With nine NBA matchups scheduled for Saturday, January 4, bettors have plenty of options to weigh on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are my top betting picks for today’s NBA games:
- 76ers at Nets, 6 p.m. EST
- Timberwolves at Pistons, 7 p.m. EST
- Suns at Pacers, 7 p.m. EST
- Jazz at Heat, 8 p.m. EST
- Knicks at Bulls, 8 p.m. EST
- Trail Blazers at Bucks, 8 p.m. EST
- Nuggets at Spurs, 8 p.m. EST
- Grizzlies at Warriors, 8:30 p.m. EST
- Hawks at Clippers, 10:30 p.m. EST
Knicks -5.5 (-108)
The Knicks are coming off a tough loss to the Thunder, snapping their nine-game winning streak. They will look to bounce back on the road against the Bulls. New York has shown resilience throughout the season, and despite their recent loss, their starters, led by Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns, have been performing at a high level. Meanwhile, Chicago has been inconsistent, coming off a loss to the Wizards in which they struggled with turnovers and shooting. Expect the Knicks to cover the -5.5 spread in this matchup.
Nuggets -3.5 (-108)
The Nuggets will aim to bounce back from a loss against the Spurs in their rematch on Saturday. Despite a 41-point performance from Nikola Jokic, Denver fell short on Friday night. With Aaron Gordon still sidelined, the Nuggets will need other players to step up, and they should have enough depth to cover the -3.5 spread against a Spurs team which, while impressive with Victor Wembanyama, is still working through inconsistencies. Denver is the stronger team overall and they should cover the spread in San Antonio.
Grizzlies +2.5 (-105)
The Grizzlies are coming off a tough loss to the Kings but have been solid on the road lately. Memphis will face the Warriors on Saturday, and despite the Grizzlies’ recent struggles, they have enough depth to compete in this matchup. Golden State will be without Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski, making picking Memphis to cover the +2.5 spread a more attractive option despite being without Ja Morant. Expect the Grizzlies to keep it close and potentially pull off the upset, especially with the performance of Jaren Jackson Jr. and contributions from their bench.
Clippers -7.5 (-108)
The Clippers could have Kawhi Leonard back in the lineup for the first time this season, which should be a huge boost for them against the Hawks. After consecutive losses, including a tough one to Oklahoma City, the Clippers want to return to form. Leonard’s expected return should put them in a great position to cover the -7.5 spread against the Hawks. Atlanta has been inconsistent, and with Leonard’s presence, the Clippers should be able to dominate this matchup at home.
Heat -9 (-112)
The Heat will move forward without Jimmy Butler due to his team-issued suspension, but they still have plenty of talent to cover the -9 spread against the Utah Jazz. The Jazz have struggled with a five-game losing streak and are still rebuilding, resulting in a focus on long-term payoff by giving more opportunities to young players. Tyler Herro has been solid all season, and despite the distractions with Butler, they should have enough firepower to cover the spread against a young and inexperienced Utah team. The Heat’s defense, when on point, should be too much for the Jazz to handle.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is grant-afseth) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
