With eight NBA matchups scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, DraftKings Sportsbook bettors will have plenty of opportunities to make their picks. Here are my top betting picks for today’s NBA action:
Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games:
- Thunder at Cavaliers, 7 p.m. EST
- Bulls at Pacers, 7 p.m. EST
- Wizards at 76ers, 7 p.m. EST
- Raptors at Knicks, 7:30 p.m. EST
- Pistons at Nets, 7:30 p.m. EST
- Trail Blazers at Pelicans, 8 p.m. EST
- Clippers at Nuggets, 9 p.m. EST
- Spurs at Bucks, 9:30 p.m. EST
Cavaliers -3 (-108)
The Cavaliers continue to dominate, with a 10-game winning streak and an 18-1 home record this season. They face a tough test from the Thunder, who have also played well, winning 15 straight games. With Donovan Mitchell and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—two projected All-Star starters—leading their respective teams, this is as must-watch as possible. However, Cleveland’s ability to beat Western Conference teams and their overall momentum, including Evan Mobley and Darius Garland taking the next step, gives them an edge, particularly with Chet Holmgren still recovering from injury. Expect the Cavaliers to cover the -3 spread at home in this highly anticipated matchup.
Bulls +6.5 (-115)
The Bulls will look to continue their momentum after a thrilling comeback win over the Spurs. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic have been playing at a high level, and despite some early struggles, the Bulls have been finding their rhythm. Indiana is coming off three consecutive double-figure victories. Still, the Pacers have been inconsistent this season. While they have a solid lineup, the Bulls should be able to cover the +6.5 spread, especially with the team’s confidence building from their previous two victories and winning four of their last five games, including an impressive 13-point win over the Knicks.
Pelicans -2.5 (-108)
The Pelicans are coming off a loss to the Timberwolves but have shown promise with the return of Zion Williamson. Paired with Dejounte Murray, the duo has the potential to lead the Pelicans to better performances. Portland has been struggling with consistency, especially after a loss to Detroit. New Orleans should have enough to cover the -2.5 spread at home against a Blazers team that continues to falter. Portland has shown fight this season, but the team has been much better at Moda Center than when taking the show on the road.
Bucks -5 (-112)
The Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo dealing with a hand injury but are still in great form with his leadership and the support of Damian Lillard. With the Spurs still struggling in crucial moments, especially during their recent loss to the Bulls, the Bucks should have no trouble covering the -5 spread. With Giannis likely playing and leading the charge, Milwaukee should come through on the road. Khris Middleton is reportedly set to come off the bench, which could help the rotation find a deeper balance after Antetokounmpo and Lillard set the tone early.
Clippers -2.5 (-105)
The Clippers are coming off a big win with Kawhi Leonard’s return to action. While the Nuggets have been dealing with injuries to Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon, the Clippers could take advantage. Leonard’s presence, combined with the consistent scoring of Norman Powell and James Harden, should give Los Angeles the edge in this matchup. Expect the Clippers to cover the -2.5 spread, especially if Jokic is sidelined and Leonard continues to ease back into his role, especially since Denver tends to go as far as Jokic can lead. He was sidelined for the Nuggets’ 12-point loss against the Celtics on the first night of a back-to-back, making it unclear if he’ll play the following night.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all 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.
