Our free NBA Picks are out for Monday, November 22nd, 2021! Make sure you check our NBA Picks before the action kicks off.
Look below to find our free NBA Picks for the five best games on today’s schedule!
Brooklyn Nets @ Cleveland Cavaliers – 7pm ET
For the second time in five nights, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets square off. Brooklyn won the first encounter by 10 points inside the Barclays Center, but this fixture is set to be played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, giving Cleveland a better chance of coming out on top.
Denis Kirilov
The Brooklyn Nets are off to an amazing run recently as they have won 10 out of their last 12 games. However, this will probably find its end soon as Kevin Durant is out with a shoulder injury for indefinite time. It was clear in the game against the Orlando Magic that James Harden is not really capable to lead this team. He may have dropped 36 points, but at the same time, he was 7-25 from the field and most of his points came off from the free throw line. Even without KD, the team from New York shouldn’t have big troubles overcoming the Cavaliers who are without Collin Sexton and Evan Mobley. Jarrett Allen is also uncertain for the upcoming match.
The Cavs are 9th in the Eastern Conference with a positive win ratio. However, they find themselves in a pretty tight spot at the moment as they are on a 3-game losing streak recently. Each one of these losses might be acceptable since their opponents were the Celtics, the Warriors, and the Nets. The main problem for them remains the fact that they haven’t scored more than 100 points for 6 games in a row. I think tomorrow’s matchup will also be focused around their defense and they will try to deny James Harden and Patty Mills as much as possible, which I believe is quite doable. That’s why I will go with them covering their spread.
Denis’ NBA Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers +8 (-110)
The Cavs were finally a fun team to watch again and then Mobley and Sexton were hit with injuries 😔 pic.twitter.com/AcxndifqeD
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) November 20, 2021
Michael Lantz
When the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers met last Wednesday, the Nets won by double digits (109-99), but the Cavs refused to go away in a game that looked like it was on the verge of getting ugly at times. The Cavs showed resilience going up against the likes of Kevin Durant and James Harden, despite not having Evan Mobley, Jarett Allen, and Collin Sexton (who is now out for the season) on their side. Now, they’ll get a chance for payback at Quicken Loans Arena, with the injury God’s maybe making this one a bit more balanced.
After the Nets were humiliated at home last week against the Warriors, there was talk of a small shoulder injury bugging Kevin Durant. Durant went on to play Wednesday against the Cavs, but then sat out Friday against the Orlando Magic. The Nets just squeaked by without him; now he’ll be questionable for Monday as well. In addition to the possible absence of Durant, the Nets are also missing key role players like Joe Harris, Bruce Brown and Nic Claxton. Based on their struggle at home against a lowly Magic team on Friday, along with Cleveland’s solid play against them last Wednesday, I think the safest bet here is to pick the Cavs to cover.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers +8 (-110)
Noah Dunlap
The Brooklyn Nets go on the road to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time in five days tonight, after getting a 10-point home win against the Cavs on Wednesday. While Brooklyn started the year somewhat slowly, they’ve since turned things around and have quietly taken over the top spot in the East with a 12-5 record. Among other good news for the Nets, it has been announced that Kevin Durant will return on Monday after missing the Nets last game with a shoulder injury. Getting Durant back is huge for this team, as he’s been playing like an MVP candidate for much of the season, and I expect the same from him in this one against a depleted Cleveland team.
For the Cavs, it’s been a roller coaster of a season already. After a fast start that was surprising to many, they’ve now lost Collin Sexton, their best player, for the season, and have also lost solid rookie Evan Mobley for a few weeks, which has absolutely gutted this roster. Without these two in the lineup, Cleveland has struggled on both ends of the floor, and I don’t see a reason that would change against the current 1-seed in the Eastern Conference. Take Brooklyn to take care of business in relatively easy fashion in this one.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Brooklyn Nets -8 (-110)
Charlotte Hornets @ Washington Wizards – 7pm ET
In a rematch of some action from last Wednesday, the Charlotte Hornets will be looking to make it two wins from as many starts against the Washington Wizards. Much like Brooklyn in the previous game, the Hornets won by 10 points at home but now face the task of backing up their effort on the road, which may be tough given Washington’s 7-1 home record.
Denis Kirilov
The Washington Wizards will have another shot at the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night in the NBA. They lost their previous meeting by 10 points as Kuzma, Caldwell-Pope, Holiday, and Neto went on for 5-30 from the field. The Hornets, themselves, weren’t really great as well, but they at least had the consistency that was missing for the Wizards. Both teams are surprisingly high in the current standings at the moment as the Wizards are 3rd in the East with 11 wins and 5 losses, while Charlotte are 5th holding a 10-8 record.
The Hornets’ incredible winning run was stopped by the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Recently, they defeated some of the toughest teams in the NBA in the likes of the Warriors, the Grizzlies, and the Knicks. The team showed fantastic improvement from last year and especially from the pre-season games where they suffered a 68-point loss to the Mavericks. The Wizards, themselves, are looking to build on their performance against the Miami Heat on Saturday. Beal, Caldwell-Pope, and Dinwiddie have been great for the win over the Heat and they will try to keep this momentum. I will go with Washington here, as I think the Hornets’ winning streak has exhausted them just enough so that the Wizards can use that to their advantage.
Denis’ NBA Pick: Washington Wizards (-164)
Michael Lantz
After facing off last Wednesday, the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards will go at it again on Monday night. Charlotte walked out of the last match victorious, as they continued a hot run of play beating the Wizards 97-87. Charlotte’s offense has been a thrill to watch this year as they’ve seen a continued jump in play from guys like LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. After impressive wins against the Warriors, Wizards and Pacers last week, the Wizards finally fell victim to a loss as the resurgent Atlanta Hawks dealt them a 115-105 blow in Atlanta.
Meanwhile the Wizards followed that hornets game with a loss against the Miami Heat, before downing the Heat in a rematch on Saturday Night. It was a big boost in confidence for Washignton, who despite an 11-5 record, have struggled against some of the conference’s better teams. Bradley Beal led the way with 21 points, as the Wizards now look to get some payback against the Hornets as well. I think they’ll grab a close one, as they made a Hornets defense that gives up some of the most points per game, look a lot better than they were in the last meeting.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Washington Wizards (-166)
Michael’s Bonus NBA Pick: Lamelo Ball o8.5 assists (+116)
Noah Dunlap
This matchup features two teams that have surprised a lot of people this season. For Washington, they come into this one having just split two games against the Miami Heat, and before that, they dropped a 10-point decision to this same Charlotte Hornets team. In that one, neither team played all that well, but Charlotte managed to shoot a touch better than Washington leading them to the win. I think the Wizards get a more consistent outing in this one from Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma, which will certainly up their odds of being able to get the win.
Charlotte comes into this one having just watched their five game winning streak snapped at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks, and I think they come out hot in this one, looking to start another streak. The question is which Charlotte defense shows up in this one. The Hornets started the year well, largely due to playing pretty good defense, and then hit a lull as the defensive energy wandered off a bit. They’ve since gotten back on track, and I expect the good play to continue, just not in this one. I think Washington gets a massive outing from Beal, and the Wizards sneak away with a win, avenging the loss last week to this same Hornets squad.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Washington Wizards (-162)
Phoenix Suns @ San Antonio Spurs – 8:30pm ET
The streak is now at 12 games and the Phoenix Suns will be looking to make it 13 when they head to Texas to take on the San Antonio Spurs. While the Suns are on fire right now, the Spurs have lost four straight games and find themselves with the fifth worst record in all of basketball.
Denis Kirilov
The Phoenix Suns’ remarkable winning streak continues as they managed to cruise past the Nuggets by 29 points. They are already on a 12-0 run and they have a perfect opportunity to prolong it for a couple more games before having to face off two of the best teams in the NBA – the Nets and the Warriors. The same factor that sent them to the NBA finals last year is playing a significant role this time as well. The sheer consistency and balance within the team is what distinguish them from many of the other teams in the Association. The Suns are not solely relying on Devin Booker or Chris Paul or even Deandre Ayton. They have the convenience to have a whole team with an equal contribution for each game.
On the other hand, the San Antonio Spurs, will try to do the unthinkable and put an end to this high-flying Suns’ squad. Doing so, they will also stop their losing streak before it gets out of control. So far, they are looking at a 4-game losing streak as they consecutively lost to the Mavs, the LA teams, and the Timberwolves. I wouldn’t say that I am surprised, since their team is still young and the process is still in its very beginning. However, although the game will be played in the mythic AT&T Center that has seen a lot of unforgettable moments, I don’t think that the Spurs can outclass this Phoenix team. I will suggest catching the wave with the Suns and have them cover their spread in this one as well.
Denis’ NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -6 (-106)
This is some 4th quarter Suns basketball from Devin Booker right herepic.twitter.com/5iTTKjytGF
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) November 20, 2021
Michael Lantz
After the Phoenix Suns got off to a shaky start, some critics wondered if they hadn’t recovered from last season’s NBA Finals loss. Well, so much for that—the team is now on a 12-game win streak and are hungry for another trip to the NBA Finals to prove last year was no fluke. Chris Pual remains one of the league’s best point guards, as he averages over 10 assists per game (again) and young stars like Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton continue to make strides forward. The Suns bench also have played big parts in their recent success, as guys like Cam Johnson and Cam Payne have been red hot as well. The Suns only sit .01 points behind the Golden State Warriors for best field goal percentage in the league. On Monday night, the Suns look to make it 13-straight as they face off against the San Antonio Spurs.
Whereas the Suns continue to win, the Spurs have started to make losing a bit of a trend. The team has dropped four-straight to fall to 4-11 on the year, as this young team just doesn’t quite have the star power to play with the rest of the Western Conference. While they have some good young players, the Spurs will continue to struggle against top teams, and I expect Monday night to be no different. Even though sometimes upsets happen in the least likely of places, I don’t see San Antonio as being that place.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -6 (-106)
Noah Dunlap
This Phoenix Suns team is just silly right now. Entering this one on a 12-game winning streak, I don’t know what would make you think it ends in this one. While they’ve been getting good play from Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, and Chris Paul, the reason they’ve been able to go on this winning streak is largely due to the supporting cast, with guys like Cameron Johnson and JaVale McGee stepping up and giving quality minutes.
And unfortunately for Spurs fans, this San Antonio roster is just too young and inexperienced to be ready for what Phoenix is getting ready to throw at them. They’ve shown flashes of what could potentially be a decent basketball team in the future, but playing against a Phoenix Suns that made it to the NBA Finals last year, and currently looks like one of the favorites to reach the FInals again this season is simply too tough a test for a young Spurs team. Look for Phoenix to cruise to a victory on the road in this one.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -6 (-110)
Memphis Grizzlies @ Utah Jazz – 9pm ET
The Memphis Grizzlies will be looking for revenge, taking on the Utah Jazz in a rematch of last season’s opening round Playoff matchup. The Jazz were able to win that series 4-1, but we saw the emergence of Ja Morant as a real star in the game. Can he lift his side to victory on the road or will it be more of the same from the Jazz at home?
Denis Kirilov
After being stuck in a mini-crisis for about a week, the Utah Jazz managed to escape the void and get back to winning. They are already on a 3-game winning streak as they defeated the 76ers, the Raptors, and the Kings all in high fashion. Apart from the Suns, they are probably the other team for which we can easily say that it relies on its depth in the roster. Jordan Clarkson, Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Mike Conley are all players who can have a massive impact in a particular game. Moreover, Rudy Gobert is one of the best centers in the NBA and he can solely make the difference, if that is necessary.
The Memphis Grizzlies, on the other hand, are coming into this game after a horrific 43-point loss to the Timberwolves on Saturday. They just didn’t find an answer to Minnesota’s fantastic attacking trio – Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and D’Angelo Russell who altogether dropped 72 points. The Grizzlies’ roster has a lot of potential with players like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson, Desmond Bane, and De’Anthony Melton. However, I think they are still too young to compete with the best on a regular basis as they will have several downside periods. The Grizzlies might be entering such a period right now and I will try to use that to my advantage by picking the Jazz to cover their spread. Moreover, Utah has won 10 out of the last 11 head-to-head matches against Memphis and I think this dominance will further expand after tomorrow’s meeting.
Denis’ NBA Pick: Utah Jazz -10 (-110)
Michael Lantz
After a tumultuous couple of games, the Jazz are back, beating their last three opponents by double digits. On Monday night they’ll face a Memphis Grizzlies team that’s a lot of fun on offense, but pretty awful on defense—giving up the most points per game in the NBA. Memphis also might be without Dillon Brooks for the second straight game. Brooks has been incredibly important since he joined the team after starting off the season injured; he provides a scoring touch that takes some of the pressure off Ja Morant. Unfortunately, injuries continue to nag Brooks, as he was sidelined in a big loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and now might miss this showdown against the Jazz.
Utah will look to make it four straight, as they have a fully healthy lineup that’s been getting offensive help across the board. In these last three wins, the Jazz have had six or more players score in the double digits in each game. The Jazz are top five in points per game and field goal percentage and they also rank in the top five in least points given up and worst opposing three-point percentage. With the Jazz starting to roll, and this one being at home—with Brooks doubtful for Memphis—I’ll pick Utah.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Utah Jazz -10 (-110)
Noah Dunlap
What happened to the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday night? A 43-point loss to a mediocre Minnesota Timberwolves squad? No one quite knows. The Memphis defense has been shaky this season, and I don’t think it’s getting better, but even with bad defense I don’t know that that should somehow explain the destruction that took place this weekend. However, even with the ugly loss to Minnesota, this is a Grizzlies team that has shown the ability to hang around and sometimes beat some of the best competition in the NBA, so I don’t think the horrific play will continue in Utah.
Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, and the rest of the Utah Jazz enter this one on a three game winning streak, after having a rough two week stretch that had quite a few people somewhat worried and questioning what was happening with one of the best rosters in the league. They’ve since righted the ship, and I expect that to continue throughout much of the regular season. I’m expecting Ja Morant to have a big night, and Memphis to keep this one somewhat close, but eventually the depth of the Utah Jazz gets the best of a below average Grizzlies defense and Utah walks around keeping the winning streak intact. I don’t think the win comes by double digits, however, so take Memphis to cover the 10.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Memphis Grizzlies +10 (-110)
Philadelphia 76ers @ Sacramento Kings – 10pm ET
In a game between potential trade partners, the Sacramento Kings host the Philadelphia 76ers to round out the night. It will also be the first game for the Kings with Alvin Gentry as interim Head Coach, after Luke Walton was fired after a poor start to the season. On the other side, this will be Philadelphia’s fifth straight game on the road and they are just 1-3 through the first four.
Denis Kirilov
The Philadelphia 76ers had to deal with several issues this month. Although they were up to a fantastic start this season, the Covid-19-related problems affected the team’s performance and stopped their momentum in its tracks. First, Tobias Harris had to be sidelined for a couple of matches as he tested positive for the virus. Later on, Joel Embiid had the same fate which put him in the protocol for 8 games already. However, in my opinion, this was good for the 76ers as the 20-year-old, Tyrese Maxey, came in charge and enjoyed some great performances like the game against Toronto when he dropped 33 points or his hustle against the Bucks finishing off with 31 points.
The Sacramento Kings are 100% healthy for this game, but they are on a 1-7 run in their last 8 games. They weren’t even close to their opponents in most of the matches. Something isn’t clicking right for the Kings and they will need to figure out what it actually is before it’s too late. Richaun Holmes fights great on both ends, while Harrison Barnes, De’Aaron Fox, and Buddy Hield also have their contribution on the offensive side. The issue comes from the fact that there isn’t enough depth in the roster. When it comes to their bench players, almost each single game they are getting outscored by the other team. I think that even without Embiid, Philly can still win this matchup. They can still rely on Georges Niang, Tobias Harris, Seth Curry, and Tyrese Maxey which should be just enough to get the victory in the end.
Denis’ NBA Pick: Philadelphia 76ers (+118)
Tyrese Maxey is currently on a roll for the Sixers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GWImKbv2sg
— Sixers Nation (@SixersNationCP) November 21, 2021
Michael Lantz
After going 0-5 since Joel Embiid went down with COVID, the 76ers got a glimmer of hope Thursday night as they beat the Denver Nuggets by 14. Unfortunately, that glimmer was short lived as they lost to the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday by double digits. The team will continue to trek on without Embiid for the time being, but at least they got defensive star Matisse Thybulle back from COVID. Even better, they get a chance to play a Sacramento Kings squad that’s in shambles right now.
After providing some excitement early in the season that had them looking like playoff hopefuls, the Kings have fallen back into their usual ways. Despite having so much talent, the team is now at 6-11, after losing seven of their last eight games. This prompted the team to fire head coach Luke Walton, despite an outcry from critics that the team’s real issue is the upper management. Still, the Kings will try to silence the noise and beat the Embiid-less Sixers at home. While on paper it should go in Sacramento’s favor, I think this team has too much chaos mixed in to win. I expect Thybulle to slow down De’Aaron Fox and for some of Philly’s other veteran shooters to come up big in this one.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Philadelphia 76ers (+118)
Noah Dunlap
Philadelphia has had an extremely entertaining season to this point. After a great start to the year, they’ve since run into some Covid related issues, largely surrounding Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid. Harris was the first to test positive and have to sit out for multiple games, which left them short-handed, and now Embiid has been out for more than a week with the same Covid issues and being stuck in the league’s Covid protocols. What we’ve learned about this team without Embiid is that they simply aren’t very good if he isn’t in the lineup. Harris, Seth Curry, and Tyrese Maxey are all quality basketball players, but none of them seem to have the ability to lead a team quite like Embiid can.
For Sacramento, they’re in a situation now where they have to figure out whether the issues were related to head coach Luke Walton, or whether it was an issue with the roster itself. They fired Walton yesterday, following a rough start to the season, and now look to move forward with an interim coach in place. While it’s easy to blame Walton for the Kings struggles, I think the roster is the bigger issue. De’Aaron Fox is the one star on the team, with Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield putting up good numbers as role players. The problem is that outside of these three, there’s not much talent throughout the lineup, and the depth just isn’t enough to compete with most teams in the NBA. They’ll see that before long, starting with this one. I think Philly takes advantage of the coaching switch and confusion throughout Sacramento’s organization, and cruises to get a much needed win, as Embiid continues to sit.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Philadelphia 76ers (+118)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
