Daily Picks 01/03: Philadelphia, We Have A Problem

In Thursday’s NBA action, Michael Porter Jr. finished with 25 points and five rebounds off the bench for the Denver Nuggets in a 124-116 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Jamal Murray added 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds for Denver.

For the Miami Heat, Bam Adebayo had 15 points and 14 rebounds, and Jimmy Butler contributed eight points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in a low-scoring 84-76 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Here are Today’s NBA Picks:

BET OF THE DAY:

Philadelphia 76ers @ Houston Rockets

• Since the 2013-14 NBA season, the Houston Rockets are 36-19 against the spread as a home team coming off two days of rest. (Stat courtesy of Statschecker)

The Philadelphia 76ers enter this game on a three-game skid. On Tuesday night, Josh Richardson finished with 20 points and five assists, and Ben Simmons contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Sixers in a 115-97 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, will look to make it two wins in a row after a big victory over the Denver Nuggets. James Harden had 35 points, six assists and three boards, and Russell Westbrook finished with 28 points and seven assists for the Rockets.

As good a team as the 76ers (23-13) are so far this season, they have a 7-11 record on the road.

The Rockets are one of the best teams in the NBA, and you’ll see why in this matchup.

Take Houston minus the 2.5 points here.

2u – Rockets (-2.5) @ -150

New York Knicks @ Phoenix Suns

• The Phoenix Suns have a 9-5 against the spread record against the New York Knicks since the 2012-13 NBA season. (Stat courtesy of Statschecker)

There’s a lot on the table for the New York Knicks in this game. They have a chance to win four straight games for the first time in two years. Interim head coach Mike Miller has the Knicks at a 6-6 record since he took over. Their current three-game winning streak is their longest since November 2018.

The last time the Knicks won four straight games was back in 2017 between Dec. 10-16, when Jeff Hornacek was their head coach. The only player left from that team is point guard Frank Ntilikina.

The Knicks streak has consisted of victories over the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Portland Trail Blazers. The 8.5 points in favor of the Knicks is a no-doubt-about-it pick here. Take New York plus the points.

1u – Knicks (+8.5) @ -162

New Orleans Pelicans @ Los Angeles Lakers

• Since the 2016-17 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have a 35-25 against the spread record at the Staples Center after a win. (Stat courtesy of Statschecker)

The New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers will meet in Los Angeles for the first time since the blockbuster trade involving Anthony Davis, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball.

These teams squared off back on Nov. 28. In that game, Davis finished with 41 points, nine rebounds and three steals, and LeBron James added 29 points, 11 assists, five rebounds and two steals in a 114-110 win for the Lakers.

Jrue Holiday led the Pelicans with 29 points, 12 assists and six rebounds in the loss.

The Lakers, the second-best team in the NBA, are currently riding a three-game winning streak.

Look for them to cover the 10.5 points and come away with the win in this one.

Take Los Angeles minus the points.

1u – Lakers (-10.5) @ -110