With several major matchups on the schedule across a 10-game slate, here are some moneyline, spread, and OVER/UNDER bets to consider in the NBA on Friday, January 12, 2024:
Jump To Picks:
Recent Picks: January 10, 2024 (2-1)
| Game | Bet | Result | W or L | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Boston Celtics | Timberwolves ATS +9 (-110) | 127-120 in OT Celtics | W | 0.90 |
| Philadelphia 76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks | Hawks ML (-102) | 139-132 in OT Hawks | W | 0.98 |
| Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers | OVER 253.5 Points (-110) | 216 Points | L | -1 |
| Overall | 0.88 |
Season Pick Results (As of January 8, 2024)
| Market | Record | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | 1-0 | 0.98 |
| Spread | 3-0 | 2.69 |
| OVER/UNDER | 0-2 | -2.00 |
| Overall | 1.67 |
Sacramento Kings Vs. Philadelphia 76ers
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento Kings | +1 (-110) | -102 | O 241 (-110) |
| Philadelphia 76ers | -1 (-110) | -116 | U 241 (-110) |
Pick: Sacramento Kings ML
Recent history would suggest that the Philadelphia 76ers are the cautious bet here, considering they've won nine straight games against the Sacramento Kings dating back to March 15, 2019.
However, as reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid continues to miss action with swelling in his left knee, holding down the fort without their giant in the middle has proven a difficult task for the Sixers. They're 2-7 SU in 2023-24 when Embiid isn't available, which includes a recent overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks in which they gave up 139 points.
The Kings have won six of their last eight games heading into Friday's matchup, although five of those victories came against teams with losing records. This is a golden opportunity for Sacramento to finally get one over on Philadelphia, who are truly counting down the days until Embiid's triumphant return.
New Orleans Pelicans Vs. Denver Nuggets
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Pelicans | +8.5 (-114) | +275 | O 229 (-108) |
| Denver Nuggets | -8.5 (-106) | -340 | U 229 (-112) |
Pick: New Orleans Pelicans +8.5
The New Orleans Pelicans are playing some of their basketball of the season, and it couldn't have come at a better time as the race for home-court advantage in the Western Conference gets all the most clustered.
They've won six of their last seven games, and four of those wins came by 20 or more points. The Pelicans' offense and defense ranks second and first in the Association during this stretch, respectively.
Coming in as the 8.5-point underdogs is a testament to the Denver Nuggets' success at the Ball Arena where they're 15-4. There's just too much breathing room there for a New Orleans team that's covered the spread in five of their last six games, while Denver has only done so in three of its last nine.
Indiana Pacers Vs. Atlanta Hawks
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | +5.5 (-110) | +176 | O 252 (-110) |
| Atlanta Hawks | -5.5 (-110) | -210 | U 252 (-110) |
Pick: UNDER 252 Points
The third time's the charm.
After betting on the Indiana Pacers to go OVER twice earlier in the week, it's probably wise to take our foot off the gas and be more conservative with them in the OVER/UNDER market while guard Tyrese Haliburton continues to miss time with a left hamstring strain.
The reason for the total being so high here is that Indiana scored at least 150 points in each of its two games against the Hawks earlier in the season, with each total far exceeding the 252 points set here. Haliburton's presence will be missed, though, and while this should be another high-scoring affair, and considering the Pacers have gone UNDER in their last five road games, it's better to be safe than sorry.
