Free NBA Picks - Jan 7th, 2022

NBA: Raptors (-11.5) Vs Jazz $$

It is now the Utah Jazz’s turn to be decimated by injuries and quarantines. At first glance the (+11.5) point for the Jazz seems odd and it may be the only time the entire season they will double digit dogs. But that is not he entire story.

According to the NBA injury report for tonight’s game, the Jazz have only one player on the regular roster listed as healthy for tonight and that is Eric Paschall. The entire team is either out or listed as questionable. Jordan Clarkson, Royce O’Neale, and Rudy Gay are listed as ‘questionable’, so I suspect that each of them will play if only off the bench.

Reigning 6th man of the year player is the most interesting of the bunch as he is a quality player that would start on most other teams. He has been nursing a sore back most of the season but I suspect he will play a lot of minutes tonight despite his injury. But other than that, it is a major question who is going to play in this game for the Jazz. I don’t even understand how it is being allowed to go on especially in an empty Scotia Bank arena in Toronto.

Let’s not overlook how well the Raptors have been playing recently either. They are currently riding a four game winning streak and are fresh off a road victory in Milwaukee two nights ago. The Raptors are deep at every position and have a great mix of veteran and youthful players lead by Fred VanVleet and rookie Scottie Barnes.

There is a good chance the Jazz simply take a knee in this game and move on to the next when they will be healthier. The big point spread should not play a factor in this matchup.

NBA: Bulls (-6) Vs Wizards $

The Wizards started the season hot but have tailed of significantly over the last couple weeks. Their starting line up is currently intact, but they facing a lot injuries coming off the bench. I do not feel the Wizards will be a playoff team this season and they should slowly slide down the standings.

The Bulls have been the most pleasant surprises this season and are playing great ball. DeRozan is possibly having the best season of his career and he compliments Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine very well. I don’t feel (-6) points is too much to pay for the much better team playing at home.