Monday is usually everyone’s least favorite day of the week. But the NBA has found a way to help out! Today’s slate features a tasty 7-game spread, headlined by the Golden State Warriors facing off with the Minnesota Timberwolves as the nightcap. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 pm ET on Peacock, and that matchup is preceded by Magic vs Cavaliers at 7:00 pm ET. You can find our NBA picks for all of today’s matchups, along with EVERY GAME this season. But for now, here are our expert NBA best bets for each of today’s 7 games on Monday, January 26.
Pacers vs Hawks NBA best bet: Pacers ML (+170)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
This is a bit of a soft number for a team that has only won 11 games this season and is sitting 3-19 SU on the road. But then the question really to ask is Atlanta a team that should be laying big numbers to anyone? The answer is a resounding no. Atlanta’s defense is among the worst in scoring (118.7 ppg), and opponents overall shoot well against them with a 23rd ranked 47.7% opponent field goal percentage.
Atlanta may be able to score and facilitate ball movement better than any, but they have no backstop. This is game that Indiana can clearly win because despite their poor form overall and hideous record on the road, they are priced within striking distance despite being prone to taking back a bigger number due to their lack of appeal. Pacers outright for the upset.
Read our full Pacers vs Hawks prediction
76ers vs Hornets NBA best bet: Hornets -3.5 (-110)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing.
This number is telling: why are the Hornets favored here? Charlotte is spotting over a possession despite Philly’s brand name and better record. The Sixers have also won all of the last ten meetings. Philadelphia looks too easy here but as we have frequented many times before, those are the warning signs of a trap. There are several moving parts that are not being factored into the optics. Philadelphia has shown it can dry up offensively in recent losses and Charlotte overall is playing a better brand of basketball on both ends. The price tells us that things come full circle in the Queen City tonight. Charlotte could be the best play on the board today.
Read our full 76ers vs Hornets prediction
Magic vs Cavaliers NBA best bet: Cavaliers -4.5 (-110)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing.
The Cavs have already shown a replicable blueprint against Orlando—and it isn’t gimmicky. In the most recent meeting, Cleveland won 119–105 while keeping Orlando to 27.5% from three, which matters because Cleveland’s offense is all about leveraging the deep ball. Against a team that is plucky and defensive-oriented like the Magic, Cleveland can actually get some separation here if they are able to focus on optimizing their three-point operations. Orlando’s brand of basketball is best executed in their own barn, but in a road tilt against a team that loves fireworks, they can get overwhelmed. The line suggests that happens tonight in Cleveland and we’re following the lead.
Read our full Magic vs Cavaliers prediction
Grizzlies vs Rockets NBA best bet: Grizzlies +10.5 (-110)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Laying a mountain of points in a game with a low total sitting at 222 isn’t conducive for procuring a winning ticket. This is a game that projects to have a defensive connotation and in such scenarios, points come at a premium because possessions are that much dearer. Taking back a double-digit allotment is the smart play here, forget about win-loss records or team logos. Betting the Rockets here because they are the better side is not enough to justify that action. The oddsmakers know that and by posting this number are putting Rockets backers behind the eight ball by making the wager about winning at margin in what is forecasted to be a grinder. Grab the points.
Read our full Grizzlies vs Rockets prediction
Lakers vs Bulls NBA best bet: Under 237 (-110)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing.
The Lakers have been trending below this kind of total significantly. In Los Angeles’ last-10 matches the combined scoring average was just under 230, which is notably below the total line in this tilt. Then, there is the Bulls who tend to pull games into a more deliberate structure at home—longer half-court possessions, more emphasis on getting back in transition, and mitigating their opponents looks in transition. This is a game that has all the makings of one where scoring is scarce and the total doesn’t align with contrasting expectations. In terms of totals, this is huge overlay. Take the under.
Trail Blazers vs Celtics NBA best bet: Celtics -8 (-110)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing.
Portland has been on a bit of a heater lately but none of that matters here. The Celtics style is a nightmare match-up for the Blazers, particularly in how they win games at home: steady shot quality, fewer turnovers, and the ability to punish a bad quarter. The C’s always find ways to recreate themselves without having the reinvent the wheel. Boston plays physical basketball, they defend well, and their three-point shooting remains elite for intent and purpose. Rip City has shown offensive inconsistency all season long and if they dry up even for a matter of minutes, Boston gets this ticket to the window.
Warriors vs Timberwolves NBA best bet: Timberwolves -7.5 (-110)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Golden State just routed Minnesota 111–85 yesterday, forcing 26 turnovers. Despite this, Minnesota is a significant favorite today. That’s very telling. Even if it is expected for Minnesota to play better, blowouts often produce an overcorrection. Typically, that would cause the line to head the other way towards the Warriors, since they looked dominant yesterday. However, instead of the W’s being a five-point dog in the first leg, they are now taking back nearly another possession.
For those familiar with the term “sucker bet”, this is the definition of one. A team who just shredded the favorite taking back more points in the re-match is a direct indicator that the oddsmakers don’t buy into the previous result. The oddsmakers don’t give away free money either, they knew that Golden State would look attractive here at this price and nevertheless established the price accordingly. Backing the Warriors here win or loss is playing right into the bookmakers’ hands. Lay the lumber and don’t second guess it.
Read our full Warriors vs Timberwolves prediction
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