Race to 10 bets (first team to score 10 points) are fun and quick ways to place bets for those who aren't exactly interested in waiting until the final buzzer sounds for potential gains or losses.
Here's a look at three Race to 10 bets you need to consider for the NBA's slate of games on Thursday, January 25, 2024:
*Race to 10 records accurate as of Jan. 24:
Sacramento Kings Vs. Golden State Warriors
The Game: Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors, 10 p.m. ET
| Team | Odds | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento Kings | -113 | 21-21 |
| Golden State Warriors | -113 | 16-24 |
Pick: Golden State Warriors, -113
Oddsmakers are obviously torn here on which side to favor, but the three previous meetings this season between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors could help bettors lean towards one party in particular.
Golden State reached 10 points before Sacramento in all three encounters, and despite having the weaker Race to 10 record in 2023-24, will likely do so again on Thursday based on that alone.
Philadelphia 76ers Vs. Indiana Pacers
The Game: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers, 7 p.m. ET
| Team | Odds | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | -156 | 22-20 |
| Indiana Pacers | +122 | 19-25 |
Pick: Indiana Pacers, +122
The Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers split their first two matchups of the season, and that includes the Race to 10 in both outings.
The home team scored 10 first each time, so with that logic, let's take the Pacers here and their No. 1-ranked offense to get the job done.
Denver Nuggets Vs. New York Knicks
The Game: Denver Nuggets vs. New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET
| Team | Odds | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | -120 | 26-19 |
| New York Knicks | -106 | 23-21 |
Pick: Denver Nuggets, -120
The reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets are 3-1 in the Race to 10 during their ongoing Eastern Conference road trip, with the one blemish coming against the lowly Washington Wizards.
The New York Knicks are 2-2 in Race to 10 bets during that same stretch, so this bet ultimately depends on whether you like the chances of the Nuggets' offense to start hot against the Knicks' titanium defense. Under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, let's pick the visiting Nuggets.
