The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hero and visionary. Today is a day we honor him for his impact and legacy, not just in America but world-wide. One of the ways to celebrate? The NBA throws a banquet. Today’s slate features a deep 9-game menu, headlined by the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics squaring off in a primetime clash. You can find our NBA picks for all of tonight’s matchups, along with EVERY GAME this season. But for now, here are our expert NBA best bets for each of today’s 9 games on Monday, January 19.
Bucks vs Hawks best bet: Hawks -2.5 (-110)
Odds available at Fliff Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Everything about this game screams Hawks. Think about it. The Hawks just moved their franchise player Trae Young recently and it looks like this is a team headed into transition. And yet, Atlanta is favored here. Neither team is in good form, with both parties suffering blowout losses three straight games. But Milwaukee’s name carries a bit more weight and all three losses have come against playoff teams in San Antonio, Minnesota, and Denver while the Hawks got clipped by the Lakers, Portland, and Boston (two playoff teams). This is a matter of resume and namesake looking more attractive with recent narrative working against Atlanta. However, the oddsmakers installed the Hawks as the chalk here for a reason. We’ll trust that.
Cavaliers vs Thunder best bet: Under 234.5 (-110)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Cleveland being without Darius Garland removes a major piece of their shot creation, which naturally caps their scoring ceiling. That plays directly into OKC’s preferred game script: defend, control tempo, and force opponents into long possessions and tough looks. The Thunder don’t need to change anything stylistically — their defensive identity is already built to win games in the half court. And without Garland, the Cavs are far less likely to push pace or generate quick-hit offense. This matchup becomes about execution and efficiency, not volume, which makes the under the sharper lean.
Clippers vs Wizards best bet: Wizards + 7 (-110)
Odds available at Caesars Sportsbook at time of publishing.
This is all about the Clippers’ ability to create margin — and that’s questionable without Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal, and Derrick Jones Jr. A depleted road favorite is exactly the profile that struggles to cover big numbers, especially late. Washington’s atrocious 10-31 record inflates spreads, which is also another matter to weigh. The Wizards here are likely back more points than they should due to lack of market clout, but this is one of the rare spots where they can genuinely compete for 48 minutes. Grab the points in a game that the Wizards can take the Clips out into the deep water.
Jazz vs Spurs best bet: Under 242.5 (-110)
Odds available at Fliff Sportsbook at time of publishing.
A total of 242.5 is asking for a track meet—and the context doesn’t support it. Utah is missing Lauri Markkanen, which removes a huge chunk of their offensive efficiency and potency. This is also a game with a massive spread (Spurs -16.5). Big spreads means one-sided affairs and if the Spurs are in the driver seat as expected: they go into clock-management mode. This number assumes both teams showing up and shifting through every gear. But if a blowout is forecasted, this could be a game that the Spurs win at margin and the total never gets threatened. The under is the play here.
Read our full Jazz vs Spurs prediction
Mavericks vs Knicks best bet: Mavericks +10 (-110)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
There are a lot of external factors here which are overselling the Knicks. First, the obvious – the contrast in win and loss records. The Mavericks look like a lottery team while the Knicks remain a contender to win the East. Then there is the fact that this game is being played in Madison Square Garden where a premium is inflicted on Knicks backers just to bet them in Manhattan. Add in that the Mavericks are 4-14 SU on the road and Dallas makes an easy fade target. But that’s why we like them here. Dallas will enter this game playing free and loose which makes them a dangerous underdog to fade at an enhanced price.
Read our full Mavericks vs Knicks prediction
Pacers vs 76ers best bet: Pacers +8 (-110)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Let’s not sleep on the Pacers here because they got their doors blown off by Detroit most recently or because they have only won two games on the road this year. The Pacers last week knocked off the Celtics, Heat, and Hornets in Charlotte who are clearly playing basketball far better than their record entails. The Pacers remain off the radar because their optics are frightening and one bad recent result has defleted any semblance of stock that they once had. However, Philadelphia has also hit their own toils recently, going 1-3 SU in their previous four. Indiana catches them at the right time. Pacers plus the points is the play.
Suns vs Nets best bet: Nets +8 (-110)
Odds available at Caesars Sportsbook at time of publishing.
This is a “big points in a low-total game” play which is not conducive to backing the favorite. Both teams after all lean into defense first and the total is 218.5, which means the contest is projecting as a relatively controlled, defense-leaning environment. In those games, each point matters more because there are fewer possessions for separation. All of this plays into Brooklyn’s wheelhouse. The Nets can slow the game, make Phoenix work late into the shot clock, and keep the scoreboard compressed. Spots like this make the underdog the value play, thats Brooklyn in this tilt.
Read our full Suns vs Nets prediction
Celtics vs Pistons best bet: Pistons -3.5 (-110)
Odds available at Fliff Sportsbook at time of publishing.
These two teams have met in Boston twice already this season with the series being split. However, neither team were being given more than a bucket in either contest. Detroit meanwhile rallied to defeat the C’s in Boston in December by seven, despite trailing by double digits early. That’s a key note of confidence for Detroit and make no mistake, the Pistons are probably the best team in the Eastern Conference. This is a moment for the Pistons to punctuate that point and the fact they are laying more than a possession here tells us who the oddsmakers are hanging their hat on.
Heat vs Warriors best bet: Warriors -6 (-110)
Odds available at Caesars Sportsbook at time of publishing.
The James Butler Classic, or in basketball terminology – The Jimmy Buckets Special. Call it what you want but the series has been all Miami. He may not be available for this one and the Heat have won five of the last six meetings which makes them look like a tasty option here with a nice quantity of points. However, Miami has played losing basketball on the road (7-13 SU) and they are without Tyler Herro. In a game that will be settled by sharpshooting from beyond the arc, that’s huge. This is a spot that is ideal for Golden State to level the playing field in this series and the price points to that.
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