Kingpin analysis
#1 NBA Expert NBA Picks for New Years Day 1/1/2025

Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls
Date & Time: January 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Broadcast: MNMT and CHSN
Team Records:
- Wizards: 5-24
- Bulls: 14-18
Betting Line:
- Spread: Bulls -4.5 (-110)
- Wager: $1,000
- Potential Profit: $910
Game Preview:
The Washington Wizards continue to struggle with a disappointing 5-25 record. Facing them are the Chicago Bulls, a team eager to capitalize on the Wizards' weak defense. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic will spearhead the Bulls' offense, while Washington leans on Jordan Poole to keep pace.
Key Players to Watch:
- Wizards:
- Jordan Poole: 21.3 PPG, 5.0 APG
- Jonas Valanciunas: 11.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG
- Bulls:
- Nikola Vucevic: 20.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG
- Zach LaVine: 22.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG
The Bulls are favored by 4.5 points, and with a $1,000 wager, bettors can expect a $910 profit if Chicago covers the spread.
Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks
Date & Time: January 1, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET
Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
Broadcast: ALT and FDSSE
Team Records:
- Nuggets: 17-13
- Hawks: 18-15
Betting Line:
- Total Points Over/Under: Under 246 (-108)
- Wager: $1,000
- Potential Profit: $930
Game Preview:
The Denver Nuggets face off against the Atlanta Hawks in a high-scoring affair. Nikola Jokic, averaging nearly a triple-double, leads the Nuggets, while Trae Young commands the Hawks' offense. The over/under is set at 246 points, reflecting the offensive firepower of both teams. However, defensive adjustments could see the final score fall below this mark.
Key Players to Watch:
- Nuggets:
- Nikola Jokic: 30.8 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 9.5 APG
- Michael Porter Jr.: 18.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG
- Hawks:
- Trae Young: 22.0 PPG, 12.1 APG
- Jalen Johnson: 19.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG
Betting the under at 246 points offers a $930 profit on a $1,000 wager, a reasonable choice given the teams' recent trends and defensive efforts.
Kingpin PRO
Get ranked cards and line-move alerts in the app
Tracked experts, Edge scores, and alerts on iPhone and Android.
Simulated results. Entertainment only. Gambling involves risk.Methodology and disclosure
Historical Kingpin articles preserve original body copy, authors, and publication dates. Structured pick or odds modules appear only when the source article provides them.
Kingpin PRO
Track this game in the Kingpin app
Transparent simulated records. Entertainment only.
Simulated results. Entertainment only. Gambling involves risk.Simulated results for entertainment. Gambling involves risk. Bet only where legal.
