NBA Best Picks & Analysis for Tuesday 1/28

What’s up, everyone!? We have a relatively boring NBA slate today. You know what that means? It’s a good slate for making money. Let’s find some good bets today!

Best "Under" Bets:

Best "Over" Bets:

Betting Lines

Game Overview

The Houston Rockets (30-14) are in stellar form, winning nine of their last eleven games. They enter this matchup off a thrilling 114-112 victory over the Celtics. The Atlanta Hawks (22-23) are struggling, losing nine of their last thirteen games, including five consecutive defeats. Injuries to key players on both sides, such as Trae Young (Hawks) and Jalen Green (Rockets), add intrigue to this matchup.

Key Matchup Stats

Analysis

Houston Rockets

The Rockets are on a hot streak, driven by their strong rebounding and defensive capabilities. Alperen Sengun and Dillon Brooks have been consistent performers, with Brooks delivering a 36-point outing against Boston. While Houston struggles with efficient shooting, their ability to dominate on the boards and force turnovers compensates for their offensive inefficiencies.

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Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are in a rough patch, particularly with key injuries to Trae Young and others. Despite their struggles, they remain a solid offensive unit, ranking 9th in points per game. However, their defensive woes and high turnover rates have made it difficult to close out games, especially against stronger teams.

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Predictions

1. Spread: Rockets -7.0 (-105)

Houston’s rebounding dominance and defensive capabilities should give them the edge. The Hawks’ poor defense and high turnover rate will likely lead to another frustrating night. Back the Rockets to cover the spread.

2. Total Points: Over 227.0 (-110)

Both teams have shown an ability to score efficiently in recent games. Houston’s fast-paced offense and Atlanta’s defensive struggles make the over a solid play.

3. Player Prop Bets:

Key Stats Supporting Bets

Best Bets for Rockets vs. Hawks

Final Score Prediction: Houston Rockets 122, Atlanta Hawks 113.

Betting Lines

Game Overview

The Los Angeles Lakers (25-18) are on a four-game winning streak and playing the second half of a back-to-back after defeating the Hornets. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers (17-27) have won two straight games but remain shorthanded with key players, including Joel Embiid and Paul George, out due to injuries.

Key Matchup Stats

Analysis

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are in excellent form, winning six of their last seven games. Anthony Davis and LeBron James continue to lead the team, with Davis coming off a dominant 42-point, 23-rebound game against Charlotte. Despite their poor rebounding rankings, the Lakers are efficient offensively and have been strong defensively in recent games, limiting opponents to 108.7 points over the past 10 matchups.

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Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers have improved recently, snapping a seven-game losing streak with two consecutive wins. However, the absence of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and other key players significantly impacts their ability to compete. Tyrese Maxey has been excellent, averaging 27.4 points over the past 10 games, but he lacks consistent support from his teammates.

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Predictions

1. Spread: 76ers +3.5 (-110)

The Lakers are in better form and have more consistent offensive production, even with the possibility of fatigue. The 76ers’ lack of depth and reliance on Maxey will make it difficult for them to keep pace. However, this feels like a massive trap game so I am taking the 76ers.

2. Total Points: Over 216.0 (-110)

While both teams have shown defensive lapses, their offensive capabilities should push the game over the relatively low total. The Lakers’ efficient scoring and the 76ers’ home-court performance support this play.

3. Player Prop Bets:

Key Stats Supporting Bets

Best Bets for Lakers vs. 76ers

Honestly, I’d wait for a good live bet on this one to take Philly. The Lakers give up big leads consistently and I think you might be able to get +7-10 on the 76ers.

Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers 115, Philadelphia 76ers 113.

Betting Lines

Game Overview

The Milwaukee Bucks (31-15) have been one of the most consistent teams recently, winning eight of their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers (17-30) have struggled with inconsistency, winning just four of their last 10. Milwaukee boasts a strong defensive unit and is led by their superstar duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, while Portland relies heavily on Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson for offensive production.

Key Matchup Stats

Analysis

Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee enters this game in top form and is driven by its efficient offense and elite defense. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to dominate with his scoring and rebounding, while Damian Lillard provides scoring and playmaking against his former team. The Bucks are second in the NBA in opponent field goal percentage, showcasing their ability to limit offensive production.

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Portland Trail Blazers

Portland has shown flashes of promise but continues to struggle with consistency. Their defense ranks among the worst in the NBA, and their offense often fails to compensate. Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson can put up points, but the lack of depth and defensive lapses make them an unreliable team against high-caliber opponents like Milwaukee.

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Predictions

1. Spread: Bucks -5.5 (-105)

Milwaukee has consistently covered the spread in similar matchups, and they face a Blazers team that struggles defensively and has failed to cover in six of their last 10 games. Even on a back-to-back, the Bucks have the depth and firepower to cover the spread.

2. Total Points: Under 229.5 (-115)

While Milwaukee's offense is efficient, their defense could stifle Portland's already inconsistent offense. The Blazers have also gone under the total in four of their last five home games, making this a likely low-scoring affair.

3. Player Prop Bets:

Key Stats Supporting Bets

Best Bets for Bucks vs. Blazers

Final Score Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks 117, Portland Trail Blazers 107.

Betting Lines

Game Overview

The Golden State Warriors (22-23) host the struggling Utah Jazz (10-33) at Chase Center. Utah is playing on the second night of a back-to-back, adding fatigue to an already underperforming squad. The Warriors have been inconsistent but remain a strong home team against lower-tier opponents.

Key Matchup Stats

Analysis

Utah Jazz

The Jazz continue to struggle, especially on defense, where they rank near the bottom in nearly every key metric. Playing without key contributors like Jordan Clarkson, John Collins, and Walker Kessler adds to their woes. The second night of a back-to-back against a rested Golden State team further limits their chances.

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Golden State Warriors

Golden State has had an up-and-down season but remains competitive at home, especially against weaker teams. Stephen Curry is due for a bounce-back game after a poor showing against the Lakers. While the Warriors struggle with consistency, their defense remains a strong point and should stifle a fatigued Jazz squad.

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Predictions

1. Spread: Jazz +12.5 (-115)

The Warriors have struggled to cover large spreads, failing to do so in nine of their last 10 games as double-digit favorites. Utah, despite their issues, has covered +12.5 in seven of their last 10 games. Look for the Jazz to keep it closer than expected, especially with their strong rebounding advantage.

2. Total Points: Under 228.0 (-110)

The Warriors' defense ranks in the top 10, and the Jazz offense has been inconsistent, especially on back-to-backs. The under has hit in several of Golden State’s recent home games, and the Jazz’s inefficiencies on both ends should lead to a lower-scoring contest.

3. Player Prop Bets:

Key Stats Supporting Bets

Best Bets for Jazz vs. Warriors

Final Score Prediction: Golden State Warriors 116, Utah Jazz 105.

-Mike