Mega-loaded regular-season slates always make for excellent NBA online betting experiences, and it just so happens that's what the Association has in store for us on Wednesday, January 19.
A whopping 13 games, spanning 26 of the league's 30 teams, are on tap for us. Many of them are incredibly high-stakes, too. When looking at our NBA picks, we're most drawn to the Boston Celtics, who are verging on panic right now and facing a must-win contest against the Charlotte Hornets.
Let's begin, like always, by taking stock of the latest betting odds on the NBA:
| Favorite |  | | Underdog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Nets | -112 | -104 | Washington Wizards |
| Philadelphia 76ers | -820 | +570 | Orlando Magic |
| Atlanta Hawks | -142 | +120 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Boston Celtics | -194 | +162 | Charlotte Hornets |
| Miami Heat | -420 | +330 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -260 | +215 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | -116 | -102 | Chicago Bulls |
| Dallas Mavericks | -176 | +148 | Toronto Raptors |
| San Antonio Spurs | -270 | +220 | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Utah Jazz | -800 | +560 | Houston Rockets |
| Denver Nuggets | -295 | +240 | LA Clippers |
| Sacramento Kings | -235 | +194 | Detroit Pistons |
| Los Angeles Lakers | -205 | +172 | Indiana Pacers |
Make sure you're in the habit of double-checking these NBA betting odds prior to settling on your NBA picks. All NBA betting lines are subject to change until the game starts. And while you're at it, go ahead and pore over our detailed reviews of the top online sportsbooks. These evaluations are designed to help you spot the best NBA betting sites around.
Celtics, Lakers, and Nets All Facing High Stakes
Believe it or not, the Celtics aren't the only one of the NBA's flagship franchises feeling the pressure on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to prove they're not fool's gold against the Indiana Pacers while slogging through rumors that head coach Frank Vogel might be fired. The Brooklyn Nets are yet again beginning life without Kevin Durant, who is out for the foreseeable future with a sprained left MCL. They will have their work cut out for them against the Washington Wizards. The Chicago Bulls, meanwhile, must go up against a sizzling Cleveland Cavaliers squad with a shorthanded roster.
Without further ado, then, let's get to our best NBA betting picks.
Boston Gets Much Needed Win Over Charlotte
Other than the Atlanta Hawks and Lakers, no team in the NBA has been more disappointing than the Celtics. Many even think they'll be sellers rather than buyers around the NBA trade deadline.
Fortunately for Boston, they're catching a break versus Charlotte. LaMelo Ball isn't expected to suit up, and the Hornets' interior defense is bad enough that even a team terrible at putting pressure on the rim like the Celtics should be able to score in the paint.
OSB Prediction: Boston Celtics (-194)
Lakers Stave Off Disaster vs. Pacers
The Lakers are coming off their best win of the season after dethroning the Utah Jazz on Monday night. That doesn't mean they're out of the woods. They're not. Far from it, in fact.
Though LeBron James is playing fantastic basketball, the Lakers continue to be a nightmare when it comes to protecting the ball and scoring in the half-court without him. They also never know what type of game they'll get from Russell Westbrook.
Of course, none of this seems to matter. The Pacers are banged up and only getting worse. They just announced Myles Turner, one of their three best players, will be out indefinitely with a stress fracture in his left foot.
OSB Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers (-205)
Nets Squeak By Wizards without KD
Life without Kevin Durant for the next six weeks, at minimum, isn't going to be easy for the Nets. Joe Harris is still on the shelf, and Kyrie Irving will only be playing in road games unless he receives his COVID-19 vaccine.
For this contest specifically, though, we're not that worried. The Nets have an enviable point differential when James Harden plays without KD, and because this one's taking place in Washington, Kyrie will be available for Brooklyn.
OSB Prediction: Brooklyn Nets (-112)
Chicago Falls to Cleveland
The Bulls may be sitting atop the Eastern Conference, but a bad stretch of health is starting to catch up with them. As it stands, Chicago will be without Patrick Williams, Javonte Green, Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, and Zach Lavine when they take on Cleveland.
Now, the Cavaliers are shorthanded themselves. Both Ricky Rubio and Collin Sexton are out for the season with injuries. But between Darius Garland's offensive rise and gritty defense from Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, their depth is more intact than the Bulls' right now.
OSB Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers (-116)
Raptors Earn Respect with Upset Against Mavericks
Continue sleeping on the Toronto Raptors at your own risk. They still aren't 100 percent; Gary Trent Jr. remains on the shelf. But Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby are finally all healthy at the same time—and playing like All-Stars.
The Dallas Mavericks, to their credit, are perking up. Their defense has been much better in recent weeks, and Jalen Brunson has given Luka Doncic a legit No. 2 on offense. Still, the Raptors have the makings of a sleeping giant while the Mavs, frankly do not.
OSB Prediction: Toronto Raptors (+148)
Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can decide which one to use for all your NBA betting:
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
Online Sports Betting © 2024