Free NBA Picks Today for Thursday, January 6th, 2022

Free NBA Picks Today for Thursday, January 6th, 2022
Thu 6th January 2022

Our free NBA picks are out for Thursday, January 6th, 2022! Make sure you check our NBA picks before the action kicks off.

Look below to find our free NBA picks for the four games on today’s schedule!

Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks – 7.30pm ET

Two Atlantic Division rivals face off against each other in the first game on Thursday, when the Boston Celtics hit the court against the New York Knicks. The Celtics are playing on back-to-back nights, and last time out they lost 97-99 to the Spurs. The Knicks have won four of their last six games and this takes their season record to 18-20.

Denis Kirilov

The Boston Celtics will face off the New York Knicks in one of the greatest classics in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. The two teams have played some memorable matches throughout the years, but it seems that the Knicks are unable to escape from the shadow of their rivals. The Celtics, 17-time NBA Champions, with their last title coming in 2008, will take on the Knicks who are still looking to find a way to break their 49-year curse without a Championship. The team from New York has proven that they slowly, but surely make the much-needed progress and the time when they will be in the NBA Finals approaches. 

However, looking solely at the current season, it seems that both teams will fight to reach the Playoffs. They are neck and neck in the standings as the Celtics are 10th with 18 wins and 20 losses, while the Knicks are a place behind with the same record. Boston is coming into this fixture after a narrow loss to the San Antonio Spurs, 97-99. The Knicks, on the other hand, have won their last game against the Indiana Pacers. It was a tough encounter, but RJ Barrett and Julius Randle fought off well enough and with two 30+ point performances, they got the victory. I think that we might see yet another good game for the Knicks who will look to defeat the Celtics for the third time in a row in Madison Square Garden; something that hasn’t been done since 2013 when both teams faced each other in the Playoffs. 

Denis’ NBA Pick: New York Knicks (-102)

Michael Lantz

In what’s always a pleasurable matchup to watch, the Boston Celtics head to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks. So far in 2021-22, Boston has had a hard time figuring it out. Sure, they’ve had a lot of injuries and COVID problems, but even with a full roster they sometimes come out flat. Solid evidence of that was last night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, where despite being almost entirely healthy, the C’s couldn’t get past a young Spurs team, losing 97-99. They’ll hope to bounce back on Thursday as they face a New York Knicks team that’s been quite the disappointment as well.


The Knicks are hoping their luck can change; after double-digit losses to the Thunder and the Raptors, the team was able to grab a big win against the Indiana Pacers. Now, they’ll get even more help, as Julius Randle is set to return from COVID protocols. The Knicks won the first matchup between these teams in double overtime and then the Celtics got payback in December with a 114-107 win. Now for this rubber match, both teams will hope for a win to lead their seasons in better directions. I’ll go with the Celtics, who after an off night against San Antonio should bounce back against the Knicks.

Michael’s NBA Pick: Boston Celtics (-116)

Noah Dunlap 

No one knows what to make of these two teams. Both of them have the talent to be playoff contenders in a wide open Eastern Conference, but both have been extremely disappointing so far this season. The Boston Celtics have a young core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but for whatever reason they can’t seem to get help from the rest of the roster. In addition, the shooting from the C’s virtually all year has been horrendous, which has played a huge role in the disappointing season to this point. 

New York isn’t in much better shape though, as they’re a team that relies way too heavily on Julius Randle to lead the way, as the offense often bogs up, and the defense seems to lose focus and energy too often. The good news is that despite Randle having missed multiple games due to being in health and safety protocols, they’ve won four of their last six, which should have them feeling good coming into this one with plenty of momentum. That’s why I’m taking the Knicks here in a tight one at home. 

Noah’s NBA Pick: New York Knicks (-102)

Detroit Pistons @ Memphis Grizzlies – 8pm ET

The Detroit Pistons wrap up their three game road trip on Thursday when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pistons are another team that are playing two days in a row, and last time out they were thrashed by the Hornets, 111-140. The Grizzlies are certainly on a roll, they have won six games in a row, and some of their victories have been against the best teams in the league, like the Suns, for example.

Denis Kirilov

The Detroit Pistons will have to go through one of the hardest obstacles in the NBA at the moment. The Memphis Grizzlies have won their last six games and are looking to further build on this fantastic performance. They have been nothing less than spectacular throughout the first half of this season which put them in 4th place in the West with 25 wins and 14 losses. They are now much closer to the top 3 teams that they are to their closest rivals – the Mavericks, the Nuggets, and the Lakers. Ja Morant is back as his thirst for glory has been unparalleled. On top of that, they have the experienced Steven Adams and the young, athletic, and sharp Desmond Bane. 

The Detroit Pistons can only rely on a handful of decent players. I am not sure which ones I should include in this list as most of them are quite inconsistent. They are capable of erupting on a particular night and at the same time, but they might underperform for a couple of games in a row. Such players are Saddiq Bey, Hamidou Diallo, and Josh Jackson. Cade Cunningham is still in his rookie year in the NBA as he is still gathering more and more experience. The Pistons don’t have much chance at making a difference this season, but they can at least take the most out of such games. However, I still consider the Grizzlies as huge favorites and I will have them cover their spread. 

Denis’ NBA Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -12.5 (-110)

Michael Lantz

After grabbing a massive upset win on Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Detroit Pistons came back down to earth last night, losing to the Charlotte Hornets 111-140. Still, the Pistons have to feel pretty good about a couple of their young players, as second year player Saddiq Bey is averaging 15.3 points per game and first overall pick Cade Cunningham is averaging 15.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Also wins against juggernaut teams like the Bucks only help build this young core’s confidence.
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They’ll need a game like they had against the Bucks on Thursday, as they face a Memphis Grizzlies team that’s developing into one of the best teams right in front of our eyes. The Grizzlies have won six straight games, as Ja Morant has cemented himself as one of the league’s top point guards. Even better, this team is starting to play much better defense, which was a major problem at the beginning of the year. After a day of rest they’ll go up against a Pistons team that is fresh off a game in which they were demolished. I expect the Grizzlies to take care of them with ease, while playing at home on Thursday, and give this Pistons team a lesson in what they can become if they grow together a bit more.

Michael’s NBA Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -12.5 (-110)

Noah Dunlap 

I’m not betting against this Memphis Grizzlies team until they give me a reason not to, and I certainly won’t when they take on the worst team in the league. They’ve won six straight, led by Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, and that’s with De’Anthony Melton and Dillon Brooks in COVID protocols. 

Now they take on the team that is probably the worst team in the league, despite the Detroit Pistons pulling off an upset win over the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week. The Pistons have some young talent, but the inconsistency and the absence of a legitimate star or even veteran with experience has caused them major issues so far, and I don’t think that changes here. Give me the Grizz and the spread at home. 

Noah’s NBA Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -12.5 (-110)

Golden State Warriors @ New Orleans Pelicans – 8pm ET

The Golden State Warriors wrap up their two game road trip on Thursday when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans. The Warriors remain first in their Pacific Division, and they are playing on back-to-back nights, with Wednesday night’s result ending in a loss to the Mavericks, 82-99. The Pelicans have faced some stiff competition in their last three games, losing to the Bucks, Jazz and Suns, it doesn’t get any easier on Thursday when they take on the Warriors.

Denis Kirilov

The New Orleans Pelicans are coming into this match on a 3-game losing streak. On top of that, they were beaten by the Golden State Warriors by 41 points in early November, 126-85. The team from New Orleans is having huge troubles this season as they are 14th in the West with 13 wins and 25 losses. They might be just a couple of wins away from the 10th place of the Kings, but it seems miles away. The Pelicans are still without Zion Williamson, but at least they can use Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas who returned after getting clearance from the health and safety protocols. 

The Warriors, on the other hand, are one of the best teams in the NBA in the 2021/22 season. They top the league with 29 wins and 8 losses, having the same record as the Phoenix Suns. Now that Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins are back, they can take some of the pressure off Curry’s shoulders. He might even get some rest in January, but that’s all up to Steve Kerr. It’s been quite a long time since the Warriors last won a game by a double-digit number. However, I think this will be the case tomorrow as I expect an elevated performance from Curry’s helpers. I will suggest picking the Warriors to cover their spread.

Denis’ NBA Pick: Golden State Warriors -3.5 (-110)

Michael Lantz

Even in a season that’s been filled with dominance, the Golden State Warriors have times where they come out flat. Last night was a prime example, as they fell to a Kristaps Porzingis-less Dallas Mavericks team 82-99. Every once in a while Golden State comes up with a dud, but they rarely make a habit of it. On Thursday the Warriors face one of the Western Conference’s worst teams in the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans have lost three straight games, but they’ve had a rough run of opponents. 


They faced the Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, and Phoenix Suns. Now they get the special gift of playing a Golden State Warriors team that’s the best team in basketball. While they have some all-star talents in Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas and Devonte Graham, but due to COVID cases, injuries, and no Zion Williamson, they’ve had an abysmal year. Steph Curry is questionable for this game with a quadriceps bruise, but even if he’s out, the Warriors have had plenty of supporting players step up this year. I expect the Warriors to add to the Pelicans pain—I’ll pick the Dubs to cover.

Michael’s NBA Pick: Golden State Warriors -3.5 (-110)

Noah Dunlap 

The New Orleans Pelicans are a two man show as of right now, while they (try to) patiently wait for Zion Williamson to return. Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas have been the only two consistent bright spots for this roster to this point, which probably explains why they’re sitting at 13-25 on the year, including having lost four straight. 

Now they get the best team in the league, the Golden State Warriors, who are coming off a loss on the road to the Dallas Mavericks. That was a game that saw Steph Curry struggle for much of the game, and now they’re expected to have Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole back for this one. I don’t expect Steph to struggle two games in a row, and with the added help coming back to his supporting cast, I like Golden State to get a win over a bad team, quite possibly by a large number, even on the road. 

Noah’s NBA Pick: Golden State Warriors -3.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Clippers @ Phoenix Suns – 10pm ET

The final game on Thursday night will see the Los Angeles Clippers face off against the Phoenix Suns. The Clippers have been a little inconsistent lately, going win-loss-win-loss in their last four games, and this takes their season record to and even 19-19. The Suns have won three of their last four games, which puts them in second place in the Pacific Division, with a record of 29-8.

Denis Kirilov

The game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns will be a rematch of the Conference Finals last season. The Clippers, however, took their revenge with a convincing 111-95 win over the Suns in December. Both teams were short handed back then as the team from Los Angeles was missing Paul George, Nicolas Batum, and Kawhi Leonard who is yet to make his debut this season, while the Suns were without Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. The Clippers didn’t face any resistance and led all the way through the last quarter. The Suns have had a fantastic season already, setting a new franchise record for most wins in a row (18), while the team from California has been on a lot of up and down periods.  

The Phoenix Suns are 2nd in the West with 29 wins and 8 losses, while the Clippers are in 8th place, holding an even 19-19 record. The Suns will be without their center Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder who have entered the health and safety protocols. The Clippers are not much better as they will be without half of their team. Nicolas Batum, Paul George, Ivica Zubac, Brandon Boston, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Kawhi Leonard will miss the fixture. I think it’s high-time to see a dominant win for the Suns against one of their top rivals. Hence, I will go with their spread, hoping that Bismack Biyombo and Jalen Smith will fill in the blank spaces left by Deandre Ayton. 

Denis’ NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -10.5 (-110)

Michael Lantz

The Los Angeles Clippers can be a bit unpredictable when Paul George is out of the lineup. They have an assortment of veteran and supporting talent that can thrill one game (they beat the Nets 120-116) and then flop the next (lost to the Timberwolves 104-122). Still, as they proved in last season’s playoffs, they have a “next man up” mentality and are always ready to compete. They’ll need that mindset on Thursday as they face the Phoenix Suns in “The Valley.”
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They might be in luck: Phoenix is still without some of its key players including Deandre Ayton, JaVale McGee, and Jae Crowder. Still, the Suns have shown very little rust without those players. After a tough loss to the Celtics, they were able to turn it around and beat both the Hornets and Pelicans by double digits. They’ll hope to do the same on Thursday as they take on a resilient Clippers team that’s just hanging onto the eighth seed in the Western Conference. While I think the Clippers make this one a close game, I’ll pick the Suns to sneak by.

Michael’s NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns (-590)

Noah Dunlap 

This had the potential to be a great matchup in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals, except that COVID has taken that opportunity away, as both teams will be missing key players and will end up looking like a shell of themselves. The Phoenix Suns will be without Jae Crowder and DeAndre Ayton, which could have a big impact on their inside presence, while the Los Angeles Clippers will be without multiple players, including Paul George, Ivica Zubac, and Nicolas Batum due to COVID protocols, and they’re still without Kawhi Leonard as he tries to return from an ACL injury suffered in last year’s playoffs. 

With these absences, I think the difference is that the Phoenix Suns haven’t appeared to be too affected by players missing at all this year, as they’re the second best team in the league, while the Clips have struggled a bit with some players missing time. Give me the Suns to win this, and possibly in a big way, as I just don’t think Los Angeles has the talent to keep up with the players they have currently out. 

Noah’s NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -10.5 (-110)

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

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