Rockets vs 76ers Free Pick, NBA Free Pick & Predictions 1/22/25

J.A. Cavalier
Jan 22
2 min read

NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS

Rockets vs 76ers Free Pick

The Houston Rockets enter this matchup as slim road favorites, but the betting line tells only part of the story. Philadelphia has quietly been one of the league’s most dependable teams when measured against market expectations, consistently outperforming spreads through defensive discipline and situational execution.

That defensive profile sets up as a major hurdle for Houston. The 76ers excel at taking away high-efficiency looks, combining strong perimeter coverage with reliable rim protection. Those strengths align perfectly against a Rockets team that has struggled to find consistency away from the Toyota Center, particularly when forced into halfcourt offense.

If Philadelphia can dictate tempo and limit Houston’s transition opportunities, this game shifts toward the home side. The contrast between Houston’s road inconsistency and the 76ers’ defensive reliability makes this matchup less about raw talent and more about execution, discipline, and which team better controls the areas that matter most against the number.

Do you want more NBA free picks from J.A. Cavalier?!

FREE PICK Under 222.5

This game has ‘rock fight’ written all over it. Neither one of these teams wants to play fast—Philadelphia ranks 19th in pace at 100.1, Houston isn’t much quicker, and both coaches are perfectly happy bleeding the shot clock like it owes them money. This is halfcourt basketball, not an AAU sprint. And here’s the kicker: both defenses are legit—top 11 in Defensive Rating this season—which means every possession is contested, every look is earned, and nothing comes easy. Philly takes away the rim and the perimeter, Houston defends with length and discipline, and suddenly 222.5 starts looking optimistic. Public sees two decent offenses and assumes points; sharps see slow tempo, elite defense, and long stretches of absolutely nothing happening. This isn’t a highlight reel, it’s a defensive clinic—and unders don’t need style points, they just need patience. Give me the Under and let everyone else cheer for missed shots