NBA picks against the spread for Wednesday, Jan. 15 [UPDATE]

Updated splits for Trail Blazers vs. Rockets

An overwhelming number of the handle (86%) on DraftKings Sportsbook is on the Rockets to cover at -8.5 at home. The OVER was dropped down to 236 after opening at 240 earlier, but 72% of the handle is on the OVER to hit anyway. It’s a bit interesting that 78% of the bets are on the Rockets moneyline at -420, but only 54% of the handle is on the Rockets moneyline.

Updated splits for Nets vs. 76ers

Our friends over at DraftKings Sportsbook sent over some useful info for Brooklyn vs. Philly. So far, 58% of the handle is on the 76ers to cover the spread, while 53% of the bets lean Philly’s way. Over 60% of the public is also backing the UNDER of 222.5 in this game, while also taking the Sixers on the moneyline at -286 with 61% of the handle on the Sixers, and 76% of the bets that way.

Update: Picks against the spread for tonight

Nets @ 76ers (-7)
Pistons @ Celtics (-9.5)
Spurs @ Heat (-5.5)
Raptors (+1) @ Thunder
Pacers (-3) @ Timberwolves
Wizards (+4.5) @ Bulls
Hornets (+11.5) @ Nuggets
Trail Blazers @ Rockets (-8.5)
Mavericks (-4.5) @ Kings
Magic @ Lakers (-10)

Let’s start at the top with the Sixers, who I think are in a good spot at home against a tired Nets team on the second of a back-to-back. The Celtics are down Jayson Tatum tonight, but I don’t think that matters at home against a depleted Pistons team. The Raptors are pretty much at full-strength minus Fred VanVleet, so I like them getting points in a toss up on the road.

I don’t anticipate Karl-Anthony Towns being back for the T-Wolves and the Pacers should have Domantas Sabonis. Regardless, Indiana is a much better team and should probably be favored by more despite being on the road. I don’t trust the Bulls without their defensive anchor Wendell Carter Jr. and I think the Wizards are Bradley Beal being healthy away from turning a corner.

The Hornets-Nuggets game is interesting. I think Charlotte can cover if Jamal Murray and/or Gary Harris is out. Denver is tough and at home you’d think the Nuggets can blow out the Hornets, but part of me thinks it’s close. With or without Anthony Davis, I like the Lakers to take care of the Magic at home. Evan Fournier, D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams could all be out, so lack of backcourt depth should hurt Orlando against a good defensive team.

There are 10 games on tap for Wednesday night in the NBA and we’re going to be taking a look at the initial point spreads for each one. Before that, let’s see what we’re working with on the slate. Marc Gasol is set to return for the Toronto Raptors, who are finally beginning to get healthy. Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell are back in action and the Raps will be on the road vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As for other injuries that may impact how we approach things later, Anthony Davis is going to be a game-time decision for the Los Angeles Lakers at home vs. the Orlando Magic. AD has missed three games with a glut injury, but was optimistic about returning Wednesday. He also joked the Lakers don’t even need him, so L.A. could just hold him out another game to be safe.

Anyway, here are the initial spreads and over/under totals for Wednesday’s 10-game slate:

Pistons @ Celtics (-9.5, 218.5) 7:00 p.m. ET
Nets @ 76ers (-7.5, 218) 7:00 p.m. ET
Spurs @ Heat (-5, 222.5) 7:30 p.m. ET
Raptors @ Thunder (-1.5, 213.5) 8:00 p.m. ET
Wizards @ Bulls (-4.5, 227) 8:00 p.m. ET
Pacers @ Timberwolves (+3) 8:00 p.m. ET
Hornets @ Nuggets (-9.5) 9:00 p.m. ET
Trail Blazers @ Rockets (-8, 235) 9:30 p.m. ET
Mavericks @ Kings (+2.5) 10:00 p.m. ET
Magic @ Lakers (-9) 10:30 p.m. ET

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