With a busy slate of 10 NBA games to appease basketball fans and bettors alike, here are three spread, moneyline, and total bets you should consider making for the action taking place on Wednesday, January 10, 2024:
Recent Picks: January 8, 2024 (2-1)
| Game | Bet | Result | W or L | Units |
| Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers | Clippers ATS -6 (-111) | 138-111 Clippers | W | 0.90 |
| Utah Jazz vs. Milwaukee Bucks | Jazz ATS +8.5 (-112) | 132-116 Jazz | W | 0.89 |
| Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers | OVER 247 Points | 264 Points | L | -1.0 |
| Overall | 0.79 |
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Boston Celtics
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +9 (-110) | +290 | O 223.5 (-112) |
| Boston Celtics | -9 (-110) | -360 | U 223.5 (-108) |
Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves ATS +9
It's peculiar seeing the best of the Western Conference in the Minnesota Timberwolves given such terrible odds against the Boston Celtics, but that presents a prime opportunity for bettors to make bank with an opening like that.
Minnesota took the first matchup of the season on Nov. 6 in overtime at the Target Center by a score of 114-109. They've come back down to earth as of late after a red-hot start to the season, though, having lost three of its last five games, although a convincing 113-92 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday did inspire confidence.
With that being said, the Timberwolves are on the second night of a back-to-back slate against a rested Celtics squad that's expected to have Jayson Tatum back in the starting lineup. It doesn't help matters that Boston is a perfect 10-0 in its last 10 games at home against the spread when Minnesota visits.
Regardless, the Timberwolves' top-ranked defense and size in their frontcourt should keep this game within three possessions even in defeat. The Celtics look like they're in a league of their own most nights, but Minnesota isn't too far off despite its recent struggles.
Philadelphia 76ers Vs. Atlanta Hawks
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | -1 (-110) | -116 | O 244 (-110) |
| Atlanta Hawks | +1 (-110) | -102 | U 244 (-110) |
Pick: Atlanta Hawks ML
While still a formidable team without the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, the Philadelphia 76ers will always be vulnerable when Joel Embiid isn't available.
The Sixers are 2-6 this season when Embiid doesn't suit up, and that will still be the case on Wednesday as the 7-footer sits yet again due to left knee swelling. They've taken both matchups against the Atlanta Hawks already this season, yet Embiid competed each time with a combined 70 points, 21 rebounds, and 11 assists which won't easily be replaced.
The Hawks need to capitalize on a golden opportunity to make up some ground in the standings as they're just a game out of the play-in tournament. Embiid isn't around to pound them into dust, and with Philly having lost three of its last four games, now is as good a time as any to do that.
Washington Wizards Vs. Indiana Pacers
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Wizards | +7.5 (-110) | +250 | O 253.5 (-110) |
| Indiana Pacers | -7.5 (-110) | -310 | U 253.5 (-110) |
Pick: OVER 253.5 Points
"Fool me once, strike one. Fool me twice ... strike three."
Underestimating the Indiana Pacers' proficiency at scoring the basketball in the OVER/UNDER market is a mistake we shall not make again coming off of their win against the Tatum-less Celtics earlier in the week.
Indiana has exceeded the 140-point mark in three of its last six games, including a 150-point scorching of the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 5. The total has gone OVER in four of the Pacers' last six games and nine of the Washington Wizards' last 11 games played on a Wednesday.
Washington just scored 128 points in a loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder's seventh-ranked defense, as well. Both the Pacers and Wizards have a bottom-five defense in the Association, so buckets should be plentiful.
