NBA Daily Picks For January 9th, 2025: Lakers Look To Get Back On Track Against Struggling Hornets

After a near-flawless 7-1 performance in our last outing, our season record has improved to 232-121, bringing our accuracy rate to 63.7%. Tonight, we’re set for another exciting 8-game slate, with intriguing matchups across the league. Let’s break it down and aim to keep the momentum going.

The evening tips off with the Toronto Raptors facing the league-best Cleveland Cavaliers. The Golden State Warriors meet the surging Detroit Pistons in what could be a tricky contest. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves face the Orlando Magic in a clash between two teams trending upward. In another Western Conference matchup, the Houston Rockets take on the Memphis Grizzlies. 

The Portland Trail Blazers visit the Dallas Mavericks, the Mavs will aim to outduel a Trail Blazers team still struggling to find its footing. The Miami Heat face the Utah Jazz in a game that pits Miami’s disciplined defense against Utah’s versatile scoring options. 

The Atlanta Hawks take on the Phoenix Suns in a game featuring plenty of offensive firepower. Finally, the Charlotte Hornets face the Los Angeles Lakers in the late game.

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

Toronto Raptors At Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM EST

Raptors Current Record: 8-29

Cavaliers Current Record: 32-4

Raptors Injuries: Ochai Agbaji – Out (Back)

Cavaliers Injuries: Sam Merrill – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Cavaliers Lead 4-1

The Toronto Raptors visit the Cleveland Cavaliers in what promises to be a stark contrast of form between the two Eastern Conference teams. The Raptors have struggled mightily, losing 13 of their last 14 games, and are fresh off a tough back-to-back after facing the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Despite efforts from Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, Toronto’s depleted roster has been unable to stay competitive during this stretch.

On the other hand, the Cavaliers are on a roll, having won 11 straight games and 14 of their last 15. Anchored by Donovan Mitchell and the dynamic playmaking of Darius Garland, Cleveland’s balanced offense and stifling defense have made them one of the most formidable teams in the league. The frontcourt duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley continues to dominate the paint, further elevating the Cavs’ championship aspirations.

With the Raptors struggling offensively and defensively, and the Cavaliers boasting an NBA-best home record, Cleveland should comfortably handle this matchup. Expect the Cavs’ depth and superior execution to prevail.

Prediction: Cavaliers def. Raptors 123-102

Golden State Warriors At Detroit Pistons – 7:00 PM EST

Warriors Current Record: 18-18

Pistons Current Record: 19-18

Warriors Injuries: Moses Moody – Day To Day (Knee), Dennis Schroder – Day To Day (Abdomen), Draymond Green – Day To Day (Ankle), Stephen Curry – Day To Day (Knee), Brandin Podziemski – Out (Abdomen), Jonathan Kuminga – Out (Ankle), Gary Payton II – Out (Calf)

Pistons Injuries: Ausar Thompson – Out (Illness), Jaden Ivey – Out (Leg)

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2

The Golden State Warriors visit the Detroit Pistons in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. Golden State has struggled recently, losing back-to-back games, and is dealing with injuries to key players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. 

If Curry is limited or absent, the Warriors will rely heavily on Andrew Wiggins, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Buddy Hield to carry the offensive load. The Warriors’ three-point shooting could be a key factor, as Detroit allows opponents to shoot effectively from beyond the arc.

Detroit, on the other hand, is riding a five-game win streak, largely thanks to improved defensive performances and strong contributions from Cade Cunningham. Cunningham has been instrumental, averaging 27.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists over the past five games. Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren have provided solid support, and the Pistons’ home-court advantage has been crucial, with four consecutive wins at Little Caesars Arena.

While Golden State has the firepower to make this a close contest, Detroit’s recent form, balanced roster, and defensive resilience should give them the edge at home.

Prediction: Pistons def. Warriors 112-105

Minnesota Timberwolves At Orlando Magic – 7:00 PM EST

Wolves Current Record: 19-17

Magic Current Record: 22-16

Wolves Injuries: Rob Dillingham – Out (Ankle)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Magic Lead 3-2

The Minnesota Timberwolves face the Orlando Magic at Kia Center in a battle of contrasting styles. Minnesota boasts a solid defense, ranking fourth in points allowed at 107.7 per game. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards leads the team offensively, averaging 25.8 points per game. Despite struggles in offensive consistency, the Timberwolves will look to leverage their defensive prowess and Edwards’ firepower to gain an edge.

The Magic, on the other hand, have been ravaged by injuries to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, significantly hampering their scoring capabilities. They currently rank last in points per game, averaging just 105.2. However, Orlando’s strength lies in its defense, as they allow the fewest points in the league (103.2). Players like Goga Bitadze and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have stepped up to provide stability on both ends.

This game will likely be a defensive slugfest, with both teams relying on their ability to slow the pace and control the game. Orlando’s home-court advantage and defensive structure might keep things close, but the Timberwolves’ healthier roster and Anthony Edwards’ scoring edge should tip the scales.

Prediction: Timberwolves def. Magic 106-101

Houston Rockets At Memphis Grizzlies – 8:00 PM EST

Rockets Current Record: 24-12

Grizzlies Current Record: 24-13

Rockets Injuries: Tari Eason – Day To Day (Leg), Jabari Smith Jr. – Out (Hand)

Grizzlies Injuries: Ja Morant – Day To Day (Shoulder), Desmond Bane – Day To Day (Ankle), Jaren Jackson Jr. – Day To Day (Thigh), Santi Aldama – Out (Ankle), GG Jackson II – Out (Ankle), Marcus Smart – Out (Finger), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Rockets Lead 4-1

The Houston Rockets visit the Memphis Grizzlies in what promises to be a thrilling Western Conference clash at FedExForum. Houston is riding a four-game road win streak, thanks to the stellar play of Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and their balanced offensive approach. However, they face a Grizzlies team that has been dominant at home, winning 15 of their last 19 games.

The Rockets have shown offensive efficiency with Sengun’s playmaking and Green’s scoring punch. Fred VanVleet’s availability remains a question after sustaining a knee injury in their recent win against Washington, which could significantly impact Houston’s guard rotation.

Memphis, on the other hand, is led by Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been a force on both ends of the court. Desmond Bane’s likely return adds another scoring threat, while their bench depth continues to shine. The Grizzlies thrive on pace and offensive rebounding, and their ability to control the tempo at home could tip the scales in their favor.

This game will likely come down to execution in crunch time, with Memphis’s home-court edge playing a decisive role.

Prediction: Grizzlies def. Rockets 119-117

Portland Trail Blazers At Dallas Mavericks – 8:30 PM EST

Blazers Current Record: 13-23

Mavericks Current Record: 21-16

Blazers Injuries: Donovan Clingan – Out (Rest), Matisse Thybulle – Out (Ankle), Jerami Grant – Out (Face)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 4-1

The Dallas Mavericks host the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center in a Western Conference clash. The Mavericks, currently fifth in the West, recently ended a five-game losing streak with a dominant 118-97 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite missing Luka Doncic and potentially Kyrie Irving, Dallas has showcased depth with standout performances from Quentin Grimes and Jaden Hardy, who contributed significantly in their last outing.

The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, are navigating a tough season. With a 4-15 road record, Portland has struggled to find consistency, despite solid individual performances from Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton. Simons has been a bright spot, recently scoring 36 points against Detroit, but the team’s defensive lapses and turnover issues have hampered their competitiveness.

In their last matchup, Dallas routed Portland 126-97, with Luka Doncic leading the charge. While the Mavericks’ key players may be absent, their balanced team approach and strong home record give them an edge. Portland must improve defensively and limit turnovers to stay competitive but faces an uphill battle against a motivated Mavericks squad.

Prediction: Mavericks def. Blazers 115-103

Miami Heat At Utah Jazz – 9:00 PM EST

Heat Current Record: 18-17

Jazz Current Record: 9-26

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

Jazz Injuries: Brice Sensabaugh – Day To Day (Illness), Keyonte George – Out (Heel), John Collins – Out (Hip), Jordan Clarkson – Out (Foot), Taylor Hendricks – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Heat Lead 3-2

The Utah Jazz host the Miami Heat in a matchup at the Delta Center as the Jazz aim to end an eight-game home losing streak. Utah has struggled this season, ranking 14th in the Western Conference with a 2-13 home record. The Heat, sitting sixth in the East, are looking to improve their 8-10 road record and gain momentum in their playoff push.

The Jazz rely heavily on Lauri Markkanen, who averages 19.9 points per game, along with Walker Kessler’s strong interior defense. Despite snapping a five-game losing streak with a dominant win over Miami earlier this season, Utah’s inconsistency and injury troubles remain concerning. Key players like Keyonte George and John Collins are questionable, which could further hamper their performance.

Miami, led by Tyler Herro (23.6 PPG) and Bam Adebayo (16.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG), must address their defensive lapses after their previous loss to Utah. The Heat excel in ball movement, averaging 25.9 assists per game, but will need consistent contributions from their bench to avoid another setback.

Utah’s recent victory over Miami may provide a morale boost, but the Heat’s depth and ability to exploit the Jazz’s defensive vulnerabilities make them slight favorites.

Prediction: Heat def. Jazz 116-111

Atlanta Hawks At Phoenix Suns – 9:00 PM EST

Hawks Current Record: 19-18

Suns Current Record: 16-19

Hawks Injuries: Onyeka Okongwu – Day To Day (Face), Bogdan Bogdanovic – Day To Day (Leg), Cody Zeller – Out (Personal), Jalen Johnson – Out (Shoulder), Larry Nance Jr. – Out (Hand), Kobe Bufkin – Out (Shoulder)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Hawks Lead 4-1

The Atlanta Hawks travel to face the Phoenix Suns in what promises to be an intriguing matchup at Footprint Center. The Hawks are fresh off a thrilling victory over the Utah Jazz, highlighted by Trae Young’s buzzer-beating half-court shot. 

Young, averaging 22.6 points and 12.2 assists per game, has been the engine for Atlanta, with key contributions from players like Clint Capela and Dyson Daniels. However, the absence of Jalen Johnson due to injury leaves a significant gap, particularly on the defensive end.

The Suns, on the other hand, continue to search for consistency. Despite boasting a star-studded roster led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, chemistry issues and lineup adjustments have plagued them. Devin Booker’s scoring and Kevin Durant’s all-around brilliance have kept Phoenix competitive, but they are coming off a loss to the Charlotte Hornets that exposed their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of depth.

Both teams struggle defensively, which could lead to a high-scoring affair. While the Suns have the home-court advantage, the Hawks’ recent form and Trae Young’s leadership give them a fighting chance.

Prediction: Hawks def. Suns 121-117

Charlotte Hornets At Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30 PM EST

Hornets Current Record: 8-27

Lakers Current Record: 20-16

Hornets Injuries: N/A

Lakers Injuries: Anthony Davis – Day To Day (Foot), Cam Reddish – Day To Day (Back), Jalen Hood-Schifino – Out (Hamstring), Christian Wood – Out (Knee), Jarred Vanderbilt – Out (Foot)

Last 5 Meetings: Lakers Lead 3-2

The Los Angeles Lakers host the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena in a matchup showcasing two teams with vastly different trajectories this season. The Lakers, led by Anthony Davis and LeBron James, have been a solid force at home with a 12-5 record. Davis continues to anchor the team with averages of 25.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, while LeBron James facilitates the offense with 8.8 assists per contest.

On the other hand, the Charlotte Hornets have struggled throughout the season but managed to snap a 10-game losing streak with a 115-104 victory over the Phoenix Suns in their previous outing. LaMelo Ball was instrumental, posting 32 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing why he is the centerpiece of Charlotte’s rebuilding efforts. Despite his efforts, the Hornets have been inconsistent, particularly on the road, where they hold a dismal 2-14 record.

The Lakers’ defensive strength and balanced offense make them clear favorites in this matchup. The Hornets will need an extraordinary performance from Ball and the supporting cast to compete with the Lakers’ firepower and depth. Expect Los Angeles to control the pace and dominate in front of their home crowd.

Prediction: Lakers def. Hornets 116-101

Update: Lakers-Hornets game is postponed due to raging wildfires across the Los Angeles area.