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Free NBA Picks Today for Wednesday, December 29th, 2021

Our free NBA picks are out as the NBA season continues to roll on. Take a look at our picks for Wednesday, December 29th, 2021, as we preview the best five games for today.

Free NBA Picks Today for Wednesday, December 29th, 2021
Picks & Predictions
Wed 29th December 2021

Our free NBA picks are out for Wednesday, December 29th, 2021! Make sure you check our NBA picks before the action kicks off.

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

Atlanta Hawks @ Chicago Bulls – 8pm ET

The Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls come together for their second game against each other in a row. In the first game, it was the Bulls that came out victorious, 130-118. Can the Hawks get revenge tonight, or will the Bulls make it two wins against the Hawks in a row?

Denis Kirilov

The Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls will face each other for the second time in just 3 days. In their previous meeting, the Bulls took the upper hand, defeating them 118-130. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan combined for 65 points, while Nikola Vucevic added 24 points and 17 rebounds. Trae Young was once again inefficient for the Hawks, shooting just 35% from the field. Cam Reddish led his team with 33 points and a career-high 8 three-pointers. 

The Bulls are on a 4-game winning streak as they currently hold a 21-10 record. They still keep a close gap between themselves and the leaders in the East, the Brooklyn Nets. The Hawks are down in 11th place at the moment with 15 wins out of 33 matches. Although Trae Young puts up some great performances from time to time, his team is incapable of competing with the best. I think that this will once again be the case in the United Centre right before New Year’s Eve. So, I will trust the Bulls to cover the spread as I expect to see yet another masterclass from Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. 

Denis’ NBA Pick: Chicago Bulls -8.5 (-110)

Michael Lantz

The Chicago Bulls continue to excel in the Eastern Conference; even with Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso out. The Bulls might have the league’s best scoring duo at the moment, as DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine tormented the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night scoring 35 and 30 points respectively. Now they’ll get a chance to repeat that performance as they take on the Hawks for the second time in three days. 


In Atlanta’s defense, they’re missing a good amount of players to COVID protocols right now. Even with Trae Young returning to lineup against the Bulls on Monday, the team is still without a good amount of its supporting and depth players. We’ll see who else is eligible to come on Wednesday night to give Young a little assistance, after his 29 points weren’t enough to upend the Bulls. Even if they do get a couple more players back, the Bulls are thriving on both sides of the ball. I think the Hawks will need a couple of games to get back into the groove, so Chicago gets the pick. 

Michael’s NBA Pick: Chicago Bulls -8.5 (-110)

Noah Dunlap 

In the second of back-to-back meetings between these two, we get a team that is one of the best in the Eastern Conference, taking on a team that went on a great run in last year’s postseason, but has primarily just been disappointing so far this year. The Chicago Bulls got the win in the opening matchup of this set, and now they look to sweep the two over Atlanta, with this one being played in Chicago. 

The problem with this Atlanta team is that Trae Young has gotten no help at all, virtually all year long. Not all of that is through the fault of the supporting cast, as Covid has blown up any consistency and rhythm that they could potentially find, but even before that the team just wasn’t playing well. Trae Young is a phenomenal scorer, but his size limits a lot of what he can do in terms of other parts of his game, which makes me question whether he has the ability to lead this team to greatness if the supporting cast isn’t helping. So far the answer has been no, and I don’t think that changes in this one, so give me Chicago to sweep this mini-series here, but not by the 8.5 number. 

Noah’s NBA Pick: Atlanta Hawks +8.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Lakers @ Memphis Grizzlies – 8pm ET

The Los Angeles Lakers wrap up their two game road trip against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers are playing on back-to-back nights, and last time out they won against the Rockets, 132-123. The Grizzlies are on a two game winning streak, with wins against the Kings and Suns.

Denis Kirilov

The Los Angeles Lakers are of the most disappointing teams in the 2021/22 NBA Season. They have been through a lot, but even when they are at full strength, it seems that something is missing. The roster was built around LeBron James who prefers playing with some of his old US teammates than with some new guys. This resulted in their 7th place so far as they are piling up loss after loss. Russell Westbrook occasionally concedes more than 5 turnovers per game, while Melo and Horton-Tucker will surely need to level up their game if they want to change something. 

The Memphis Grizzlies are on quite the opposite side. They are 4th in the West with 21 wins and 14 defeats. The team is on a 2-game winning streak and has Ja Morant back in the roster. On top of that, Desmond Bane seems to be finding his rhythm as he regularly goes for around 30 points in the games. The team might lack strong individuals like the ones in the Lakers, but they rely much on balance and on teamwork. This pays off for now as they are equally between the top 3 and the following 5-6 teams in the Conference. I think the Lakers will forget how to play defence against them and we will see yet another disappointing result from them. My pick here goes in favour of the Grizzlies as I expect them to cover their spread. 

Denis’ NBA Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -4 (-108)

Michael Lantz

The Lakers finally ended their five-game skid last night as they were able to overpower the Houston Rockets 132-123. LeBron James was once again brilliant as he tallied a triple-double, and continued to put the Lakers on his back. Luckily, he got some help in this one from Russell Westbrook, who also had a triple-double. Now they’ll try to continue their winning ways against a great young Memphis Grizzlies squad.
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The Grizzlies are coming off two big wins against the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. They’ll look for another Pacific Division win as they take on a disappointing Los Angeles Lakers team on Wednesday. The Grizzlies will look toward Ja Morant and Desmond Bane to attack this struggling Lakers team, as their high powered offense faces off against a bad Lakers defense. That being said, the Grizzlies defense has been pretty atrocious as well, and with LeBron and Russell Westbrook attacking, it could be a long night for Memphis as well. This is a battle between two bad defenses, but with this older Lakers team playing just last night, I’ll go with the young Grizzlies to win.

Michael’s NBA Pick: Memphis Grizzlies (-172)

Noah Dunlap 

LeBron continues to try to single-handedly carry this Los Angeles Lakers team to a postseason berth, but it’s not been all that easy. Coming into this year, everyone tried to assure us that the Lakers age wasn’t going to be a problem, and that their rag-tag team of former and a few current All-Stars would be able to make a run. That hasn’t been the case, as Anthony Davis has once again gotten hurt, Russell Westbrook is struggling greatly, and the rest of the roster looks lost most of the time. Now, coming off a win over Houston last night, they face the second night of a back-to-back against a young, energetic Memphis Grizzlies squad. 

The Grizzlies come into this one as the 4-seed out West, and are excited to finally have Ja Morant back after the superstar missed roughly a month with a sprained knee. Memphis is 2-3 since Ja’s return, but they’ve won back to back, with wins over the Kings and Suns, both on the road. Now this rested Grizz team comes home to take on an aging Lakers team on the second night of a back-to-back. In the end, I think the young legs from Memphis, especially with how Ja and Desmond Bane are playing, squeak the Grizz over the finish line in this one. 

Noah’s NBA Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -4 (-108)

Miami Heat @ San Antonio Spurs – 8.30pm ET

The Miami Heat kick off a mammoth road trip in San Antonio when they take on the Spurs on Wednesday night. The Heat are on a four game winning streak, and this takes their season record to 22-13. The Spurs had their three game winning streak snapped last time out, courtesy of the Jazz, 104-110.

Denis Kirilov

The Miami Heat are on a fantastic 4-game winning streak in which they have been missing a couple of their key players. Jimmy Butler made his return for the team from Florida as it immediately had its benefits. He helped his team with two separate double-doubles to defeat both the Orlando Magic and the Washington Wizards. Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, on the other hand, got used to playing with new players like Omer Faruk Yurtseven as a centre, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus as a point guard and a small forward respectively. The team found a way to start doing it all without some of their superstars like Bam Adebayo, P.J. Tucker,  and Kyle Lowry. The Heat currently sits in 4th place with a 22-13 record and will be looking to further gain positions in the standings. 

The San Antonio Spurs have been showing signs of big progress in December. They hold a 10-6 record lately as they have defeated some of the best teams in the NBA throughout this period. They cruised past the Golden State Warriors, the Denver Nuggets, the Utah Jazz, the Boston Celtics, the Washington Wizards, and the both teams from Los Angeles. The Spurs should always be taken with respect, proving that they have huge potential that might unravel soon. The team is 10th in the West with 14 wins and 19 losses and it seems that they have what it takes to battle out a place in the top 10. However, I think that the Heat are built differently and won’t underestimate the Spurs, thus getting yet another win over their rivals from the 2010s. 

Denis’ NBA Pick: Miami Heat (+130)

Michael Lantz

The Miami Heat have continued to fight adversity, overcoming injuries and COVID protocols to be 8-5 over their last 13 games. Having Jimmy Butler back in the lineup helps; he scored 25 points and dished out 15 assists, guiding the Heat to a 119-112 win over the Washington Wizards last night.


Tonight, they face a San Antonio Spurs team that has played very well over the last two games, despite missing their best player Dejounte Murray. They put up 144 points against the Pistons and then fell to the Utah Jazz by six. In Murray’s absence they’ve received exceptional performances from Keldon Johnson and Derrick White. This Spurs team may only be 14-19, but it feels like they’re just a season off from being a playoff threat. Still, the Heat have consistently shown their ability to fight through hard times—if the Spurs had Murray, I’d give them the advantage, but because he’s missing I’ll go with the Heat to grab an upset win.

Michael’s NBA Pick: Miami Heat (+130)

Noah Dunlap 

Early on in the year I predicted the Miami Heat to win the Eastern Conference, and I like that pick more and more each day. They’re currently on a four-game winning streak, which is impressive enough, but then when you think about the fact that they’re without Bam Adebayo and Kyle Lowry, and have missed Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler at times this year, that streak, as well as their overall record becomes more impressive. I see no reason that the Heat cool down at all, but they do get an interesting matchup here, as they take on a San Antonio team that is playing much better basketball as of late. 

The Spurs come into this one with nothing more than a mediocre record, but the way they’re playing recently is the more noteworthy point here. They hung strong against the Utah Jazz before eventually falling in a close one, but they also put up 144 in regulation on the Detroit Pistons. Now I understand that Detroit isn’t good by any means, but 144 is still a monstrous offensive explosion. In the end, I think Miami has a good enough defense, even with Bam out, to slow down a Spurs offense that has been really good over the past few weeks. The Heat win this one, but it comes in a close one, closer than they would probably feel comfortable with. 

Noah’s NBA Pick: Miami Heat (+130)

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Phoenix Suns – 9pm ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder wrap up their two game road trip on Wednesday night when they take on the Phoenix Suns. The Thunder are playing on back-to-back nights and last time out they lost to the Kings. The Suns are currently on a two game losing streak, with losses to the Warriors and Grizzlies.

Denis Kirilov

The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Arizona to face off the Phoenix Suns in one of their last games prior to New Year’s Eve. The team led by the Canadian duo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort, suffered a close 111-117 loss to the Sacramento Kings in their last match in the NBA. Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 33 points, finishing off on a 9-24 shooting which should be improved if the Thunder want to see some positive results. The other part of the duo also needs to level up his game as he struggles to go past the 50%-mark even when the team is winning. The Thunder are currently stumbling in 14th place in the West with just 12 wins out of 33 games. 

The Phoenix Suns are without a doubt one of the best teams in the NBA at the moment. They have one of the most complete rosters in the League, having not one, but probably two decent players on each position. The Suns dropped their top spot after suffering two consecutive losses around Christmas as they lost to the Golden State Warriors in a direct game for 1st place and then were defeated by the strong Memphis Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant. The last victory for Phoenix came precisely against their upcoming opponent. The Suns beat them by 12 points with Devin Booker scoring 30 points, while Cameron Johnson added a perfect 7-7 performance from the field, finishing off with 21 points for the night. I think that we will see a more conservative approach by the Suns’ stars as they will try to keep their stamina and energy for some of the tougher fixtures coming up ahead for them. Hence, I will support the OKC Thunder to cover their spread in their last away game for 2021.

Denis’ NBA Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder +15 (-110)

Michael Lantz

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been giving us a glimpse of the future lately, as they had won four of five before last night when they lost 111-117 to the Sacramento Kings. Despite their 12-21 record, things have been looking up for the Thunder as Shai Gilgeous Alexander was named Western Conference Player of the Week and players like Lu Dort and Josh Giddey have been a thrill to watch throughout the season. After a tough loss to the Kings, the Thunder will have to regroup and take on one of basketball’s best tonight in the Phoenix Suns.
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After a tough Christmas Day loss to a Golden State Warriors team that was far from 100%, the Phoenix Suns followed that game with a loss to a young Memphis Grizzlies team after Ja Morant hit a game-winning shot. The Suns don’t do consecutive losses often, so I expect them to be fully locked in against the Thunder. While they can’t overlook this OKC team, I expect the Suns to use their pent up anger on the Thunder and walk away with a comfortable victory at home.

Michael’s NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -15.5 (-110)

Noah Dunlap 

Oklahoma City has been playing better as of late, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to take on a Phoenix team that is probably going to be ready to take out some frustration on the 12-21 Thunder. While the roster may be playing better, they did just drop a game to the Sacramento Kings, and the talent still isn’t at the level it needs to be at if they want to truly be able to take on, in a competitive manner, a Phoenix Suns team that is sure to be ready for this one, after dropping two in a row. 

The Suns, as mentioned before, are on a two-game losing streak, but both losses are somewhat excusable, as they came to the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies. The only real problem is that both of those losses came at home, which could potentially be somewhat concerning. As for this one, I just don’t see any way possible that Phoenix falls asleep enough during this one to allow OKC the chance to hang around. Give me Phoenix, in a big, big way, as they try to end their two game home losing streak. 

Noah’s NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -15.5 (-110)

Utah Jazz @ Portland Trail Blazers – 10pm ET

The Utah Jazz wrap up their two game road trip in Portland when they take on the Trail Blazers. The Jazz have managed to win four games in a row, with wins against the Hornets, Timberwolves, Mavericks and Spurs. The Trail Blazers come into this game on a two game losing streak, which has dropped their season record to 13-20.

Denis Kirilov

The Utah Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers will face each other on late Wednesday night in the NBA. Both teams have been enjoying really similar seasons recently, but this year things seem to be falling into Utah’s favour. They are 3rd in the West with 24 wins and 9 losses, while the Blazers are struggling in 11th place with a negative 13-20 record. Such a start to a season is not unfamiliar for Portland as they had to make comebacks in a couple of their previous seasons. However, it seems that if they continue like that for a bit more, there might be no coming back for them eventually. 

The Jazz are by far a more complete team than the Blazers. They have a decent player on each position, while the Blazers’ are doing their best to keep their heads above water. The Jazz are coming into this match on a 4-game winning streak and they will be looking to end the year without any more defeats. On the other hand, the Blazers will send off an unpleasant year that might be the beginning of the end of a whole era. Damian Lillard seems exhausted and way out of rhythm, while CJ McCollum is troubled with injuries. Although the Blazers tend to be playing really well at Moda Center, I doubt they will be able to withstand the sheer force of the Utah Jazz’s attack. Hence, I will support Utah to cover their spread in the upcoming fixture in Portland. 

Denis’ NBA Pick: Utah Jazz -6.5 (-112)

Michael Lantz

The Trail Blazers just can’t seem to get it together. Even with a new coach in Chauncey Billups, the team continues to look awful on defense. Luckily they always have Damian Lillard to trust in. After a bumpy start to the season, Lillard has finally turned it on, but they’ve suffered injuries to CJ McCollum and now have Juswf Nurkic in COVID protocol. Along with their atrocious defense, things just keep getting rough for the Blazers.


It won’t get any easier for them as they face a Utah Jazz team that’s among the best in basketball. They’ve won four straight games and are slowly creeping up on the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, they probably will be without Donovan Mitchell, who is still missing time with an injury. Luckily the Jazz are so deep, and even with Mitchell out, they had 2020-21 Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson stepped up with 23 points. If the Blazers had Nurkic and/or McCollum I’d pick them to overpower a Mitchell-less Jazz. But, the Blazers are just so bad defensively and they’re playing a team that’s incredible on both sides of the ball. I’ll pick the Jazz.

Michael’s NBA Pick: Utah Jazz -6.5 (-112)

Noah Dunlap 

This Portland Trail Blazer team has been disappointing this year, and part of that is their fault, while part of it isn’t. The defense under first year head coach Chauncey Billups hasn’t been what they would have wanted, and Damian Lillard has also struggled much more than I think most people would have expected from him early on the year. And then, adding more insult to injury, they’ve been without CJ McCollum for weeks now, as he tries to recover from a punctured lung. All of this, along with a supporting cast that isn’t the best in the league, has led to serious issues for this Portland team. 

On the other side, Utah has been one of the best teams in the NBA all year long, and they also feature one of the most balanced rosters in the league. Rudy Gobert has the ability to not only dominate offensively in the paint, but also virtually close off the paint to opposing offenses, while Donovan Mitchell, Joe Ingles, and Jordan Clarkson do a good job of taking care of the perimeter. This is the kind of balance, not only inside and out, but also offensively and defensively that makes a team extremely dangerous come playoff time, and the way they’re playing right now certainly makes it look as if they’re a team that is going to be hanging around by the time late May arrives. As for the outcome of this matchup, I like the Jazz to take care of business, as other than Dame, when he plays well, this Portland roster is lacking the help, or defense, that I think could give them a chance here. Give me Utah and the points on the road. 

Noah’s NBA Pick: Utah Jazz -6.5 (-112)

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

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