NBA Picks 1/24/22
We ended last week on a positive note. The Lakers were able to recover from a sluggish start against the Orlando Magic and take over the game in the second half. Kyrie Irving and the Nets took care of business against the San Antonio Spurs on the road. The only loss came in the Golden State-Houston game. We anticipated a ton of points but were forced to watch a rock fight play out over 48 minutes. Curry’s struggles continued and the Warriors had to fight and claw their way to a close win. This week presents a new opportunity so let’s take a look at tonight’s slate for the NBA Picks 1/24/22.
New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers (-6) 7:10 p.m EST
I bought a first-class ticket aboard the Cavaliers bandwagon early in the season and haven’t looked back. They are a league pass darling and a really fun watch. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have gelled better than anyone, including myself, could have expected. Darius Garland has taken a step or two forward. Realistically, they need a dynamic wing or two in order to make noise in the playoffs but it’s impossible to ignore what they’ve accomplished this far into the season. The Knicks, on the other hand, are a terrible watch. They don’t generate many open looks and can stall out on offense at times. I think the Cavaliers wall off the paint and force the Knicks to beat them from the outside. Advantage Cavs.
Pick: Cavaliers -6 (-110 via DraftKings)
Chicago Bulls at OKC Thunder (+2) 8:10 p.m EST
This one comes down to who you trust more, Derozan or Shai. Even with Chicago missing three of their best players, this is going to come down to who you trust in crunch time. I have to give the edge to Derozan. He and Vucevic should generate enough points to get past OKC on the road. If the line were higher, I would think twice about it but at -2 this is essentially a pick-em.
Pick: Chicago Bulls -2 (-110 via DraftKings)
Indiana Pacers at New Orleans Pelicans (-3) 8:10 p.m EST
With Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon, and Myles Turner out, I don’t see how Indiana scores enough points. New Orleans will be without Brandon Ingram but they have gotten some solid contributions from some of their young players. I don’t plan on watching a second of this pillow fight but I’ll give the edge to New Orleans.
