NBA Daily Picks For November 25, 2024: Nuggets Take On Knicks In West vs. East Clash At MSG

After a tough 1-3 outing last time, our season record now stands at 82-50, dropping our accuracy rate to 62.1%. Tonight, we have a loaded 9-game slate, and we’re determined to bounce back and improve our season total.

The evening kicks off with the Toronto Raptors facing the Detroit Pistons in a matchup of rebuilding squads looking to gain momentum. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans take on the Indiana Pacers in what promises to be a high-paced and exciting contest. The Orlando Magic square off against the Charlotte Hornets, both aiming to solidify their footing in the Eastern Conference standings.

In other matchups, the Dallas Mavericks clash with the Atlanta Hawks in a game loaded with offensive firepower. The Los Angeles Clippers face the Boston Celtics in a highly anticipated East vs. West showdown. The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Memphis Grizzlies, and both teams are eager to find consistency this season.

The action continues as the New York Knicks battle the Denver Nuggets, while the Brooklyn Nets meet the Golden State Warriors. Finally, the Oklahoma City Thunder close the night against the Sacramento Kings in what could be a tightly contested affair.

Let’s break down these games and aim for a strong rebound tonight!

Toronto Raptors At Detroit Pistons – 7 PM EST

Raptors Current Record: 4-13

Pistons Current Record: 7-11

Raptors Injuries: Gradey Dick – Day To Day (Calf), Bruce Brown – Out (Knee), Immanuel Quickley – Out (Elbow), Kelly Olynyk – Out (Back), D.J. Carton – Out (Ankle)

Pistons Injuries: Cade Cunningham – Day To Day (Hip), Bobo Klintman – Out (Calf)

Last 5 Meetings: Raptors Lead 3-2

The Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons face off in an intriguing Eastern Conference matchup on Monday night. Both teams are looking to bounce back from disappointing stretches, with the Raptors aiming to overcome their road struggles and the Pistons trying to end a three-game losing skid.

Toronto comes into the game on the second night of a back-to-back after falling to Cleveland. While the Raptors have been inconsistent this season, Scottie Barnes’ return has provided a significant boost. Barnes, along with RJ Barrett, will be key to Toronto’s chances, especially with the Pistons’ defensive focus on limiting their inside presence.

The Pistons, on the other hand, will likely be without Cade Cunningham, their leading scorer and playmaker. Without him, Detroit will rely on Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren to fill the offensive void. However, recent struggles, particularly on defense, have made it challenging for the Pistons to close out games.

Prediction: Pistons def. Raptors 123-116

New Orleans Pelicans At Indiana Pacers – 7 PM EST

Pelicans Current Record: 4-13

Pacers Current Record: 7-10

Pelicans Injuries: Yves Missi – Day To Day (Shoulder), Herbert Jones – Out (Shoulder), Dejounte Murray – Out (Hand), CJ McCollum – Out (Adductor), Zion Williamson – Out (Hamstring), Jose Alvarado – Out (Hamstring)

Pacers Injuries: Ben Sheppard – Out (Oblique), Aaron Nesmith – Out (Ankle), Andrew Nembhard – Out (Knee), Isaiah Jackson – Out (Achilles), James Wiseman – Out (Achilles)

Last 5 Meetings: Pelicans Lead 3-2

The Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans clash on Monday night, both nursing significant injuries to key players. The Pacers aim for their second consecutive win after snapping a three-game skid with a solid performance against the Washington Wizards, led by Tyrese Haliburton’s efficient scoring and playmaking. Despite missing rotation players Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, Ben Sheppard, and Isaiah Jackson, Indiana has managed to stay competitive.

The Pelicans continue to struggle, winning just one of their last 11 games. Without Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones, and potentially C.J. McCollum and Dejounte Murray, New Orleans leans heavily on Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy III to carry the offensive load. Their last meeting with Indiana ended in a 125-118 Pelicans victory, thanks to Williamson’s dominance, but his absence could shift the dynamic.

The Pacers’ offensive rhythm and depth should prove decisive against a depleted Pelicans squad.

Prediction: Pacers def. Pelicans 122-116

Orlando Magic At Charlotte Hornets – 7 PM EST

Magic Current Record: 11-7

Hornets Current Record: 6-10

Magic Injuries: Wendell Carter Jr. – Out (Foot), Paolo Banchero – Out (Oblique)

Hornets Injuries: Grant Williams – Out (ACL)

Last 5 Meetings: Magic Lead 4-1

The Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets face off in a Southeast Division showdown Monday night at the Spectrum Center. The Magic enter the game on a roll, having won eight of their last nine games, largely due to their league-leading defense allowing just 103.1 points per game. Franz Wagner continues to shine, averaging 23.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, while rookie Tristan Da Silva has provided solid contributions. Orlando’s depth and balanced attack have been instrumental in their success.

The Hornets despite their record, have been highly competitive behind LaMelo Ball’s stellar play. Ball recently dropped 50 points against the Bucks and is averaging over 30 points per game this season. Rookie Brandon Miller is also proving to be a key piece, with back-to-back standout performances, including a 32-point, 11-rebound game against Milwaukee. Charlotte’s home record provides some optimism in what has otherwise been an inconsistent season.

Prediction: Magic def. Hornets 110-103

Dallas Mavericks At Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM EST

Mavericks Current Record: 9-8

Hawks Current Record: 7-10

Mavericks Injuries: Luka Doncic – Out (Wrist), Dante Exum – Out (Wrist)

Hawks Injuries: Cody Zeller – Out (Personal), Seth Lundy – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Mavericks Lead 3-2

The Dallas Mavericks face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday in an intriguing matchup at State Farm Arena. The Mavericks, coming off a tough overtime loss to the Miami Heat, will look to bounce back despite missing Luka Doncic due to a wrist injury. Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson have carried the offensive load in Doncic’s absence, with P.J. Washington making significant contributions on the boards. The Mavericks have won six of their last ten games against Atlanta, including two decisive victories last season.

The Hawks are eager to snap a two-game losing streak. Despite Trae Young and Jalen Johnson’s strong performances, Atlanta has struggled defensively, allowing over 120 points per game. Johnson, emerging as a consistent double-double threat, will be key in this game. Atlanta’s fast-paced style, ranked second in the NBA, could prove challenging for a Mavericks team playing the second game of a back-to-back.

Prediction: Hawks def. Mavericks 121-118

Los Angeles Clippers At Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM EST

Clippers Current Record: 11-7

Celtics Current Record: 14-3

Clippers Injuries: Norman Powell – Out (Hamstring), Kawhi Leonard – Out (Knee), P.J. Tucker – Out (Away from team)

Celtics Injuries: Luke Kornet – Day To Day (Hamstring), Kristaps Porzingis – Out (Foot)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2

The Los Angeles Clippers travel to face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden in what promises to be a competitive matchup between two teams on winning streaks. The Clippers have won five consecutive games, anchored by James Harden’s leadership, averaging 20.2 points and nearly 10 assists per game during this stretch. Their defense has been stellar, holding opponents to just under 97 points per game, and their strong perimeter defense will be tested against Boston’s sharpshooting lineup.

The Celtics, also riding a five-game winning streak, continue to showcase their offensive firepower. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have led the charge, with Tatum averaging nearly 28 points per game. Boston’s ability to score from beyond the arc is a significant advantage, but they face a tough defensive challenge against the Clippers.

Despite Boston’s home-court edge, the Clippers’ defensive resilience and recent form suggest a close contest.

Prediction: Celtics def. Clippers 112-108

Portland Trail Blazers At Memphis Grizzlies – 8 PM EST

Blazers Current Record: 7-10

Grizzlies Current Record: 10-7

Blazers Injuries: Scoot Henderson – Day To Day (Back), Kris Murray – Day To Day (Bruised sternum), Jerami Grant – Day To Day (Illness), Deandre Ayton – Out (Finger), Matisse Thybulle – Out (Knee), Donovan Clingan – Out (Knee)

Grizzlies Injuries: Ja Morant – Out (Hip), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (Ankle), Zach Edey – Out (Ankle), GG Jackson II – Out (Foot)

Last 5 Meetings: Grizzlies Lead 3-2

The Portland Trail Blazers face the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum in what could be a challenging matchup for the visiting team. The Blazers are coming off a hard-fought win against the Rockets, led by standout performances from Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe. However, their offense has struggled for consistency, ranking near the bottom of the league in offensive rating. Key injuries to Deandre Ayton, Donovan Clingan, and potentially Jerami Grant only heighten their challenges.

The Grizzlies, on the other hand, enter the contest on a high after scoring 142 points against the Bulls. Even without the consistent availability of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, Memphis has relied on players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and their deep roster to stay competitive. Their third-ranked pace and top-10 defensive rating make them tough to handle on both ends of the court.

Expect Memphis to dictate the tempo and limit Portland’s already struggling offense.

Prediction: Grizzlies def. Trail Blazers 116-101

New York Knicks At Denver Nuggets – 9 PM EST

Knicks Current Record: 9-7

Nuggets Current Record: 9-6

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

Nuggets Injuries: Peyton Watson – Day To Day (Adductor), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee), Aaron Gordon – Out (Calf), DaRon Holmes II – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 3-2

The Denver Nuggets host the New York Knicks at Ball Arena, promising an intriguing clash of star power and contrasting play styles. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, are riding high after a commanding 127-102 win against the Los Angeles Lakers. Jokic’s all-around brilliance, with averages of 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists this season, makes him a central figure in Denver’s offense. 

The Knicks, on the other hand, are looking to rebound from a tough road loss to the Utah Jazz. Karl-Anthony Towns continues to dominate, averaging 26.8 points and 12.2 rebounds. Jalen Brunson’s playmaking and scoring bolster the Knicks’ offensive flow, but fatigue from their extended road trip might hinder their efficiency.

Key factors will be Denver’s rebounding edge and home-court advantage. While the Knicks can make it competitive, expect the Nuggets to control the tempo.

Prediction: Nuggets def. Knicks 118-112

Brooklyn Nets At Golden State Warriors – 10 PM EST

Nets Current Record: 7-10

Warriors Current Record: 12-4

Nets Injuries: Noah Clowney – Day To Day (Ankle), Ben Simmons – Out (Load management), Dennis Schroder – Out (Ankle), Dorian Finney-Smith – Out (Ankle), Bojan Bogdanovic – Out (Foot), Day’Ron Sharpe – Out (Hamstring)

Warriors Injuries: Jonathan Kuminga – Day To Day (Illness), Quinten Post – Out (Two-Way), De’Anthony Melton – Out (ACL)

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 3-2

The Brooklyn Nets continue their road trip with a visit to the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. The Nets are coming off a hard-fought win against the Sacramento Kings, where Cam Thomas exploded for 34 points. However, fatigue could play a role as they face the Warriors on short rest. Without Dennis Schroder, the Nets will lean heavily on Thomas and Nic Claxton to keep up with Golden State’s pace.

The Warriors, led by Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins, are looking to bounce back after a surprising loss to the Spurs. Golden State has been dominant at home, leveraging strong third-quarter performances and a top-ranked defense against opponents on back-to-backs. Curry will aim for a better showing after being held to just 14 points in his previous outing.

Given the rest advantage and superior depth, the Warriors are expected to control the game.

Prediction: Warriors def. Nets 117-102

Oklahoma City Thunder At Sacramento Kings – 10 PM EST

Thunder Current Record: 12-4

Kings Current Record: 8-9

Thunder Injuries: Isaiah Joe – Day To Day (Calf), Alex Caruso – Out (Hip), Ousmane Dieng – Out (Finger), Chet Holmgren – Out (Hip), Jaylin Williams – Out (Hamstring), Nikola Topic – Out (ACL)

Kings Injuries: Malik Monk – Out (Ankle), Isaiah Crawford – Out, Mason Jones – Out (Hamstring)

Last 5 Meetings: Kings Lead 3-2

The Oklahoma City Thunder, sitting second in the Western Conference, visit the Sacramento Kings, who are looking to snap a three-game losing streak. The Kings, currently 12th in the West, will hope that home-court advantage and the brilliance of De’Aaron Fox can help them turn things around. Fox has been a standout performer, scoring 31 points in their recent loss to the Nets. However, Sacramento’s inconsistent defense and struggles in closing out games have been glaring issues.

The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, have been one of the league’s most balanced teams this season. Their strong defensive play and clutch performances have propelled them to a 12-4 record. Even without key contributors like Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City remains a formidable force, especially with Williams’ recent 30-point outing and Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to take over games in crunch time.

Sacramento has shown resilience at home but has struggled to execute in the fourth quarter during their losing streak. Given Oklahoma City’s depth and discipline, they should be able to outlast the Kings in this matchup.

Prediction: Thunder def. Kings 112-107