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Free NBA Picks Tuesday, January 7 and Opening Line Report


by Jason Radowitz - 1/6/2020

LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers

There are six games on the NBA slate for Tuesday, January 7. The Oklahoma City Thunder will put their five-game winning streak on the line against the Nets, who will put their five-game losing streak on the line. The Lakers are also on a five-game winning streak, and they'll play the Knicks at home looking to make it six straight. Check the early leans for Tuesday's slate to see which picks should already be penciled in.

Pistons @ Cavaliers (+3.5, 214.5)

The Cavaliers have lost four straight, and prime trade deadline candidate Kevin Love is not happy about it. As the second quarter came to an end, Love screamed for the ball from Sexton and then chucked the ball to the other wing as hard as possible, clearly upset with how things are coming along. The Pistons have lost two of their last 10 but kept it close against the Lakers on the road. The Pistons have had a long road trip, but maybe a road game against the Cavs will finally yield another win on the road.

Key trends: Pistons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Early lean: Pistons, Over

Trail Blazers @ Raptors (TBD, TBD)

The Blazers got a shot in the arm when they signed Carmelo Anthony. They might need another shot in the arm from that guy we spoke about above, Kevin Love. The Trail Blazers have lost four of their last five games, with the only win coming against a banged-up Wizards team. The Raptors defeated the Nets on the road as underdogs, 121-102, and will be the favorites at home against the Blazers. Portland has done a lot of traveling this past week, going from New York to Washington DC to Miami and now to Toronto. I don't trust the Blazers one bit.

Key trends: Raptors are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite.

Early lean: Raptors, Under

Thunder @ Nets (-2, 217)

What has gone on with the Thunder? They're 9-1 in their last 10 and have won five straight games. The Thunder are 20-15, and playoff hopes are actually legitimate right now. The Thunder lost Westbrook to the Rockets this off-season, but Chris Paul has helped lead this young Thunder team to greatness early on. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is becoming a stud. While the Thunder strive, the Nets are struggling after losing their last five games. This seems like a trap game, but I'm telling you, the Nets fire has run out. They're getting blown out by teams, even at home. Continue to ride the Thunder.

Key trends: Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.

Early lean: Thunder, Under

Timberwolves @ Grizzlies (TBD, TBD)

Minnesota has won their last two games, and they're still just 14-21. Ultimately, this would be the largest shocker in the NBA right now if it weren't for those pesky Thunder. The Timberwolves are playing a lot better since December 30. Maybe the new year helped. The Grizzlies have won their last two games and have won three of four just like the Wolves. I'm not buying into the T-Wolves madness just yet and will stick with the home team in the Grizzlies. Memphis will outscore Minnesota in a shootout.

Key trends: Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.

Early lean: Grizzlies, Over

Kings @ Suns (-5.5, 226.5)

Back on December 28, the Suns defeated the Kings, 112-110, at Sacramento. Now the home team flips as the Suns get home-court advantage. The Kings are 1-9 in their last 10 games, while the Suns aren't that much better, going 3-7 in their last 10. The Suns will play a little faster than the Kings like. And as long as the Suns hit their shots, the Suns should be able to outscore the Kings. The Kings have stayed in games late, but the Suns should escape late in the 4th quarter.

Key trends: Suns are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Early lean: Suns, Over

Knicks @ Lakers (-13.5, 220.5)

The Knicks deserve some credit for losing to the Kawhi-less Clippers, 135-132, on the road. The Knicks have been on the road a lot this season. The Knicks lone home game in their last six games was against Portland, where they got the win on New Year's Day. The schedule is not playing in the Knicks favor after having to play the Clippers and Lakers back-to-back. The west coast should get to the Knicks. The Lakers are also on a five-game winning streak and have played their last four games at home. LA is in a groove at home and should finish the Knicks quite easily in this one.

Key trends: Lakers are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Early lean: Lakers, Under

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