Free Pick: NBA Best Bet of the Day 1/6/22

Golden State Warriors 29-8 at New Orleans Pelicans 13-25

The Warriors are coming off a 99-82 loss in Dallas last night. There is some question as to whether Steph Curry will play tonight but he played last night and suffered through a terrible shooting game. He normally bounces back from bad nights. Couple that with the fact that the Warriors haven’t lost two in a row all year, makes me like Golden State in this one..

The Pelicans lost 12 out of their first 13 games and since then, they are a respectable 12-13. They are at the end of a four-game stretch where they have faced Milwaukee, Utah, Phoenix, and now, the Warriors. That is a tough schedule for anyone to endure. They have played all season without Zion Williamson which has allowed Brandon Ingram (22.2 pts. per game), and Jonas Valanciunas (18.9 pts. and 12 rebounds per game). This is a good team considering their record.

Golden State is a 3-point favorite. If I can get the Warriors as a light favorite over a 13-25 team, I have to take them. I might regret it, but if they lose I still feel comfortable with this pick.

PAPA DUDES PICK: Golden State -3

Miami Heat 23-15 at Portland Trail Blazers 14-22

The Heat head to Portland and they have gone 1-2 in the first three games of a 6-game road trip. They will be missing Jimmy Butler tonight and that is a concern for sure. Somebody will have to pick up some of the slack left from his absence. But, Portland is struggling and the Heat should be able to bounce back tonight.

The Trailblazers have been struggling but won their last outing over the Hawks. That stopped the bleeding from a streak that had seen them lose 11 out of 13 games. They will be playing without star player, Damian Lillard who is out with an injury.

Miami is a 1-point favorite. The Heat are favored by only 1 point and I like them to win so this is an easy pick for me.

PAPA DUDES PICK: Miami -1