The Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers total ended at 280 points. 41.5 points above the projected total. The Indiana Pacers obliterated the Miami Heat in a surprise 123 - 99 victory over the Miami Heat. It was Indiana’s best victory of the season. 

The San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics match lived up to the hype, and went almost exactly as this column predicted it to. A low scoring game, in which a Western Conference team outplays an Eastern Conference team. De’Aaron Fox was Spurs leading scorer and San Antonio edged out the Celtics with a five-point victory.
 

 

 

NBA Best Bets Today, 1/11: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Sunday

There are ten games across the Association today as two-thirds of the league is in action. The games start at 3:00 PM ET and last until 11:00 PM ET. Today’s best bets span the entire day, and the first best bet comes from the second tip-off. It is the rare teased-up special to start the day.

 

 

 

Brooklyn Nets vs Memphis Grizzlies: Sunday 1/11

Game Time: 1:30 PM ET | TV: NBA League Pass | Location: FedExForum | Odds: MEM -7.5 | O/U 220.5

Prediction: Egor Demin 15+ Points (+131 on DraftKings Sportsbook) 

The Memphis Grizzlies host the Brooklyn Nets in a 2:30 PM local tipoff at the FedExForum. This is two teams attempting to find their identity… and stay healthy. Speaking of, Michael Porter has been declared out for this match. That will impact the Nets offense drastically. The rumor is Porter Jr. is expected to be traded before next month’s deadline.

This will present an opportunity for Brooklyn to evaluate their young talent. One of those young players has already been showcasing his talent, Egor Demin. The 2025 rookie has a season average of 24.7 minutes per game, and has played in all but three of the Nets games this season. He has really found his rhythm over the last three weeks, and will be a key scorer for the Nets today.

Demin has scored 16 or more points in four of his last seven games. Like several young players, he has no fear of attempting several three-point field goals. He has attempted 42 threes in his last five games, and ten or more attempts is well within reach. Demin’s point line is at 12.5 on several sportsbooks, and oddly enough 15+ points is still set at negative odds on some sportsbooks. Finding 15+ points at +131 is a gem, and wise betting. Put a unit on the plus odds proposition. 
 

 

 

Washington Wizards vs Phoenix Suns: Sunday 1/11

Game Time: 8:00 PM ET | TV: NBA League Pass | Location: Mortgage Matchup Center | Odds: PHO -14.5 | O/U 230.5

Prediction: Dillon Brooks Over 3.5 Rebounds (-118 on BetMGM Sportsbook) 2.0 Units

The Phoenix Suns are playing much better than anyone outside of their organization anticipated. They are currently seventh in a competitive Western Conference. However, they are only 2.0 games back from third place. Today they host the Washington Wizards. Washington made a big splash by signing Trae Young for two players who were playing several minutes for their team. 

Betting against Washington has been a money generating machine for this column. We have not been attacking it with much fervor this season, but after the trade, there is money to be made. The Wizards are once again the worst rebounding team in the Association. A title they have held for almost the entirety of this decade. This year they allow an average of 48.0 rebounds per game to opposing teams.

Dillon Brooks may seem like an unlikely player to propose a double unit hammer on. Even more so since it’s on his rebounds. But Brooks is a tough-minded, physical basketball player. He has recorded 7 rebounds in each of his last two games, and over 3.5 in four consecutive games. In a match against the worst rebounding team in the Association, he should earn over his average (3.4). As the only negative odds best bet today, put two units on it. If it is successful, it is a profitable day regardless of the other two bets outcome.

 

 

 

NBA Prop Bet Today, 1/11

Russell Westbrook To Record A Triple-Double (+2000 on FanDuel Sportsbook) 0.5 Units

The Sacramento Kings host the Houston Rockets in the last game of the night, and it features a matchup that almost every hoop lover can enjoy. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are forever linked in the history of this sport. Their careers (and relationship) may have taken a different path, and it will be interesting to see who is treated better by time.

Durant has two championships, but many devalue his titles due to a dynasty winning prior and after his tenure. Westbrook has the triple-double record (for now), and is at #1 in several point guard statistics. Both have been an MVP, and neither will be considered the best player of the combined ten franchises they play or have played for. And they played on the same franchise of two teams. That is a lot to marinate on. The fact that they are consensus top 50 players all-time but will not be considered the best player for a franchise despite playing for 33.3% of the leagues’ teams is quite a statement.

So that brings it back to the competition amongst themselves, something I believe has added to their longevity. They have just one more scheduled game against each other after this, and Westbrook has a chance to add to his legacy. The Kings are almost guaranteed to lose this game, but Westbrook can earn his fifth triple-double of the season. 

Kings point guard, Dennis Schroder, supposedly swung at Luka Doncic after their most recent game. He has earned a suspension due to it. Bad news for the Kings as Schroder was playing more minutes, particularly late in the game. Now Sacramento must lean on Westbrook with more minutes. His double-double line is at +271 and for bettors that prefer the safer route, go for it. 

This best bet calls for living on the edge by betting on Westbrook to show everyone he’s still the best triple-threat point guard that has played in the Association. Put half a unit on the all-time triple-double leader to earn another one against his former teammate and an all-time rival.
 

 

 

Get $200 in Bonus Bets Today At Draftkings Sportsbook When You Sign Up

Ready to elevate your NBA betting? New users at DraftKings Sportsbook can snag $200 in bonus bets after a winning $5 wager—perfect for tailing these picks. Sign up now, deposit, and bet on any Friday matchup to unlock the offer. T&Cs apply; 21+ in eligible states. Gamble responsibly.
 

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