NBA Best Bets & Expert Picks | Friday, Jan. 12
The NBA regular season continues with a 10-game slate on Friday, January 12. Our Action Network NBA staff is locked and loaded with five best bets spanning three of tonight's matchups including picks for Kings vs. 76ers, Magic vs. Heat and Pelicans vs. Nuggets.
Find their NBA best bets and expert picks for Friday below.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 8:00 p.m. | |
| 8:00 p.m. | |
  | 10:00 p.m. | |
| 10:00 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Kings vs. 76ers
This is an instance of the wrong team being favored. The Kings visit the 76ers after two games on the road against two of the worst teams in the league–the Pistons and Hornets. Now they face the 76ers, who are not a bottom-feeder team like the previous two mentioned, but without Joel Embiid in the lineup, they're a lot closer to it.
Embiid has already missed nine games and the results for the 76ers haven't been great in his absence. They're just 2-7 straight up and 3-6 ATS. Not to mention, Robert Covington will also miss another game and his size and defense is something Philadelphia will miss.
This iteration of the Kings has been known for their high-powered offense, but in the last two weeks, their defense has risen to the occasion as well, ranking 12th per Cleaning the Glass. Their offense has slipped somewhat but still ranks 13th, leading to a +4.5 point differential.
The Kings are no joke, but after Friday night's game, Philly has two days off before they play the Rockets on Monday and the Nuggets Tuesday. All eyes will be on that back-to-back with Embiid possibly returning in one or both of those games.
I think the Kings are the better team and will prove it to us Friday night and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them flip to being favored. I like them down to -1.5
Pick: Kings +1 (-110)
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Magic vs. Heat
By Kenny Ducey
Without Jimmy Butler in the lineup, the Heat have made a concerted effort to shoot more 3s. Since he went down late in December, the Heat rank inside the league’s top half in frequency of shot from deep, and since the calendar has turned to January they’ve ranked inside the top 10. It’s no surprise given their proficiency from deep, but with some injuries mounting here and a poor matchup against the Magic, the Heat are in danger on Friday.
The Magic have been one of the best teams in the NBA to bet against the spread, covering in 67.6% of their games, and when they’re getting points they’re a steady 16-9 ATS. Conversely, Miami is just 6-11 ATS at home.
The Heat have shot supremely at home, hitting over 40% from outside, but the Magic are among the 20 best teams in the NBA when it comes to defending the 3 according to Cleaning the Glass. On top of that, Kyle Lowry is expected to miss another game and Tyler Herro and Caleb Martin are both questionable ahead of this tilt.
The Magic are flying defensively and should be able to match a defensive-minded Heat team every step of the way. They should have a decent edge when defending the perimeter and have also been the far better team on the glass this season, which has me excited to take them in this spot.
Pick: Magic +3.5 (-110)
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Magic vs. Heat
This spot is worth small action on the Miami side. Both of these teams are depleted with injuries piling up. The Heat are expected to be down Butler, Lowry, Martin and maybe even Tyler Herro.
The Magic will be without Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr, Jonathen Isaac and Gary Harris; all of whom are confirmed out. The injury cost feels net neutral, and the remaining advantages favor the Heat.
Miami maintains depth, home court, a coaching advantage, superior shooting and situationally are coming off of a home loss. I expect the Florida face off to favor the Heat.
Pick: Heat -3.5 (-110)
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Pelicans vs. Nuggets
By Joe Dellera
The Nuggets host the Pelicans on Friday night in what should be an excellent game. This will present Jokic with an elite matchup.
Jokic absolutely destroys Jonas Valanciunas in head to head matchups. Over their last 10, Jokic is averaging a triple double with 30.6 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 10.7 assists. He has exceeded his RA line of 20.5 in nine of 10 with six triple doubles (5 consecutive).
Couple this with Jokic’s solid home/road splits this season where he sees an uptick in assists to 9.4 per game and this is a n excellent spot for Jokic. I don’t mind a PRA, but his scoring can be a bit variable at times.
Pick: Nikola Jokic Over 20.5 REB + AST (-125)
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Pelicans vs. Nuggets
McCollum has gone over 3.5 boards in four of his last six, and is averaging 4.2 rebounds per game this season. He hasn't had back to back unders since December 26 and 28 and has only done so one other time this season — he had three on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors.
Denver quietly allows the ninth most rebounds per 100 possessions in the league (44.9). McCollum is fifth on the team in rebounds, first among guards.
The only worry is he's questionable with a high ankle sprain, so obviously, you can't play it if he doesn't.
Pick: CJ McCollum Over 3.5 Rebounds (-120)
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