NBA Best Bets Today, 1/15: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Thursday
The Cleveland Cavaliers played one of their best games of the season, and the Philadelphia 76ers suffered due to it. It was predicted as being a strength-on-strength game in yesterday’s column, and it lived up to it.
However, Evan Mobley put the pedal to the medal and proved he’s one of the best players in the Association. He shut down Joel Embiid and stuffed the stat sheet with a 4-block double-double.
Michael Porter was held in check against the New Orleans Pelicans, who won by three points. Porter managed just 20 points in 31 minutes, in what was a disappointing performance for both him and the Brooklyn Nets. The Los Angeles Clippers came into the game with several late injury declarations.
They still controlled the match against the Washington Wizards with ease. Luckily, that led to a successful best bet, and Fantasy Alarm caught the sportsbooks on the hook. That hook kept the bankroll damage to a minimum.
We are exactly one month away from the NBA All-Star game, and yesterday was the last day for votes to be cast. There are also fewer than three weeks left before the trade deadline. Players expected to be traded could rest more often than normal. There are nine games today, three of which are nationally televised on Amazon Prime Video. The first begins at 2:00 PM ET and takes place in Berlin, Germany.
NBA Best Bets Today, 1/15: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Thursday
Memphis Grizzlies vs Orlando Magic: Thursday 1/15
Game Time: 2:00 PM ET | TV: Prime Video | Location: Uber Arena | Odds: ORL -4.5 | O/U 229.5
The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies play the first-ever NBA game in Germany today. It is an early afternoon (or late in the morning) match in the United States, but a primetime event at Uber Arena in Berlin. The great news is that almost everyone has a game to distract them from their workday. Some may wonder how the environment of the arena will be?
Germany won the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket Title. Dennis Schroder put himself in all-time great status as the leader of both teams and has inspired a new generation of basketball fans. Those championships have caused a surge of interest in basketball in Germany, including the NBA.
Desmond Bane will be playing against his former team, and he has delivered for the Orlando Magic. He has been a consistent scorer and more of a #1A than a true #2 for their offense. He is averaging 19.2 points per game this season, but has scored 23 or more points in his last two games. Memphis allows 116.2 points per game, and Bane has a great opportunity to score over his average. Especially in a game against his former teammates. Put two units on the first best bet today, and enjoy the Thursday early afternoon match.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets: Thursday 1/15
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET | TV: Amazon Prime Video | Location: Toyota Center | Odds: OKC -4.5 | O/U 222.5
The Houston Rockets host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a possible Western Conference playoff preview. Both of these teams are playing under their expectations at the moment, but both are still winning. Houston has only lost two games at home this season, and five of the Thunder’s seven losses have been on the road. This game should come down to the final minute of regulation.
However, the game could be won by either team, and that’s why the best bet is on Kevin Durant to score more than 24.5 points. He has been playing several minutes, so much so that Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka became vocal about it after a loss in a post-game conference. Like it or not, Durant has played 37 minutes in seven consecutive games.
He is averaging 36.4 minutes per game this season and 26.1 points per game. The expectation is for Durant to exceed his average in both categories today against the Thunder. Both minutes and points will be needed if the Rockets are to beat the defending champions. And it still might not be enough. Put a unit on Durant to score over 24.5 points at the Toyota Center.
NBA Prop Bet Today, 1/15
Cade Cunningham has missed the Detroit Pistons' last two games. He is expected back for the game against the Phoenix Suns today, and his player propositions are available. The best bet is the over on his assists line, set at 9.5. In his first game back, the expectation is for him to get in a rhythm by creating opportunities for his teammates.
Cunningham has a season average of 9.7 assists per game, which puts him at one of the highest in the Association. He has recorded double-digit assists in five of his last seven games, and should do it once again against the Suns. Detroit has a 14 - 4 record at home, Cunningham will not have to fight arena noise, and will be able to recover at his home court. All of which increases his odds to cover this proposition.
The fact that this line is offered at almost even odds is disrespectful. However, taking a line without any juice is rare, particularly on a player with recent statistics on his side. Put a unit on Cunningham to dish out ten or more dimes to his teammates at Little Caesars Arena.
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy G. -
*All bets placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise.
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