Our free NBA picks are out for Wednesday, December 8th, 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!
Chicago Bulls @ Cleveland Cavaliers – 7pm ET
Two Central Division teams face off against each other on Wednesday night, with the Bulls sitting in first place, and the Cavaliers in third place (four games behind) in the division. The Bulls are currently on a four game winning streak, with wins over the Hornets, Knicks, Nets and Nuggets. The Cavaliers are now on a two game losing streak, thanks to losses to the Jazz and Bucks, which brings their season record to 13-12.
Denis Kirilov
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls have been performing better than expected so far. The Bulls are 2nd in the East with 17 wins and 8 losses, while the Cavs hold a positive win ratio. Many people were sceptical about Chicago’s duo, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, but they managed to prove their critics wrong. They are one of the most effective duos in the NBA at the moment as they frequently go for around 30 points each. The Bulls are heading to Cleveland after 4 straight wins, defeating the likes of Charlotte, New York, Brooklyn, and Denver. They are also on a nice winning streak on the road and are hoping to make it five.
The Cavaliers managed to pull something out of the hat without Collin Sexton in their roster. They won 4 in a row, but suffered two losses in their last matches. Although they were defeated, the fact that they kept a close gap to Utah and Milwaukee speaks for itself. Darius Garland dropped 30 points in two consecutive games, while Jarrett Allen has been racking up double-doubles since the start of the season. DeMar DeRozan won’t play against the Cavs which makes the host’s task a lot easier. In my opinion, Zach LaVine will struggle immensely in the absence of DeRozan and this will affect the performance of the whole team. I will have to go with the Cavs in this one.
Denis’ NBA Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers (-136)
Michael Lantz
The Chicago Bulls currently have the best record in the Eastern Conference, and are in the midst of a four-game win streak. Unfortunately they’ve been hit with a bit of bad luck: Demar DeRozan will miss a couple of games while abiding by the league’s health and safety protocols for COVID-19. The Bulls were able to win the first game without DeRozan as they defeated the Denver Nuggets 109-97, but despite all their talent they’ll have a hard time keeping that win streak going without one of the league’s top scorers. On Wednesday night they take on an upstart Cleveland Cavaliers team that’s looking to further prove they’re a playoff threat.
Back-to-back 30+ points for Zach LaVine.@Calamos | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/nXg3LDr0vm
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 7, 2021
The Cavs sit at 13-12 and have lost two straight, but both losses were close calls against good teams in the Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz. Now they’ll look to beat a Chicago team that’s without arguably their best player. The Cavs Jarrett Allen continues to breakout and had 25 points and 9 rebounds against the Bucks, while his fellow big man Lauri Markkanen had 20 points and 7 rebounds. They’ll look to play a big role in this match against the Bulls. I like the fact that Cleveland has shown confidence going up against big opponents. I think they’ll take advantage of the Bulls being down DeRozan.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers (-136)
Noah Dunlap
In the ever changing Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls have now jumped atop the standings, as they enter this one on a four-game winning streak. Now they get a decent Cleveland team, who has still played remarkably well without Colin Sexton, the team’s best player, as he’s out for the year with a torn meniscus.
The other part of this matchup that’s important to keep an eye on is that Chicago is now facing some issues of their own, as DeMar Derozan will be out due to Covid protocols. That didn’t stop them from throttling Denver, but eventually not having a guy of Derozan’s caliber on the floor is sure to play a role. The good news is that I don’t think that comes in this one, as I still like the Bulls to get a close win. The Cavs are going to try to attack the paint, and it may work, but look for Chicago to use some advantages from the perimeter to sneak away with a win on the road in this one.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Chicago Bulls (+116)
Milwaukee Bucks @ Miami Heat – 7.30pm ET
The Milwaukee Bucks start a four game road trip when they travel to Miami to take on the Heat. The Bucks have won three of their last four games, with wins against the Hornets, Heat and Cavaliers. The Heat will be looking for revenge on the game they lost to the Bucks a couple of days ago, and they have won just one of their last four games.
Denis Kirilov
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat face each other for a third time this season. They splitted a victory each and it will be exciting to see who will take advantage now. The Bucks are playing on a very high level after Khris Middleton’s return. They won 10 out of their last 11 games in the NBA as their sole defeat came to the Toronto Raptors in a game where Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t participate. The Bucks are, without a doubt, a top 5 team with this roster and everyone should be cautious with them. They have shown us that they have what it takes to defend the NBA Championship.
The Miami Heat were off to a fantastic start to this campaign. They have found themselves in the top 3 of the current standings at some point, but later on, they dropped down to mix between the 4th and 10th place. So far, they are 4th, but the Cavs, who are six places below them, have just one less victory. Jimmy Butler has had some troubles with his back recently and this took its toll on the whole team. The Heat lost 4 out of their last 5 matches in the league and in most cases they didn’t even have the chance to compete until the end. They were so deep into the mud that they were losing by more than 20 points in either the 2nd or the 3rd quarter. However, as of the upcoming fixture, I will restrain from giving a pick on the final winner. I will trust both teams’ scoring abilities and suggest the option for “over points” in this match.
Denis’ NBA Pick: Over 217.5 (-108)
Michael Lantz
In a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference playoff first round, the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat face off for the third time this season. In their first match Miami absolutely embarrassed the defending champs, but when they rematched on Saturday, Milwaukee were the ones with a double-digit win. Now in the rubber-match, these two teams go at it in South Beach.
But, the Heat will be without center Bam Adebayo, which means Giannis Antetokounmpo should be able to have a field day penetrating the lane. After a couple of weeks where the Bucks were hit with injuries and COVID cases, the team is back near full-strength and have won 10 of their last 11 games. They’ll look to make 11 of 12 against a Miami Heat team that’s lacking some big men depth. I think they should be able to handle them, even on the road.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -5.5 (-110)
Noah Dunlap
On paper, this one seems easy, and I honestly think it is. Milwaukee has been playing at a different level since getting virtually everyone healthy again, and they’re looking more and more like the team that won an NBA title last year. Giannis continues to play phenomenal basketball, and now that he’s getting help from Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, I think he’s more relaxed than he was to open the year.
For Miami, a healthy Heat team could make this a ballgame, but with the injury issues that they’re facing, I just think this is a tall order for them to try to win, or even keep this one all that close. Bam Adebayo is out for weeks, and now Jimmy Butler is having some recurring issues with his back, which could force him to miss time. These injuries play a toll on a Heat team that is trying to manage the storm, but I think they struggle in this one. Bucks big.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -5.5 (-110)
Brooklyn Nets @ Houston Rockets – 8pm ET
The Brooklyn Nets continue their road trip, as they play on back-to-back nights and take on the Houston Rockets. The Nets are coming off a narrow victory against the Mavericks, 102-99, which brings their season record to 16-7. The Rockets have won six games in a row, but it still isn’t enough to bring their season record close to the 50% win mark, with their record standing at 7-16.
Denis Kirilov
After making a fantastic comeback in the 4th quarter against the Dallas Mavericks, the Brooklyn Nets are looking to further build on this fabulous performance. The game against Dallas was a narrow one and around the middle of the 3rd quarter it was headed Dallas’ way as they were leading by 17 points. Then, Kevin Durant and James Harden took the responsibility and led their team to a remarkable comeback. This further extended their lead on the top of the East as the Nets continue focusing on their mission to escape from their pursuers.
The Houston Rockets made the unthinkable as they won 5 straight games after going for a 0-15 run. Christian Wood and Eric Gordon are performing miracles for the squad, while Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. are still recovering from injuries. The latter players are the ones around whom the team will be built as they are expected to be the essence of the roster in the upcoming years. The Rockets are still 13th in the West with 7 wins and 16 losses. However, their recent performance might give them some slight hope that they can achieve something big during this campaign. I think that this period will further continue as they are more than capable of upsetting the Brooklyn Nets. My preferences go towards Houston in this fixture.
Denis’ NBA Pick: Houston Rockets (+215)
Michael Lantz
The Brooklyn Nets are coming off a big road win against the Dallas Mavericks, where they pulled off a big fourth quarter comeback to continue their Eastern Conference dominance. They’ll follow that game up 24 hours later against a far inferior Houston Rockets team. Although Houston shouldn’t be taken lightly, despite their 7-16 record, they’ve won six games straight and are becoming a very lethal offense. They’ve gotten some great help from veteran scorer Eric Gordon who has scored 23 and 24 in their last two games.
What a week for C-Wood! 🚀
📈 Against OKC 24PTS 21REB 3BLK
📈 Against ORL 20PTS 13REB 4AST
📈 Versus NOP 23PTS 8REB 2BLK pic.twitter.com/iXkfzE1y69— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 6, 2021
Although Houston will meet a Brooklyn team that’s heavily improved on defense, especially when it comes to the three point line. I expect them to force Houston to go down low and use Christian Wood a lot, in an area where he should be able to outmatch Brooklyn’s bigs. Still the Nets should have too much talent for this Rockets team, that doesn’t even have number two pick Jalen Green playing. It’s also a game in which Brooklyn’s James Harden will play the team he used to suit up for. I expect Harden to embrace the boos he’ll likely get from the crowd, and put on a great show.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Brooklyn Nets -6.5 (-108)
Noah Dunlap
Houston is playing much better basketball as of late, but I don’t know that that matters in this one. Christian Wood and Eric Gordon are putting the load on their shoulders and leading a team that isn’t all that great and making them look much better than they are. That’s also with Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. trying to get back from injuries. If those guys can get back soon, and contribute to the level that Wood and Gordon are playing at, I think this Houston team has the potential to surprise some teams down the stretch, but for this one I just don’t think they have enough.
Brooklyn still has two of the best players in the world on the floor, in Kevin Durant and James Harden, and while I know that Harden has been a bit shaky so far this season, he’s still better than anyone that the Rockets can put on the floor. Talent eventually plays out in this one, as the Nets pull away late, but not before Houston can at least keep it competitive.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Brooklyn Nets -6.5 (-108)
Utah Jazz @ Minnesota Timberwolves – 8pm ET
The road trip for the Utah Jazz continues on as they travel to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves. The Jazz are currently on a four game winning streak, with wins over the Pelicans, Trail Blazers, Celtics and Cavaliers. The Timberwolves on the other hand have lost three games in a row, and will face a tough task to stop the skid there, facing this Jazz team.
Denis Kirilov
The Utah Jazz have found their rhythm once again as they are coming for the match against the Minnesota Timberwolves on a 4-game winning streak. They used their biggest weapon, their attack, and dismantled the Pelicans, the Blazers, and the Celtics. Utah managed to drop more than 130 points on average in these three matches. In their last game against Cleveland, the Jazz fought well until the end and displayed their ability to make clutch plays, thus winning the fixture, 109-108. Donovan Mitchell has shown pure class recently as he dropped more than 30 points in his last three appearances.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have their fantastic trio in front positions. Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and D’Angelo Russell are always ready to put on a great show for their fans. At least each one of them occasionally drops more than 30 points in a particular game, as there have been times when they altogether score close to 100 points. However, Minnesota comes into this home fixture in low mood as they lost their last 3 matches against Washington, Brooklyn, and Atlanta. All of these matches were tight ones that could have gone either way, but they were unlucky for certain reasons. In my opinion, the Timberwolves have what it takes to compete with Utah, but I am inclined to think that the Jazz will be able to cover their spread. D’Angelo Russell might miss the game, while Rudy Gobert has a big chance to be the game-changer in tonight’s match.
Denis’ NBA Pick: Utah Jazz -8.5 (-110)
Michael Lantz
This game should be quite exciting as the up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves host a Utah Jazz team that’s won four straight and is looking to get back atop the Western Conference. They currently sit as the three seed, but at 16-7, are just 3.5 games out of first place. This complete team is seeing guard Donovan Mitchell continue his ascent to superstardom as he is averaging 33 points in the last three games. He’ll look to keep the streak of 30+ going against a thrilling young Minnesota squad.
The Timberwolves are 11-13, but just last week they were 11-10 before a three-game skid. This will happen to a young team that’s still trying to develop, but they’ll want to win games against big opponents if they are to convince the league they’re for real. In their last game they were without D’Angelo Russell and veteran defender Patrick Beverly, so their guard play has definitely taken a toll. Russell should be back for the Utah game, but Beverly will continue to miss time. I think this Utah team that’s really starting to look like the team that was a one-seed last season will win, but I’ll go with the Timberwolves to make it a game and cover.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves +8.5 (-110)
Noah Dunlap
A week ago, I think this game would look a lot more intriguing. Minnesota went on a hot streak, at one point winning seven of eight, but since then they’ve returned to the shaky form we saw early in the year. Even with Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards playing reasonably well, the team has struggled to get help from anyone else, which is going to end up costing them as the season progresses.
Utah, on the other hand, started the year hot, before hitting a rough stretch for about two weeks, before getting everything figured out again and now they look as if they’re ready to continue rolling. With Rudy Gobert down low, and Donovan Mitchell, Joe Ingles, and Mike Conley around the perimeter, I just struggle to see where a declining T’Wolves team is supposed to find an advantage. Give me the Jazz to continue a four-game winning streak, pushing it to five. Even on the road, I like the Jazz to actually handle business pretty easily, so I like Utah and the points in this one, even with the line sitting at 8.5.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Utah Jazz -8.5 (-110)
Portland Trail Blazers @ Golden State Warriors – 10pm ET
The Portland Trail Blazers are on the road for just one game before returning home again, and on Wednesday night they take on the Golden State Warriors. The Trail Blazers have not started the month of December off well, losing all three of their games so far, which takes their season record to 11-4. The Warriors have the equal best record in the league, 20-4, which ties them with the Suns, and they have won two of their last three games.
Denis Kirilov
The Portland Trail Blazers are one of the worst performing teams away from home in the NBA this season. They are 1-10 so far with the only win coming against a weak Houston Rockets team. The Golden State Warriors, on the other hand, have been reborn during this campaign. They are 1st in the Western Conference with 20 wins and 4 losses. The Blazers are struggling in 10th place with 11 wins and 14 losses. They are coming into this game on a 3-game losing streak. The team lost to the Spurs by 31 points and to the Celtics by 28 points, and conceded 145 points against them. It’s clear that the Blazers without Damian Lillard are not functioning the way they want to.
Both teams have faced each other twice this season and both times the games were placed in Chase Center. The Warriors won the first match by 22 points, and the second one by 15 points. In both games, Steph Curry was unstoppable with a combined 73 points. Golden State are 20-2 against the Blazers in their last meetings in San Francisco. The situation within the Blazers at the moment is even worse than what it was in previous years. Hence, I am inclined to think that the Warriors will once again sweep them without any trouble. With Damian Lillard, Nasser Little, and Anfernee Simons being sidelined for the game, I think there is no better option than choosing Warriors to cover their spread.
Denis’ NBA Pick: Golden State Warriors -14 (-110)
Michael Lantz
In what would’ve normally been a fun matchup to watch, the Portland Trail Blazers will be without CJ McCollum who sadly discovered that he has a collapsed right lung. It’s a major blow to a Blazers team that’s fighting for their life right now. Now, the team will have to go to the Bay Area to face the best team in the NBA.
Buzzer beaters, the Stephen Curry way 📍 pic.twitter.com/YzTweLR0xo
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 7, 2021
The Warriors are coming off a big win against the lowly Orlando Magic, but previously dropped a game to the upstart San Antonio Spurs. It showed that while Golden State are undoubtedly a title favorite, they’re still vulnerable. Still, the Warriors had a comfortable win against the Blazers just over a week ago. That Blazers team was at full health at the time; now with McCollum sidelined, that’s just one less scorer the Warriors have to worry about defending. I expect the “Dubs” to take the cake on Wednesday night
Michael’s NBA Pick: Golden State Warriors -14 (-110)
Noah Dunlap
This one had the potential to be a good one if you were just looking at it on paper before the season. But now that it’s here, it doesn’t look anywhere close to as intriguing. Portland simply can’t win on the road, as they sit at 1-10 on the road, and having to travel to the Bay to take on what is one of the two best teams in the league isn’t going to help that.
To make matters worse, CJ McCollum has recently found out and revealed that he has a collapsed lung, which adds more uncertainty to a team that certainly doesn’t need it. Steph Curry has been playing like the league MVP so far this season for Golden State, and against a team missing their second best player, especially a guy that specializes around the perimeter, I think Steph has another huge night, as this is a prime chance for him to go off. The Warriors get the win at home, and even though the line is extremely high at 14, I actually like the play in this one to be to take Golden State and the points.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Golden State Warriors -14 (-110)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
