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Free NBA Picks Thursday, January 9 and Opening Line Report


by Jason Radowitz - 1/8/2020

Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid (21) celebrates after a dunk in the first half of a home game.

There's a four-game slate for Thursday's NBA action featuring a couple potential deep playoff matches between the Celtics and 76ers and the Rockets vs the Thunder . Both Joel Embiid and Russell Westbrook will be questionable for this game but will likely play. This will be Westbrook's return to Oklahoma City after the trade with the Rockets in the off-season. Here are the early leans for Thursday's action.

Celtics @ 76ers (TBD, TBD)

The 76ers finally snapped a four-game losing streak with a home win against the Thunder. Joel Embiid didn't practice Tuesday and will be a game-time decision for this one. The Celtics, on the other hand, will play a back-to-back with the Spurs before this one. Even with Embiid questionable, the Sixers play better at home, and with an extra day of rest they should be able to sneak by with a victory.

Key trends: 76ers are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Early lean: 76ers, Under

Cavaliers @ Pistons (-6.5, 220.5)

The Pistons have a starting lineup on their injured list but still defeated the Cavs at Cleveland. Now the Cavs will travel to Detroit after losing five straight games. The Pistons have struggled against high quality opponents but shouldn't have a problem defeating the Cavs at home.

Key trends: Pistons are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Early lean: Pistons, Over

Trail Blazers @ Timberwolves (TBD, TBD)

The Timberwolves started to go on a run, winning three of their last four games before losing to Memphis on the road. Portland will be playing their fifth straight game on the road against Minnesota, where they've gone 2-2 thus far. This game can go either way, so I'll take the home team.

Key trends: Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Early lean: Timberwolves, Over

Rockets @ Thunder (TBD, TBD)

Coming into this game, Russell Westbrook is questionable but likely to play. After all, he'll be coming back to OKC to face the Thunder in the Chesapeake Energy Arena. He won't be hiding. However, the Thunder have played some incredible basketball as of late, going 8-2 in their last ten games. The Thunder took a loss to the 76ers on the road and came back the next day to get a convincing win against the Nets. The Rockets will play the Hawks before this one, and you can bet they'll be tired after a ton of scoring and running up and down the court in a fast tempo game. I like the Thunder to cover in this one, at home.

Key trends: Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Early lean: Thunder, Over

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