Free NBA Picks Wednesday 1/22/2020 and Opening Line Report

by Jason Radowitz - 1/21/2020

In Wednesday's 12-game slate, first overall selection Zion Williamson will make his NBA debut with the Pelicans, while the 76ers and Raptors look to continue their winning streaks while only one can survive. There's plenty of value in the 12-game slate, so let's get right to it! Here are the early lean's for Wednesday's action.

76ers @ Raptors (-6, 218)

The 76ers are on a four-game winning streak after defeating the bad teams of the East. Now they'll take on the Raptors, who also have a four-game winning streak that started with a win on the road at Oklahoma City. The Raptors won three of those four games on the road and will return home. The 76ers normally struggle on the road against quality teams like the Raptors. Take the Raptors at home.

Key trends: Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.

Early lean: Raptors, Under

Kings @ Pistons (-1.5, 222)

The Kings have lost five straight games, with the first three coming at home and the next two on the road. But to be fair, the Kings have played top-tier talent, losing to the Bucks, Mavericks, Jazz, and the Heat at home. Three of those five games could have resulted in wins if a couple bounces went their way. The Pistons spent their last three games on the road and won two of their last three. The loss came on the road against Washington. In the last four games for the Pistons, Detroit has been in each game and has played well as of late. Take the Pistons at home.

Key trends: Kings are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Early lean: Pistons, Over

Thunder @ Magic (-1.5, 209)

The Magic spent a long road trip out west and will finally be returning home after winning three of their last five on the road. The Thunder lost two straight to the Raptors and Heat at home but turned around to defeat Portland and Houston in back-to-back games. For whatever reason, the Thunder played well on the road and have the value as small underdogs. Take the Thunder.

Key trends: Thunder are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Early lean: Thunder, Over

Lakers @ Knicks (-10, 224)

The Knicks got a big win against the Cavaliers on Monday, getting the win by 20 points. Recently the Knicks were playing for their 10th. Now they have 12. The Lakers don't have 10 losses. They also have a history of destroying the Knicks in the Garden. Take the Lakers at -10. That seems like a gift.

Key trends: Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.

Early lean: Lakers, Over

Grizzlies @ Celtics (-7, 223)

The Grizzlies were on a huge winning streak, but it was snapped in a game against the newly unstoppable Pelicans. The Celtics had lost three straight before defeating the Lakers at home, 139-107. The Grizzlies have been unstoppable as of late, and the line is sitting at -9 only because of how the Celtics beat the Lakers at home. Take the Grizzlies who are 8-2 in their last 10. Here's your reminder that the Celtics are 4-6 in their last 10. And you're getting nine points .

Key trends: Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.

Early lean: Grizzlies, Over

Wizards @ Heat (-10, TBD)

Jimmy Butler didn't play Monday with knee soreness, and the Heat still found a way to escape the Kings and win. He's questionable for Wednesday, but most signs point to him playing. The Heat are almost unstoppable at home, and the Wizards have let plenty of road games get away this season. I'd risk it with the Heat even with the double-digit spread .

Key trends: Heat are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Early lean: Heat, Over

Clippers @ Hawks (-.5, TBD)

The Clippers will be without Paul George, and likely Kawhi Leonard in a back-to-back, but really, there's nothing to worry about. The Clippers are 7-3 in their last 10 games and have won four of their last five, even defeating the Pelicans. The Hawks couldn't win at home after losing to the Pistons and Raptors. So, what makes you think they can win here against the Clippers. The Hawks are a 10-win team going up against a 30-win team.

Key trends: Hawks are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games as a home favorite.

Early lean: Clippers, Under

Timberwolves @ Bulls (-1, 219)

Minnesota has lost six straight games, but to be fair, the games have been closer than you'd expect. The Bulls have been trading wins for losses while also trading home and away games. The Bulls will be home and have won their last two at home. I'm confident that the Bulls will defeat the Timberwolves, who just can't seem to find a way to close games out.

Key trends: Timberwolves are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Early lean: Bulls, Over

Nuggets @ Rockets (-8, 228.5)

The Nuggets have won four of their last five games, but their road wins have been challenging and close. The Rockets are really struggling right now after losing four straight games, with the last three coming at home. Play it safe and take the Nuggets with 6.5 points. The Rockets are lost. At the end of the day, the Nuggets have the better record for a reason, and the favorites do not deserve that many points in this game. It's actually kind of disrespectful to the 30-win Nuggets.

Key trends: Nuggets are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog.

Early lean: Nuggets, Over

Pacers @ Suns (-1, 221)

The Pacers four-game winning streak was snapped with a 30-point loss to the Utah Jazz on the road. The Suns are also playing much better basketball as of late but lost to the Spurs, 120-118, their last time out. The Suns majestic victory came at the TD Garden over Boston, but I don't think they can replicate another big win against a team like the Pacers. Take the Pacers on the road as slight favorites.

Key trends: Pacers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.

Early lean: Pacers, Under

Spurs @ Pelicans (-3.5, 236.5)

Zion Williamson is back! The No. 1 pick of this year's NBA Draft will make his NBA debut on ESPN at 9:30 p.m.. Nobody knows what to expect, but with the way the Pelicans are playing recently, Williamson can only help. Hop on the train and take the Pelicans as small favorites.

Key trends: Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a favorite.

Early lean: Pelicans, Under

Jazz @ Warriors (+9, TBD)

Draymond Green has an illness and is questionable for this game. The Jazz started the year a little off but have rebounded in a big way. Utah is now 9-1 in their last 10 games, with the lone loss coming in overtime on the road to the Pelicans. The Warriors have lost nine of their last 10 games. This game won't even be close. Blow out in the making. Take the Jazz as single-digit favorites. That's what we like to call value.

Key trends: Jazz are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Early lean: Jazz, Over

Doc's Sports is offering $60 worth of member's picks absolutely free - no obligation, no sales people - you don't even have to enter credit card information. You can use this $60 credit any way you please on any of our top NBA handicappers. Get $60 worth of premium members' picks free . Also, for a limited time only get three top NBA handicappers for the price of one! Click Here . Get free NBA picks today at Doc's Sports basketball predictions page.

Start:	November 23, 2024 @ 3:30 PM
Expert:	Scott Spreitzer
Free $60 Account Sign Up

Free NBA Picks Wednesday 1/22/2020 and Opening Line Report

Most Recent NBA Handicapping