🏀NBA Picks & Analysis For Tuesday, January 21💰

Back today with some NBA picks and really hoping for a nice day! No football distractions today so we are hardcore focused on some NBA action. I can’t say I love the slate today in terms of quality basketball to watch, but maybe that means we can make some quality money.

I did a deep dive into every single game so if you scroll down, you’ll see all the matchups. Up top, I have summaries for each game and the summary of favorite player bets. These are just suggestions so don’t go parlay all of them together! Combine these picks with your own thoughts and research to cash those bets.

That National Championship game was an odd one. The best bet by far of the game was taking Ohio State -3.5 when ND scored right away. I hammered that and -6.5 for +130 with every dollar left in my account. Unfortunately, I missed the first half under which cost me a lot but was able to live bet my way for some success in that game as OSU controlled most of it, but ND definitely had a shot to cover at the end!

Knicks vs. Nets Best Bets

The Knicks’ offensive efficiency and the Nets’ lack of scoring depth make this a game where New York should dominate both on the scoreboard and in individual performances.

Magic vs. Raptors Best Bets

Orlando’s defense should dominate in a low-scoring game, with Paolo Banchero leading the way in scoring and rebounding. Toronto’s lack of consistency and defensive efficiency makes them a tough team to back.

Heat vs. Blazers Best Bets

The Heat’s combination of efficient offense and stifling defense should dominate this matchup, while Portland’s weak defense will lead to high-scoring opportunities for Miami. Expect Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. to shine, with Deandre Ayton putting up strong numbers for the Blazers.

Nuggets vs. 76ers Best Bets

The Nuggets should dominate this matchup with their superior offensive firepower and rebounding advantage. Expect a strong showing from Nikola Jokic and a valiant effort from Tyrese Maxey, but Denver will control the game from start to finish.

Wizards vs. Lakers Best Bets

The Lakers’ home dominance and Washington’s defensive woes make Los Angeles the clear choice to win big. Expect standout performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis while Jordan Poole tries to carry Washington’s offense. However, the Wizards’ lack of firepower and defensive inefficiency should ensure a comfortable Lakers win.

Game Overview

The New York Knicks (28-16) travel to the Barclays Center to face the Brooklyn Nets (14-29). The Knicks are heavy favorites, boasting strong offensive efficiency and a solid recent record against the Nets. Meanwhile, Brooklyn is struggling with injuries and poor form, having lost eight of their last nine games. The Knicks are 11-point favorites, and the total is set at 219.

Betting Lines

Key Matchup Stats

Game Analysis

The Knicks are firing on all cylinders offensively, ranking in the top five in effective field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and overall shooting efficiency. Jalen Brunson has been a consistent force, and Karl-Anthony Towns provides a significant rebounding and scoring edge. Defensively, the Knicks have some vulnerabilities, particularly on the perimeter, where they rank near the bottom of the league in opponent three-point percentage.

The Nets, on the other hand, are severely hampered by injuries and lack the offensive firepower to keep up with the Knicks. Brooklyn's defense has been one of the league's worst, ranking 30th in opponent effective field goal percentage. Their rebounding issues and inability to defend efficiently in the paint or on the perimeter will make it tough to slow down New York.

Predictions

Player Prop Bets

Key Stats Supporting Bets

Knicks vs. Nets Best Bets

The Knicks’ offensive efficiency and the Nets’ lack of scoring depth make this a game where New York should dominate both on the scoreboard and in individual performances.

Game Overview

The Orlando Magic (23-21) visit the Toronto Raptors (10-32) in a matchup where both teams have struggled in recent weeks. The Magic are looking to snap a three-game losing streak, while the Raptors are hoping to find some consistency after a blowout loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Orlando is a slight favorite despite being without key players, thanks to its league-best defensive metrics and the Raptors' ongoing struggles.

Betting Lines

Key Matchup Stats

Game Analysis

The Magic’s defensive rating is second-best in the league, holding opponents to just 104.3 points per game. Despite their excellent defense, Orlando’s offense ranks last in the league in points per game, effective field goal percentage, and three-point shooting percentage. Paolo Banchero has been the lone bright spot, consistently contributing in scoring and rebounding.

The Raptors, meanwhile, have significant issues on defense, allowing 118.5 points per game (27th). Their offense relies heavily on RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes, but both will face tough matchups against Orlando’s disciplined defense. Toronto’s rebounding advantage could keep the game close, but their inability to guard the perimeter or generate consistent offense is a concern.

Predictions

Player Prop Bets

Key Stats Supporting Bets

Magic vs. Raptors Best Bets

Orlando’s defense should dominate in a low-scoring game, with Paolo Banchero leading the way in scoring and rebounding. Toronto’s lack of consistency and defensive efficiency makes them a tough team to back.

Game Overview

The Portland Trail Blazers (14-28) face the Miami Heat (21-20) in a matchup that highlights contrasting team strengths and weaknesses. Portland is struggling with injuries and road performances, while Miami looks to solidify its playoff standing with strong defense and efficient offense.

Betting Lines

Key Matchup Stats

Game Analysis

The Trail Blazers are facing significant challenges, with injuries to key players like Anfernee Simons and Robert Williams III. Despite the impressive performance of Scoot Henderson and Deandre Ayton in recent games, Portland's 5-16 road record and poor defense put them at a disadvantage. Miami, meanwhile, boasts the league’s second-best free throw defense and strong perimeter shooting. The Heat should capitalize on Portland’s turnover issues and poor defensive rebounding.

Predictions

Player Prop Bets

Key Stats Supporting Bets

Heat vs. Blazers Best Bets

The Heat’s combination of efficient offense and stifling defense should dominate this matchup, while Portland’s weak defense will lead to high-scoring opportunities for Miami. Expect Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. to shine, with Deandre Ayton putting up strong numbers for the Blazers.

Game Overview

The Denver Nuggets (31-16) host the struggling Philadelphia 76ers (18-29) at Ball Arena. Denver is surging with a strong home record and elite offensive metrics, while Philadelphia, depleted by injuries, faces an uphill battle without key contributors like Joel Embiid and Paul George.

Betting Lines

Key Matchup Stats

Game Analysis

The Nuggets come in as heavy favorites, boasting the league’s top-ranked field goal percentage and strong scoring across all four quarters. Philadelphia has been hindered by injuries, especially to MVP Joel Embiid, who will miss his sixth consecutive matchup in Denver. Without Embiid, Denver's Nikola Jokic has a clear path to dominate both scoring and facilitating.

Denver’s rebounding and offensive efficiency will likely overwhelm Philadelphia, whose lack of size and depth leaves them vulnerable to second-chance points and interior scoring. The 76ers’ reliance on Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. for offensive production is unlikely to keep pace with Denver's balanced attack.

Predictions

Player Prop Bets

Key Stats Supporting Bets

Nuggets vs. 76ers Best Bets

The Nuggets should dominate this matchup with their superior offensive firepower and rebounding advantage. Expect a strong showing from Nikola Jokic and a valiant effort from Tyrese Maxey, but Denver will control the game from start to finish.

Game Overview

The Los Angeles Lakers (24-23) host the struggling Washington Wizards (12-35) at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, are looking to bounce back from a loss to the Clippers. Meanwhile, the Wizards, on a 10-game losing streak, face an uphill battle against a Lakers team that's strong at home and looking to climb the Western Conference standings.

Betting Lines

Key Matchup Stats

Game Analysis

The Lakers enter this matchup as heavy favorites, driven by their ability to perform efficiently in both scoring and defense compared to the struggling Wizards. Washington, ranked last in points allowed, will struggle to contain the Lakers' paint-heavy offense led by Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

The Wizards’ defense has been porous, allowing opponents to score 122.8 points per game (30th in the NBA). This weakness aligns perfectly with the Lakers’ strengths in field goal percentage and free throw generation. While the Wizards have strong rebounding numbers, much of that comes from chasing missed shots on both ends.

Washington’s offensive inefficiencies, including a lack of consistent three-point shooting (33.5%, #29), make it difficult for them to keep pace with a Lakers team that can exploit mismatches in the half-court.

Predictions

1. Spread: Lakers -13.5 (-105)

The Lakers’ dominance at home (11-1 in their last 12 games vs. Southeast Division opponents with losing records) suggests they can comfortably cover this spread. Washington’s inability to defend or score efficiently will leave them vulnerable to a blowout.

2. Total: Under 228.5 (-110)

The Wizards’ offensive struggles combined with the Lakers’ ability to slow the game down make the under a strong play. While Los Angeles may score efficiently, Washington's inability to consistently put up points limits the likelihood of a high-scoring game.

3. Projected Final Score: Lakers 118, Wizards 103

Player Prop Bets

**1. Jordan Poole Over 6.5 Assists (-110)

2. Alex Sarr Over 6.5 Rebounds (-118)

3. Anthony Davis Over 10.5 Rebounds (-115)

4. LeBron James Over 22.5 Points (-110)

Key Stats Supporting Bets

Wizards vs. Lakers Best Bets

The Lakers’ home dominance and Washington’s defensive woes make Los Angeles the clear choice to win big. Expect standout performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis while Jordan Poole tries to carry Washington’s offense. However, the Wizards’ lack of firepower and defensive inefficiency should ensure a comfortable Lakers win.

I’m looking forward to returning home to the west coast (and shitty weather) in a few days. I’ll be dialing in even more with extra time to spend on the NBA and probably some college basketball soon. Good luck, everyone!

-Mike