Race to 10 bets 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.
In a nutshell, bettors can put money down on which team will get to a specific point threshold first. In the case of Race to 10 bets, it's which team can score 10 points before the other.
Here's a look at three Race to 10 bets to strongly consider for the NBA's slate of games on Tuesday, January 09, 2024:
Toronto Raptors Vs. Los Angeles Lakers
| Team | Odds | Race To 10 Record |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | +112 | 22-14 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | -142 | 20-17 |
Pick: Los Angeles Lakers, -142
The Toronto Raptors' best interior defender will be absent as Jakob Poeltl sits with a sprained left ankle he suffered against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.
The Los Angeles Lakers will look to feed the rock to Anthony Davis early to exploit whatever mismatch he will then have, no matter if the Raptors run a smaller lineup or perhaps if give Jontay Porter a shot at the five spot.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Dallas Mavericks
| Team | Odds | Race To 10 Record |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis Grizzlies | +112 | 24-13 |
| Dallas Mavericks | -142 | 16-20 |
Pick: Dallas Mavericks, -142
Difference in Race to 10 win-loss records aside, the Memphis Grizzlies just suffered a massive blow to their already league-worst offense with the news that superstar guard Ja Morant will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 regular season to undergo surgery on his right shoulder.
The Dallas Mavericks are one of eight teams in the Association currently averaging at least 30 points in the first quarter. Statistics and logic reign supreme here, so feel free to confidently side with the Mavericks on their home floor.
Minnesota Timberwolves Vs. Orlando Magic
| Team | Odds | Race To 10 Record |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | -156 | 15-20 |
| Orlando Magic | +122 | 18-18 |
Pick: Orlando Magic, +122
The lone underdog pick of the evening, the Orlando Magic will get the home-court surge early and beat the Minnesota Timberwolves to 10 points.
A mere 0.6 points separates the two sides in first quarter scoring, so that's not enough of an indicator of who can get off on the right foot here. Minnesota does possess a bottom-third offense overall when on the road, though.
