The NBA regular season resumes with a jam-packed slate this Thursday, with a total of 10 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 6 NBA picks for today's matchups. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Thursday, January 23.
NBA Best Bets, Predictions, Picks, Odds: Thursday, January 23
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
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  | 2 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
| 7:30 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. | ||
Spurs vs. Pacers
By Jonny Jorcin
Overs have been a good play with the Pacers and Spurs this season, but here we look to back an Under.
The Spurs have participated in games cracking 230 points in three straight, but this is a game played in Paris. Both teams arrived two nights ago, and offenses might be off to a sluggish start.
The Spurs have also been better at controlling the pace, which the Pacers are comfortable with.
This game might be close late, indicating few possessions over the last few minutes.
This will likely be a sweat, but I like the Under in Paris this afternoon.
Pick: Under 230.5 (-115)
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Heat vs. Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo has gone over this line in five of his last nine outings against the Heat dating back to the 2021-22 season, even including the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
So this includes two games where Giannis left due to injury, both times in the first quarter.
The Heat allow the fourth-most rebounds and ninth most assists per 100 possessions. As great as Bam Adebayo has been defensively, he's never been one to keep elite rebounders off the boards, and despite Kel'el Ware's emergence, that isn't his bag either.
Together, they could maybe force a Giannis under on points. Miami has done a good job in the past in that regard. But id be surprised if we don't see an excess in boards and playmaking opportunities from the former NBA MVP.
Pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 18.5 Rebounds + Assists (-110)
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Mavericks vs. Thunder
By Joe Dellera
The Thunder are set to face off against the Mavericks after narrowly escaping with a win over the Jazz last night.
One player I’m targeting today is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
SGA had his first 50-burger last night, and the Thunder needed every single point.
Normally, I’d like to fade a player after a career high performance. However, Shai has been a model of consistency over the past few seasons.
He is always right around this 30-point threshold. He has now scored 30+ points in seven consecutive games against Dallas and has exceeded this mark in 60% of games this season while averaging 32 points per game.
This is an even more exploitable matchup for him, as the Mavericks will have one fewer interior defender with Dereck Lively missing the next few months.
I’ll back SGA to stay hot tonight.
Pick: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30+ Points (-135)
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Celtics vs. Lakers
By Alex Hinton
Rivals Week continues in the NBA, and of course it must include one of the league's most historic rivalries when the Celtics take on the Lakers.
The Celtics enter this matchup on the second night of a back-to-back that went to overtime, which is not ideal for an Over. However, for this one, there is no travel involved as they defeated the Clippers 117-113 last night.
The Celtics did not have veterans Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, or Al Horford yesterday, all three could be available tonight. Keep an eye on the Celtics injury report to see who rests, but they could be at full strength tonight.
Meanwhile, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both probable for the Lakers.
That means there will be a ton of firepower on the court, as is often the case when these teams get together. Boston is third in offensive rating while the Lakers are 13th this season.
The Celtics will also get the fortune of facing the Lakers' 23rd ranked defense. Jayson Tatum particularly enjoys facing the Lakers, as he is averaging 24.4 points in 14 career games against them. He has scored 30 points in six of the last nine meetings.
Tatum's dominance in this series coincides with the total trending over. The Over has hit in seven of the last 10 meetings. All seven Overs have had at least 226 points, while two of the Unders ended 219 points and the hook.
We only need 220 to get to the window tonight, and we're getting value on DraftKings.
Pick: Over 218.5 (-112)
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Trail Blazers vs. Magic
The Orlando Magic are facing numerous injuries and illnesses, leaving only one healthy starter who averages double-digit points.
As a result, the Magic have lost six out of their last seven games and own a record of 4-6 against the spread (ATS).
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers are recovering from their injuries and have won two consecutive games, including a 116-107 victory over the Heat in their most recent matchup.
The Trail Blazers have also covered the spread in six of their previous 10 games. I'll take the points with Portland tonight.
Pick: Trail Blazers +8.5 (-115)
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Heat vs. Bucks
By Nick Parsons
The Heat are now 21-21 after going just 1-4 in their last five. They've seen the total go Over in five straight, but looking back at the trends, they've seen the total go Under in seven of their last 10 after playing to five or more straight Overs in a row.
Look for Miami to double-down on the defensive end this evening.
Milwaukee is 24-17, coming off four straight victories.
The Bucks have seen the total go Over in six straight now after their most recent 123-109 win over the 76ers. However, despite that high-scoring victory, Milwaukee has still seen the total go Under in eight of its last 12 after playing to five or more straight Overs in a row.
Everything points to a low-scoring defensive affair. I'll take the Under.
Pick: Under 225.5 (-110)
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