The NBA regular season rolls on with another excellent slate this Friday, with a total of 7 matchups on the docket scheduled for today. So, our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified all the best value on the board for tonight.
Our betting experts have looked over the odds and made 7 NBA picks for today's matchups. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Friday, January 31.
NBA Best Bets, Predictions, Picks, Odds: Friday, January 31
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
| 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 10 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. | ||
Mavericks vs. Pistons
Daniel Gafford is tearing it up without Dereck Lively.
Lately, he's averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds with 3.4 blocks over his last eight games, and has recorded five double-doubles over that stretch.
Bottom line is this: If he stays out of foul trouble or plays 30+ minutes, he'll get this.
If he struggles to stay on the floor, this gets challenging, especially considering the Pistons are really good on the glass, allowing the fourth-fewest boards per 36 minutes.
I grabbed this at -115. I'll play it down to -135-ish, maybe -140.
Pick: Daniel Gafford Double-Double (-130)
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Bucks vs. Spurs
By Joe Dellera
The Spurs face off against the Bucks tonight, and while all eyes will be on the matchup between Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo, I’ll be targeting Devin Vassell.
Vassell is one of the best young shooters in the league, and has heated up of late, going over this line of 17.5 in 7 of his last 10 games.
One of those misses was against the Bucks. However, he scored 11 points on a miserable 4/17 from the field. The "4" part of that equation is below average for him, but the 17 attempts outpaced the 15.3 he’s averaged over his last 10.
The shots and volume were there, despite the poor results.
Vassell takes the majority of his shots from long-mid range and above the break 3s. Those are two shots the Bucks allow with relatively high frequency.
I expect him to clear 17.5 points on Friday night.
Pick: Devin Vassell Over 17.5 Points (-113)
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Nuggets vs. 76ers
The Nuggets are currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak, struggling with their defense, and committing numerous turnovers.
In contrast, the 76ers have won four consecutive games against the Cavaliers, Kings, Lakers, and Bulls.
Before this winning streak, the Sixers suffered an ugly defeat against the Nuggets in Denver, losing 144-109.
As a result, the Sixers should be motivated to avenge that loss and cover the spread at home in this spot, and they are playing much better ball now.
Pick: 76ers +9.5 (-108)
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Celtics vs. Pelicans
By Nick Parsons
No outright, but closer than expected here in my opinion.
Boston is coming off a 122-100 win over Chicago at home, but with games at Philly and Cleveland upcoming, we can expect some of the starters to be rested this evening in this non-conference matchup vs. the lowly Pelicans.
The Pelicans have lost four straight. They're coming off a tight 137-136 home loss to Dallas, and I'm expecting a similar effort here as well.
New Orleans lost by a score of 120-119 at Boston in mid-January, and everything points to a similarly competitive battle here.
Grab the points, the play is New Orleans.
Pick: Pelicans +11 (-112)
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Mavericks vs. Pistons
Due to the injury to Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford has seen extended minutes for the Mavericks recently. And in that eight-game stretch, Gafford has been nothing short of brilliant on both ends of the floor, averaging 3.4 blocks in just shy of 29 minutes per game.
Gafford's freakish vertical athleticism and elite defensive timing have been on full display.
Defending without fouling has been an issue for Gafford when he sees extended minutes. However, he has still put up impressive block stats, clearing the over on this line (2.5) in five of his past six games.
This season, Detroit has allowed opposing centers to record the second-most blocks per game, so this is an advantageous matchup for Gafford.
Pick: Daniel Gafford Over 2.5 Blocks (-120)
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Bulls vs. Raptors
Toronto is finally back to full health and seeing results in the win column.
The Raptors secured a 106-82 victory on the road against the Wizards their last time out.
This win marks the first time in nearly three years that the Raptors have achieved five consecutive victories. They have now won seven out of their last eight games.
In contrast, the Bulls are struggling, with only two wins in their last eight games. Take the Raptors.
Pick: Raptors -4 (-108)
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Suns vs. Warriors
By Nick Parsons
I really like the way this one sets up for the visitors to win this game outright.
The Suns are coming off a 121-113 loss to Minnesota, but had won three straight previous to that.
The Suns will be seeking revenge after a 109-105 road loss at Golden State at the end of August, and note that Phoenix is 7-2 ATS in its last 10 when trying to avenge a road loss vs. an opponent.
The Warriors are coming off back-to-back wins, but after posting a 116-109 victory over the Thunder as 9-point underdogs, everything points to a bit of a letdown here in this spot.
Look for the Suns to dig deep here and to find a way to deliver the goods.
Pick: Suns Moneyline (-120)
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