NBA Daily Picks For December 5, 2024: Top-Seeded Cavaliers Take On Inconsistent Nuggets

After a solid 4-2 performance in last night’s predictions, our season record has climbed to 122-71, giving us an accuracy rate of 62.2%. Tonight, we have an exciting 8-game slate, and we’re ready to aim for another strong showing.

The night starts with a top-tier matchup as the Denver Nuggets take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, pitting two of the league’s most balanced teams against each other. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks face the struggling Washington Wizards, with Luka Doncic and company looking to take advantage of their opponent’s woes.

In another game, the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder face the Toronto Raptors, who are searching for consistency. The Charlotte Hornets meet the New York Knicks, who are riding a wave of momentum and aim to extend their strong form.

Later, the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs face off in a battle of two underperforming teams, both looking to spark some energy into their campaigns. The Sacramento Kings take on the Memphis Grizzlies, who continue to struggle amid injuries and slow starts.

The Phoenix Suns then clash with the struggling New Orleans Pelicans in what could be a pivotal game for both sides. Finally, the night concludes with the Houston Rockets, one of the league’s hottest teams, taking on the slumping Golden State Warriors, who desperately need a win to regain their footing.

Let’s break down each of these matchups and aim for another strong night in predictions.

Denver Nuggets At Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM EST

Nuggets Current Record: 11-8

Cavaliers Current Record: 19-3

Nuggets Injuries: Aaron Gordon – Day To Day (Calf), Vlakto Cancar – Out (Knee)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Nuggets Lead 3-2

The Denver Nuggets face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a highly anticipated matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Nuggets enter the game riding the momentum of a strong win over Golden State, bolstered by the return of Aaron Gordon. 

However, the Nuggets’ inconsistent first-half performances and reliance on Nikola Jokic, who is averaging a remarkable 30.1 points, 13 rebounds, and 10.4 assists, remain concerns. Denver’s efficient scoring—ranking fifth in points per game and fourth in both field goal and three-point percentage—could challenge Cleveland’s defense.

Cleveland, the NBA’s top team by record, boasts the league’s most potent offense, leading in points per game (121.8) and shooting efficiency both from the field (50%) and beyond the arc (40%). Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are key contributors, with Mobley also anchoring the team defensively with 9.3 rebounds per game. After two unexpected losses to Atlanta, the Cavaliers bounced back with commanding wins over Boston and Washington, reaffirming their elite status.

This game promises a clash of styles, with Denver relying on Jokic’s brilliance and Cleveland’s balanced offensive firepower. The Cavaliers’ depth and home-court advantage should give them the edge.

Prediction: Cavaliers def. Nuggets 127-118

Dallas Mavericks At Washington Wizards – 7:00 PM EST

Mavericks Current Record: 14-8

Wizards Current Record: 2-17

Mavericks Injuries: Naji Marshall – Day To Day (Illness), Dante Exum – Out (Wrist)

Wizards Injuries: Malcolm Brogdon – Day To Day (Knee), Kyle Kuzma – Out (Ribs), Tristan Vukcevic – Out (Knee), Kyshawn George – Out (Ankle), Corey Kispert – Out (Ankle), Patrick Baldwin Jr. – Out (Ankle), Saddiq Bey – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Wizards Lead 3-2

The Dallas Mavericks head to Washington to face the struggling Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. The Mavericks enter the game on a five-game win streak, powered by Luka Doncic’s brilliance and an efficient team offense. Over this stretch, Dallas has averaged 124.4 points per game while shooting an impressive 51% from the field. Doncic continues to shine with 29.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, complemented by Kyrie Irving and a solid supporting cast.

The Wizards, on the other hand, are in the midst of a franchise-worst 15-game losing streak. Washington has been abysmal on both ends of the floor, allowing 122.5 points per game while scoring only 104.1. Key players Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma need breakout performances to keep the game competitive, but with Kuzma sidelined, the offensive load becomes even heavier for Poole and Malcolm Brogdon (questionable).

Defensively, the Wizards have shown no signs of stopping anyone, ranking 29th in defensive rating and allowing the second-most points per game in the league. This is a nightmare scenario against a red-hot Mavericks team excelling offensively and defensively.

Prediction: Mavericks def. Wizards 124-108

Oklahoma City Thunder At Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM EST

Thunder Current Record: 16-5

Raptors Current Record: 7-15

Thunder Injuries: Jaylin Williams – Out (Hamstring), Alex Ducas – Out (Hip), Ousmane Dieng – Out (Finger), Chet Holmgren – Out (Hip), Nikola Topic – Out (ACL)

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

Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 3-2

The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Toronto Raptors in an intriguing East vs. West clash. Oklahoma City has been one of the top teams in the league, riding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar play and their disciplined defense. Even without Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have shown remarkable resilience, with strong contributions from Isaiah Hartenstein and Jalen Williams. Their ability to control the tempo and dominate defensively makes them a formidable opponent.

The Raptors, on the other hand, have had a rocky start to the season. However, they’ve shown signs of life recently, winning three of their last four games. RJ Barrett has been a bright spot, leading the team in scoring, while Scottie Barnes’ return has added a spark to both ends of the court. Despite their struggles, Toronto has played well at home and will rely on their balanced scoring to counter OKC’s stingy defense.

This game will test Toronto’s ability to handle the Thunder’s suffocating defense and Shai’s offensive brilliance. While the Raptors have shown promise recently, the Thunder’s consistency and depth make them the stronger team.

Prediction: Thunder def. Raptors 119-110

Charlotte Hornets At New York Knicks – 7:30 PM EST

Hornets Current Record: 7-15

Knicks Current Record: 13-8

Hornets Injuries: Grant Williams – Out (ACL)

Knicks Injuries: Cameron Payne – Day To Day (Elbow), Precious Achiuwa – Out (Hamstring), Mithcell Robinson – Out (Ankle), Kevin McCullar Jr. – Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Knicks Lead 5-0

The New York Knicks host the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden, aiming to extend their strong form. The Knicks are surging, winning eight of their last ten games. Behind Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, New York’s offense has become one of the most efficient in the league, ranking among the top in both field goal and three-point shooting percentages. Their defense, anchored by Towns and OG Anunoby, has remained consistent, making them a well-rounded team.

The Charlotte Hornets, in contrast, are struggling with injuries and poor performances. LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges are sidelined, leaving Brandon Miller to carry the offensive load. While Miller has shown promise, the Hornets’ lack of depth and inconsistent defense make them vulnerable. Charlotte enters this game on a six-game losing streak and has struggled to generate momentum offensively, averaging just 107.3 points per game this season.

New York’s balanced attack and home-court advantage should prove too much for Charlotte, who will need a heroic performance from Miller to stay competitive. Expect the Knicks to dominate both ends of the floor.

Prediction: Knicks def. Hornets 121-112

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

Bulls Current Record: 9-13

Spurs Current Record: 11-10

Bulls Injuries: Josh Giddey – Day To Day (Ankle), Lonzo Ball – Out (Rest), Coby White – Out (Ankle), Patrick Williams – Out (Foot)

Spurs Injuries: Tre Jones – Out (Shoulder), Victor Wenbanyama – Out (Back)

Last 5 Meetings: Bulls Lead 4-1

The San Antonio Spurs host the Chicago Bulls at the Frost Bank Center in a matchup of two teams navigating contrasting recent fortunes. The Spurs, despite an uneven start, have won five of their last seven games. San Antonio’s success largely hinges on Victor Wembanyama, whose versatility on both ends creates significant challenges for opponents. However, the Spurs struggled offensively in their last outing, shooting a dismal 35% from the field against the Suns.

The Chicago Bulls, on the other hand, are coming off a dominant 128-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Josh Giddey notched a triple-double, and Nikola Vucevic’s consistent performances continue to anchor Chicago’s offense. The Bulls’ shooting efficiency has been impressive, exceeding 50% in six straight games, making them a dangerous offensive unit.

Key factors include Wembanyama’s absence, as he has been pivotal to the Spurs’ defense and transition game. The Bulls will need to leverage their offensive firepower led by Zach LaVine and Giddey, to counter the Spurs’ rebounding and defensive schemes.

Prediction: Bulls def. Spurs 119-113

Sacramento Kings At Memphis Grizzlies – 8:00 PM EST

Kings Current Record: 10-12

Grizzlies Current Record: 14-8

Kings Injuries: Trey Lyles – Out (Calf)

Wolves Injuries: GG Jackson II – Out (Foot), Zach Edey – Out (Ankle), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (Ankle)

Last 5 Meetings: Wolves Lead 3-2

The Memphis Grizzlies host the Sacramento Kings in a Western Conference clash that pits two high-powered offenses against each other. The Grizzlies enter this matchup with a 14-8 record and recently saw their six-game winning streak snapped by the Dallas Mavericks. Ja Morant has been in top form since his return, and Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to anchor both the offense and defense effectively.

The Kings, sitting at 10-12, are fresh off a 120-111 win against the Houston Rockets. De’Aaron Fox leads the way with 27.2 points per game, supported by Domantas Sabonis, who is averaging 21 points and 12.6 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan, a key offseason addition, has provided a scoring boost but the Kings’ inconsistency late in games has been a concern. Nine of their losses have been by five or fewer points, a troubling trend they’ll look to reverse.

Both teams rank in the top 10 in offensive efficiency, promising a high-scoring affair. Memphis’ home advantage and better recent form give them the upper hand, but Sacramento’s trio of Fox, Sabonis, and DeRozan is capable of causing trouble if they execute well in the clutch.

Prediction: Grizzlies def. Kings 124-118

Phoenix Suns At New Orleans Pelicans – 8:00 PM EST

Suns Current Record: 12-8

Pelicans Current Record: 4-18

Suns Injuries: Ryan Dunn – Day To Day (Ankle), Kevin Durant – Out (Ankle), Jusuf Nurkic – Out (Thigh), Collin Gillespie – Out (Ankle)

Pelicans Injuries: Yves Missi – Day To Day (Ankle), Herbert Jones – Day To Day (Shoulder), Brandon Ingram – Day To Day (Calf), Jose Alvarado – Out (Hamstring), Jordan Hawkins – Out (Back), Zion Williamson – Out (Hamstring)

Last 5 Meetings: Suns Lead 3-2

The Phoenix Suns visit the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in a Western Conference matchup. The Suns, holding a 12-8 record, have been performing well, especially with Kevin Durant leading the charge. However, Durant suffered an ankle injury in their recent win against the San Antonio Spurs and will be unavailable for this game. In his absence, the Suns will rely on Bradley Beal and Devin Booker to shoulder the offensive load. Beal has been efficient, averaging 17.5 points per game, and is expected to step up alongside Booker.

The Pelicans have struggled this season, sitting at 4-18, largely due to a series of injuries to key players like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. While some of these players may return, their status remains uncertain. The team has faced challenges on both ends of the floor, ranking near the bottom in both offensive and defensive statistics. Despite these hurdles, young talents like Trey Murphy III have shown promise and could impact the game’s outcome.

This contest presents an opportunity for the Pelicans to exploit the Suns’ weakened lineup without Durant. However, Phoenix’s depth and experience may prove too much for New Orleans to overcome.

Prediction: Suns def. Pelicans 121-110

Houston Rockets At Golden State Warriors – 10:00 PM EST

Rockets Current Record: 15-7

Warriors Current Record: 12-8

Rockets Injuries: Fred VanVleet – Day To Day (Knee), Tari Eason – Out (Concussion)

Warriors Injuries: Andrew Wiggins – Day To Day (Ankle), Stephen Curry – Out (Injury management), Draymond Green – Out (Calf), De’Anthony Melton – Out (ACL)

Last 5 Meetings: Warriors Lead 5-0

The Houston Rockets face off against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in what promises to be an intriguing Western Conference matchup. The Rockets, sitting at 15-7, have been in excellent form, winning 10 of their last 13 games, though they are coming off a tough loss to the Sacramento Kings. Houston boasts a strong defensive identity, led by Alperen Sengun’s playmaking and Jalen Green’s dynamic scoring.

Golden State, on the other hand, has hit a rough patch, losing five consecutive games. Without Steph Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors are forced to lean heavily on their young core and secondary players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield. The team has struggled to find consistency, especially on the defensive end, which could be problematic against a Houston team looking to bounce back.

With their depth and current form, the Rockets are well-positioned to capitalize on the Warriors’ injury struggles and extend Golden State’s losing streak. Expect a focused effort from Houston, particularly on defense, to secure the victory.

Prediction: Rockets def. Warriors 123-112