firepower. While the Heat have shown resilience, the Kings’ recent form and home advantage should carry them to a narrow victory.

Prediction: Kings def. Heat 115-111