With nine NBA matchups scheduled for Friday, Jan. 17, DraftKings Sportsbook bettors have a busy night ahead. Let’s dive into the best bets for today’s games.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games (all times Eastern):
- Magic at Celtics, 7 p.m.
- Nuggets at Heat, 7 p.m.
- Raptors at Bucks, 7 p.m.
- Jazz at Pelicans, 7 p.m.
- Timberwolves at Knicks, 7:30 p.m.
- Hornets at Bulls, 8 p.m.
- Thunder at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m.
- Grizzlies at Spurs, 9:30 p.m.
- Nets at Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
Nuggets +1 (-112)
The Nuggets may be facing some key absences, with Nikola Jokic listed as questionable due to a right elbow sprain and Aaron Gordon also uncertain. However, the Nuggets have proven to be resilient. In their last few games, Denver has relied on Russell Westbrook, who is averaging 15.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.2 assists since entering the starting lineup.
Miami, meanwhile, has struggled with consistency and has lost two straight. With Jimmy Butler’s suspension finished, he’s not on the injury report. However, how that situation plays out could be a distraction for the Heat.
Denver’s supporting cast, including Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., can pick up the slack, and should be able to cover the +1 spread even if Jokic and Gordon are sidelined.
Thunder -8 (-112)
The Thunder have been one of the most dominant teams in the league, especially over the past month. They have won four straight and 19 of their last 20 games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an MVP level, and his 40-point performance in the Thunder’s 134-114 win over Cleveland proves he is capable of carrying the team on his own. Oklahoma City looks borderline unstoppable right now even without Chet Holmgren.
The Mavericks are still without Luka Doncic, who has missed the last 11 games with a calf injury. Kyrie Irving’s status is also in question as he’s dealing with a back injury. The Mavericks have struggled without Doncic regardless of who else plays, going 2-8 in the last 10 games. The Thunder’s overwhelming depth and half-court defense should be more than enough to cover the -8 spread.
Bucks -11 (-112)
The Bucks have been firing on all cylinders, coming off a dominating 122-93 win over the Magic. They’ve won five of their last six games, with Giannis Antetokounmpo continuing to lead the charge with 31.3 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. The Raptors, while coming off a solid win over Boston at home, have struggled throughout the season on both ends of the floor, ranking 27th in defensive efficiency.
Milwaukee’s offense has been unstoppable, and its defensive improvements have made it even more dangerous. With Toronto’s defensive struggles and Milwaukee’s offensive firepower, the Bucks should cover the -11 spread comfortably at home. Another element to consider is that Milwaukee has achieved double-figure victories in both previous matchups against the Raptors.
Spurs +2.5 (-112)
The Spurs were competitive in the first half of their game against the Grizzlies, only to be overwhelmed in the second half, losing 129-115. However, the Spurs are a team that thrives on bounce-back efforts, and they have shown they can compete against top-tier teams. Despite a tough loss, Victor Wembanyama’s performance, including his 13 points and 12 rebounds, indicates he’s more than capable of stepping up. Meanwhile, Ja Morant led with 21 points and 12 assists.
Memphis has had its own struggles with consistency, and the Grizzlies have alternated wins and losses since Jan. 6. San Antonio will be motivated to avenge its loss and cover the +2.5 spread in this second matchup. It’s difficult to handily defeat any team in consecutive matchups during these baseball-style, two-game mini-series since there’s a growing comfort level and deeper short-term scouting depth that can be leveraged.
Lakers -11 (-112)
The Lakers have been finding their rhythm, coming off a strong 117-108 win over the Heat. LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the charge. James had 22 points and nine assists, while Davis added 22 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, the Nets are reeling from a tough 126-67 loss to the Clippers, their worst defeat of the season.
This will be the Lakers’ third game since their two postponements, with the first matchup being a blowout loss against the Spurs. Los Angeles will need a strong performance to build on that victory over Miami.
The Nets are missing several key players, including Cam Thomas and Ben Simmons, which has left them thin on both ends of the floor. Additionally, Cam Johnson is questionable to play. Los Angeles has been playing more efficiently, and the combination of James and Davis should help the Lakers cover the -11 spread against a depleted Brooklyn squad.