Free Picks: NBA Best Bets of the Day 1/7/22

Washington Wizards 19-19 at Chicago Bulls 25-10

The Wizards are coming off a bad loss against Houston at home in their last outing. They are struggling as of late and are 4-6 in their last 10 games. On the upside, they are healthy and have very few COVID problems. Bradley Beal is leading the way averaging 24 points per game and he will have to be special if they are going to pull off an upset in this one. They played well last Saturday against Chicago, losing at the buzzer, so they should have some added confidence from that.

The Bulls have won 8 in a row behind the play of DeMar DeRozan (26.9 pts per game), and Zach Lavine (26.3 pts. per game). They are a hard-working team and they have the city of Chicago excited about Bulls basketball again. They are 13-4 in the United Center and they need to beat so-so teams like Washington if they are going to maintain their status as the best team in the NBA East.

Chicago is a 6.5-point favorite. I’m a little leery of the spread but I think this Bulls‘ team can cover against an up and down Washington team.

PAPA DUDES PICK: Chicago -6.5

Atlanta Hawks 17-20 at Los Angeles Lakers 20-19

The Lakers have won 3 straight games and 4 of their last five and they appear to be straightening some things out. LeBron is playing well and Russell Westbrook is playing better and better. This is a big game for them. Meanwhile, the Hawks are 2-2 on a brutal six-game road trip and they finish up with this game and the Clippers. They won in Sacramento without Trae Young and that was an impressive showing. Young is questionable for this game, but you have to think he will play against the Lakers.

Los Angeles is a 3.5-point favorite. I think the Hawks play well, but I believe the Lakers are beginning to turn things around for the 2nd half of the season.

PAPA DUDES PICK: Lakers -3.5