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Free NBA Picks Today for Friday, January 22nd, 2021

Two games have been postponed but 11 remain meaning we have 33 of the best free NBA picks out there.

Free NBA Picks Today for Friday, January 22nd, 2021
Picks & Predictions
Fri 22nd January 2021

Our FREE NBA picks continue to pick winners and we have another 11 of them from all of tonight’s action. We keep filling up bank accounts by picking spread, money line and game totals winners for every game, every night!

Will the Brooklyn Big 3 be able to bounce back in Cleveland and will Dallas or San Antonio win the Texas rivalry match? We have all of the answers for you in our free NBA picks below.

Chicago Bulls @ Charlotte Hornets – 7PM ET

A pair of young, up and coming teams face off as the Chicago Bulls head down south to face the Charlotte Hornets. 

Chicago come in off the back of a two game winning streak against Western Conference playoff teams last year in Dallas and Houston while Charlotte hasn’t played since Saturday as their clash on Wednesday was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Washington team. 

Saturday’s game saw the Hornets drop their third straight, going down 113-116 to Toronto. Gordon Hayward returned from a one game absence to drop 25 points while both Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham scored at least 20.

The Hornets had contributors from all positions and off the bench as well but allowed Toronto to score 116 points, which is more than most coaches would be wanting to give up. 

That will be tested against Chicago who have scored over 110 in their last eight games, winning four of them. The Bulls had seven different players score at least 10 points against the Rockets on Monday, led by Zach LaVine’s 33 points and seven assists.

Lauri Markkanen has averaged 21 points and nearly eight boards in his three games back from injury and should be a tough matchup for the Hornets who are still without starting center Cody Zeller.


Charlotte had won four straight prior to their three game losing streak, but we don’t think they will be able to get back to their winning ways tonight. Chicago can score at such a high volume that the Hornets won’t be able to keep up. 

NBA Pick – Chicago Bulls (+135)
NBA Spread – Chicago Bulls +3.5 (-110)
Game Totals Pick – Over 231.5 (-110)

Houston Rockets @ Detroit Pistons – 7PM ET

Detroit suffered a heartbreaking defeat on Wednesday night, holding a 14 point lead heading into the last but allowing the Hawks to tie it before crumbling in overtime to end up going down by eight. They now get another chance when they host the Houston Rockets who put up a fight against Phoenix on Wednesday, but ultimately fell short. 

Victor Oladipo had another good game for his new club with 22 points, five boards, six assists and three steals while Christian Wood had 20 points, 11 boards, two steals and two blocks, but both were outplayed by Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton respectively.

Eric Gordon was the only other player to score more than nine points and they will need to play a lot better against a Detroit side that is playing some good basketball at the moment. 

Jerami Grant continues to make a claim for Most Improved Player with high usage and scoring at an efficient rate. Against the Hawks he had 32 points, six rebounds and five assists while Blake Griffin had an efficient 17 points and seven boards. That loss is surprising for Detroit, given their big lead and veteran leadership in Griffin, Derrick Rose and head coach Dwane Casey. 

The Rockets will still be without John Wall for this one and you can tell that they miss him with their play lately. However, we like them to get the win in this one as Detroit may be playing well but they still aren’t quite as good as this Houston team.

NBA Pick – Houston Rockets (+150)
NBA Spread – Houston Rockets +2.5 (-1110)
Game Totals Pick – Under 223.5 (-110)

Orlando Magic @ Indiana Pacers – 7PM ET

Orlando finally snapped their six game slide with a come from behind win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, capped off by Cole Anthony’s buzzer beating three point game winner. They now get an opportunity to make it two in a row against an Indiana side that has two straight losses, both by at least 12 points. 

After falling to the Clippers by 33 points on Sunday, the Pacers couldn’t do anything defensively against Dallas on Wednesday in their 12 point loss. Domantas Sabonis had 25 points and 10 boards while Malcolm Brogdon had 26 points and five assists but they allowed the Mavs to put up 124, the most Dallas had scored in almost two weeks. They are really missing their interior enforcer, Myles Turner, who is missing with a broken hand, but is a chance to play in this one. 

The Pacers will need him, going up against a red hot Nikola Vucevic who is averaging 23 points and 11 boards on the season and had another spectacular night on Wednesday with 28 points, eight boards and two blocks.

The difference for Orlando was Evan Fournier, who had missed the previous nine games through injury but returned with 24 points to help them mount their late comeback. 

If Turner misses, Vucevic could have a field day against the Pacers and with Fournier back, they will be able to slowly get back in their groove from earlier in the season. However, we are sticking with the Pacers here who will be at home and are far superior to the Minnesota team that Orlando struggled to beat. 

NBA Pick – Indiana Pacers (-145)
NBA Spread – Indiana Pacers -2.5 (-110)
Game Totals Pick – Under 216.5 (-110)

Brooklyn Nets @ Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:30PM ET

What a contest this was on Wednesday night. Brooklyn had their big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden play together for the first time, but all three were shown up by Collin Sexton in the double overtime thriller. 

With the Cavs down three with seconds remaining in the first overtime period, Sexton hit a tough contested shot from deep to send the game into an extra five minutes and it only got better from there. The young Cavaliers guard scored 15 points by himself in the second overtime period, including four triples, to put Cleveland ahead for good with the final margin ending up sitting at 12. 

Sexton ended with 42 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals in the contest while Cedi Osman had a great all around game with 25, seven and seven. They were just two of seven Cavaliers to score in double figures on their way to scoring a massive 147 points. 

While they may have been shown up, Brooklyn’s stars didn’t disappoint. Durant led the way with 38 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, Irving had 37 points in his first game back and Harden had his second triple double in just his third game in a Nets uniform. 

The glaring depth issue remains for Brooklyn as just one player off the bench played more than 12 minutes despite the game going to double overtime with the bench chipping in a combined 10 points. Brooklyn’s stars are three of the top 20 players in the league, combining for 96 points by themselves, but against the elite teams that won’t be enough. 

With that being said, we aren’t expecting Sexton to score 15 points in five minutes to save the Cavaliers again and Brooklyn should be able to get the win in the second leg of this matchup. 

NBA Pick – Brooklyn Nets (-525)
NBA Spread – Cleveland Cavaliers +9.5 (-110)
Game Totals Pick – Over 227.0 (-110)

Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers – 7:30PM ET

While it didn’t have the explosiveness of the previous matchup we spoke about, these two sides went at it on Wednesday night with the Sixers coming out on top by eight points in the end. Boston actually went into the last quarter with the lead but a 31-17 last period for Philadelphia saw them run away with the game.


While still missing Jayson Tatum, who is a game time decision for tonight’s clash, Boston had their main guns step up on Wednesday. Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown combined for 51 points while Kemba Walker played much better in his second game back from injury with 19 points and six assists.

The surprise of the game wias Daniel Theis coming off the bench to drop a 23 point double double. Outside of those four, no one else scored over five points for Boston and if Tatum returns he will change everything for them. 

The issue for the Celtics was the big fella in the middle. Joel Embiid had a field day inside with 42 points on 12/19 shooting along with 10 boards. Tobias Harris continues to be the main second scorer with 22 points, five assists and two steals while Shake Milton continues a push for Sixth Man of the Year with 16 off the bench. 

This could be all down to whether Tatum returns or not. The Celtics only lost by eight points despite missing their main guy and his 27 points per game would be welcomed back with open arms. However, Philly should also be getting Seth Curry back for this one and his shooting and floor spacing will enable Ben Simmons, Harris and Embiid to thrive even more offensively. 

NBA Pick – Philadelphia 76ers (-192)
NBA Spread – Boston Celtics +4.5 (-110)
Game Totals Pick – Over 223.5 (-110)

Miami Heat @ Toronto Raptors – 7:30PM ET

Our third straight rematch of a Wednesday night clash as Miami and Toronto go head to head in Tampa Bay again. Miami had the upper hand two nights ago, coming out on top by nine points, restricting the Raptors to just 102 points. 

Kendrick Nunn had his best game since before COVID-19 stopped last season back in March with 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the win, while Bam Adebayo had 14 points, 13 boards and seven assists along with Goran Dragic’s 17 points and five assists. 

This was a massive win for Miami as they were still missing multiple players including Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro. 

The Raptors will be looking to turn things around as Miami snapped their three game winning streak. Chris Boucher and Normal Powell, who had been dominating play off the bench, only combined for 15 points in this one, leaving Toronto lacking in the scoring department.

To make matters worse, Kyle Lowry only managed eight points on 2/12 shooting which negated Fred VanVleet’s solid night of 24 points and nine assists. 

That loss pushed Toronto four games below 0.500 while Miami is now sitting at 6-7. The Heat have actually been terrible on the road, that being just their second win from six tries while the Raptors have a positive record in Tampa Bay and we are expecting that they will be able to turn things around in this one.

Lowry won’t have many shooting nights like that and given the Heat will still be missing players, Toronto has a very good chance to split the two game series with a win. 

NBA Pick – Toronto Raptors (-145)
NBA Spread – Toronto Raptors -1.5 (-110)
Game Totals Pick – Under 218.5 (-110)

Washington Wizards @ Milwaukee Bucks – 8PM ET

*This game was postponed due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, a new date has not been confirmed at this time*

Atlanta Hawks @ Minnesota Timberwolves – 8PM ET

Two sides on opposing sides of heart breaking outcomes on Wednesday as Minnesota, on the back of a one point loss thanks to a Cole Anthony three point buzzer beater, hosts the Atlanta Hawks, who used a 28-14 last quarter to tie things up before a 17-9 overtime period got them the win. 

The astonishing thing for Atlanta is their 17 points scored in overtime (five minutes) was one point more than their entire second quarter output (12 minutes). Trae Young had a massive night, going off for 38 points and 10 assists while John Collins had himself a game with 31 points and 11 boards.

Neither of them were the star of the show as Clint Capela dropped an incredible 27 points, 26 rebounds and five blocks, controlling the inside and making pivotal plays down the stretch for the Hawks. 

He will be looking to feast again as Minnesota have been struggling against opposing centers with Karl-Anthony Towns out due to COVID-19, as the Wolves allowed Nikola Vucevic to drop 28 and 8 on Wednesday. D’Angelo Russell underperformed with his 19 points and six assists while Malik Beasley had an off night as well finishing with just 13. 

Minnesota will need to score more than 96 points if they want to beat the Hawks. When the two sides met on Monday, Young had 20 points and 13 assists while Capela had 23 points and 15 boards while Minnesota only managed to score 97.


With Towns still being out and the Hawks seeming to find an offensive groove, we are sticking with Atlanta on the road here. 

NBA Pick – Atlanta Hawks (-192)
NBA Spread – Atlanta Hawks -4.5 (-110)
Game Totals Pick – Under 221.5 (-110)

Dallas Mavericks @ San Antonio Spurs – 8:30PM ET

The first matchup of the season between these Texas rivals sees the ninth placed Mavericks take on the eighth placed Spurs. 

Dallas stopped a three game skid in Indiana on Wednesday putting up a massive 124 points in their 12 point win. Kristaps Porzingis is continuing to impress since returning from injury, leading the team with 27 points, 13 boards and four assists while Luka Doncic had a triple double, but scored just 13 points on 5/15 shooting. Trey Burke stepped up in the scoring department with 22 points on 4/8 triples off the bench. 

The Mavericks did this while still missing multiple players including Josh Richardson and Maxi Kleber, and they will likely have to do it all again as they will still be sidelined. 

San Antonio will be looking to bounce back after a miserable performance against Golden State that saw them give up 121 points and only manage 99 of their own.

Dejounte Murray had a nice night with 22 points on 56% shooting with two steals, but LaMarcus Aldridge managed just four points and everyone was well below their averages. The Spurs won’t be winning many games if DeMar DeRozan scores just 15 points, so that is where Dallas needs to focus. 

Given he will be going up against Aldirdge, Porzingis should have a field day as he is quicker, longer and playing a lot better at the moment in general. Doncic has now shot just 9/26 in his last two games and he will have to turn it around if Dallas is to get over the top of the Spurs in this one. 

We are backing him to be able to do that and the Mavs to get above .500 and leapfrog the Spurs into the top eight in the West. 

NBA Pick – Dallas Mavericks (-145)
NBA Spread – Dallas Mavericks -2.5 (-110)
Game Totals Pick – Over 223 (-110)

Denver Nuggets @ Phoenix Suns – 10PM ET

This will be an exciting clash as the Nuggets will be out for revenge after the matchup between these sides three weeks ago saw the Suns come out on top by three points. 

Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker and Chris Paul combined for 63 points in that one while Jamal Murray gave his all for Denver with 31 but Nikola Jokic could only manage 17. 

Denver’s big man and potential MVP front runner got in foul trouble in that one and that will be the factor in this one. Both Jokic and Ayton have tendencies to get in foul trouble, costing them an opportunity to contribute and often their sides a genuine shot at winning. 

Ayton managed to stay out of foul trouble against Houston on Wednesday and ended up outperforming Christian Wood to help the Suns get over the line. The 2018 #1 pick had 26 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks in his best game of the season while Booker chipped in with 24. 

Denver come in off a win of their own, defeating the Thunder on Tuesday and Jokic was at the top of his game, scoring 27 points on 57.1% shooting along with 12 boards and six assists.

Six other Denver players scored in double figures and they will need all of them to contribute again in order to get up against Phoenix. Murray only had five points on 2/10 shooting on Tuesday, so look for him to come out aggressive, especially against Paul. 

Phoenix has only lost one of four games at home, but we reckon that tonight will be the second. If Jokic doesn’t get in foul trouble in their last matchup then Denver wins that and that is what will happen in this one tonight. Look for the Joker to have a big night and for Denver to get the win on the road. 

NBA Pick – Denver Nuggets (+105)
NBA Spread – Denver Nuggets +1.5 (-110)
Game Totals Pick – Under 219 (-110)

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles Clippers – 10PM ET

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads his Oklahoma City Thunder side into Los Angeles against his former side, the Clippers.


This is unfortunate timing for the Thunder as LA are riding a five game winning streak with their last three being by an average margin of 30 points. Wednesday’s win over Sacramento saw the Clippers move to 11-4 on the season and can tie the Lakers for top of the West with a win here.

Kawhi Leonard had a dominant game with 32 points on 59% shooting and added five assists and six steals! Paul George played more of a facilitator role with 19 points and 12 assists while Ivica Zubac had a double double off the bench. 

OKC comes off an 18 point loss in Denver where Gilgeous-Alexander only managed 14 points with Luguentz Dort finding his rhythm with 20 points. This is the Thunder side that we were expecting to see coming into the season and they just don’t have enough depth to compete with the best, if the best are on their game. 

The Clippers are well and truly on their game at the moment and should keep it rolling at home with it being a matter of how much they will win by. 

NBA Pick – Los Angeles Clippers (-1200)
NBA Spread – Oklahoma City Thunder +13 (-110)
Game Totals Pick – Under 220 (-110)

Memphis Grizzlies @ Portland Trail Blazers – 10PM ET

*This game was postponed due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, a new date has not been confirmed at this time*

New York Knicks @ Sacramento Kings – 10PM ET

The Sacramento Kings have forgotten how to play defense. Nine straight games of giving up at least 115 points, only winning two of those. They now host a New York Knicks side that has won three straight including a massive win over Golden State last night.

RJ Barrett continued his good form with 28 points on 58.8% and five assists to lead his side over Curry’s warriors. Julius Randle had his hands in everything with 16 points, 17 boards and nine assists, while Nerlens Noel had 6 points, 11 boards and four blocks off the bench.

The Knicks have been the biggest positive surprise in the East, playing some very good basketball and should look to put the clamps on this disappointing Kings side.

The Kings are on a four game losing streak giving up over 128 per game over that stretch. Wednesday was their best defensive performance over the last three weeks, keeping the Clippers to 115 points, still losing by 19.

De’Aaron Fox had 25 and seven but got little help from the rest of his team. The Kings lost the second quarter by nine points and came out of the main break lacking energy and intensity, losing the third quarter 19-34. 

The Knicks are the best defensive team in basketball in terms of opponent’s points and shooting percentages.

NBA Pick – New York Knicks (+150)
NBA Spread – New York Knicks +4 (-110)
Game Totals Pick – Under 218.5 (-110)

If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our NBA hub page for all your basketball needs.

*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of Bet365. 

Tim is a keen follower of all American sports, in particular the NBA and NFL. He has followed both sports for over a decade and would happily sit down and watch every game, regardless of who is playing! No matter the sport, whether it be NFL and NBA or even MLB, NHL, UFC and all sports, Tim covers it from every angle, staying in the loop to bring you the most up-to-date information and the best picks and predictions on the market.

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