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Free NBA Picks Friday 1/1/2021 and Opening Line Report

by Jason Radowitz - 12/31/2020

paul george los angeles clippers

We’re starting a new year, and some teams will be hopeful that they can put 2020 behind them and start fresh in 2021.Teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and the Denver Nuggets have struggled early but expect to and project to be much better this season. Here are the early leans for the January 1, 2021 slate in the NBA. We’ve got some exciting games!

Bulls vs Bucks 1/1/21 (-14, 231.5)

The Bucks have had a bit of trouble to start the season. They’re 2-3 but still outscoring their opponents by almost 10 points. This is a great match-up at home against a struggling Chicago team that is allowing 121.3 points per game. We know the Bucks will be near the top when the regular season ends. This game will help them get back to .500.

Key trends: The Bucks are 4-0-1 OU (10.50 ppg) since Dec 23, 2020.

Early lean: Bucks, Over

Grizzlies vs Hornets 1/1/21 (-2.5, 220)

The Hornets are an exciting young team that have now won two straight against the Nets and Mavericks. Sure, both teams were without stars, but these young guys got the job done. The defense has been particularly good, while the Grizzlies defense has been atrocious to start the season. The Hornets have the edge in this one, especially with Grizzlies star Ja Morant out for a month or so.

Key trends: The Hornets are 9-3 ATS (8.46 ppg) since Feb 26, 2020.

Early lean: Hornets, Under

Clippers vs Jazz 1/1/21 (+2, 226)

The Clippers continue to prove that when they’re healthy, they can destroy opponents. The defense has held up behind Kawhi Leonard, and the ball movement has really started to look a lot better. As long as all Clippers players are good to go, including Kawhi, of course, the Clippers should have no problem getting another win. The Clippers, dating back to last season, were fantastic on the road. I know these aren’t really road games, but it’s a big enough sample size that proves that it matters.

Key trends: The Clippers are 13-3 ATS (3.88 ppg) since Feb 26, 2020 on the road.

Early lean: Clippers, Under

Suns vs Nuggets 1/1/21 (TBD, TBD)

The Suns haven’t lost much in the last year or so. They dominated in the bubble and have now started the new season at 3-1. It has been their defense and timely shooting. There’s no ball dominant player on this roster, with Devin Booker leading the way with 19 points. There’s plenty of talent and shots to go around, and the defense has created a solid offense. The Nuggets, on the flip side, are 1-3 and struggling to defend. I like the Suns on the road. 

Key trends: The Suns are 11-1 ATS (9.75 ppg) since Jul 31, 2020.

Early lean: Suns, Over

Wizards vs Timberwolves 1/1/21 (TBD, TBD)

The Wizards have a backcourt of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal, yet Washington can’t find a way to win. They’ve allowed nearly 120 points per game and are scoring 111.8 points. But Minnesota isn’t shooting at a very high percentage to start the season, and Washington's offense should be able to keep up and win this game. The Timberwolves are scoring just 104.8 points per game. That’s got them two wins, somehow.

Key trends: The Timberwolves are 7-25 ATS (-4.53 ppg) since Nov 04, 2019 at home.

Early lean: Wizards, Under

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