Three of Saturday's NBA games have been postponed due to the Los Angeles fires. However, we still have a total of 4 matchups on the docket scheduled for today. So, our staff of basketball experts dug into the latest odds and identified all the best betting value on the board for tonight's contest.
Our betting experts have looked over the odds and made 5 NBA picks for today's matchups. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Saturday, January 11.
NBA Best Bets Today, Predictions, Picks, Odds: Saturday, January 11
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 10 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. | ||
Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves
By Joe Dellera
Ja Morant returned to the Grizzlies' lineup against the Rockets earlier this week, to the tune of 29 minutes and a monstrous 43% Usage Rate, so it’s safe to say he’s feeling like himself.
This matchup as against Minnesota is one he’s gotten up for as well.
On the season, Morant is averaging 21.5 points and 7.7 assists (29.1 PA) in 27.8 minutes per games. He does not need to play extended minutes in order to have immense success. He has exceeded this line in 62% of games this season.
Looking at the Minnesota matchup, he’s hit this in 6 straight games, and he’s had 26+ in 10 straight, so even his misses would’ve just been by the hook.
I like the combo for Morant because of his ability to go off in either Points or Assists, and these stats have some ability to offset the other if he’s focusing on either scoring or dishing.
Further, similar style point guards have had success against the Wolves. Dejounte (35), Harden (30), Cade (49), and Shai (42) all have had great games in the last two weeks against Minnesota.
I like Ja to cash for us on Saturday.
Pick: Ja Morant Over 26.5 Points + Assists (-106)
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Raptors vs. Pistons
The Pistons are a strong play laying a handful of points against the Raptors on Saturday night.
While Toronto covered at Cleveland last time out as a double-digit underdog, the Raptors are only 2-7 ATS in their past nine games.
The Pistons have been in much better form as of late, with a record of 6-4 ATS in their past 10 games.
The Pistons have also seen success in this head-to-head matchup, boasting wins in four straight meetings against the Raptors, while going 3-1 ATS in those contests.
Pick: Pistons -4.5 (-115)
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Heat vs. Trail Blazers
By Alex Hinton
The Heat will continue their West Coast road trip tonight and will be without Jimmy Butler once again. In two of the first three games on this trip, Tyler Herro has cleared this line.
He has scored 23 points in five of his last eight games overall, including four games with 25 points or more. He is also averaging 23.6 points per on the year, so an average game would clear this line as well.
When Herro gets cooking, he can get hot from deep. He has knocked down three triples in 12 of his last 14 games. He is averaging 3.8 3-pointers made per game while shooting 40.2% this season.
That will makes him a difficult matchup for Portland, who is 22nd in 3s allowed per game and 26th in 3-point percentage defense.
Portland is also 27th in points allowed to shooting guards and is returning home from a road trip itself.
If the Trail Blazers get off to a sleepy start, Herro may be able to capitalize with a big first quarter/half en route to another game with 23 points or more.
Pick: Tyler Herro Over 22.5 Points (-120)
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Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves
By Ray Monohan
This total has opened up way too high, as both defenses have had a lot of success recently.
The Timberwolves come in averaging only 107 points per game on the season. They play with a much slower tempo and they add a lot of value to this total being lower.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have been inconsistent at the offensive end all year, and they just simply aren't worth trusting in the scoring department right now.
Expect a lower scoring game between these teams tonight. Take the Under.
Pick: Under 232 (-110)
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Heat vs. Trail Blazers
By Joe Dellera
The Heat visit Portland to take on the Trail Blazers on Saturday night, and one player that should thrive in this matchup is Tyler Herro.
Herro has paced the Heat with 23.6 points per game this season, and he’s been the best offensive option they have. This has maintained without Butler this season too.
The Blazers have been torched by opposing Shooting Guards. They’ve recently surrendered big games to Jaden Hardy (25), CJ McCollum (23), and Max Christie (28).
They have the third-worst defense in the league, per Dunks and Threes, and they allow one of the highest 3-point percentages to their opponents, an area where Herro takes over half of his shots.
I’ll back Herro to score tonight.
Pick: Tyler Herro Over 22.5 Points (-120)
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