The NBA regular season rolls on with another excellent slate this Wednesday, with a total of 8 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.
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 Wednesday, January 8.
NBA Best Bets Today, Predictions, Picks, Odds: Wednesday, January 8
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 9:30 p.m. | |
  | 9 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. | ||
Wizards vs. 76ers
By Joe Dellera
Tyrese Maxey is the lone star left for the 76ers on Wednesday night as they face off against the WashingtonWizards.
While an uptick in Usage and output is expected, I expect it more as a scoring threat than anything else.
This line of 8.5 is a complete overreaction to Maxey's 10 dimes last game without Paul George and Joel Embiid. He did so on 14 potentials, which is a way above average conversion rate.
Without Embiid and without PG, Maxey has gone over this line on 1 of 9 occasions this season, and even last season he was 5/32 in the absence of Embiid.
Washington is bad, but this number is a bit high for a score-first player.
Pick: Tyrese Maxey Under 8.5 Assists (-135)
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Pistons vs. Nets
Cade Cunningham has gone over this line in five of six games without Jaden Ivey this season.
That should really be the full case.
His usage is at 31.6, and the Nets are finally going sideways, with their defense falling to 25th, with losses in 10 of their last 13.
Most places have this line at 42.5 — which I'm OK with and is probably my limit — but would rather jump on 41.5 if you like this at all, because, duh.
Pick: Cade Cunningham Over 41.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-118)
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Raptors vs. Knicks
The Knicks have hit a bit of a lull coming off three straight losses, but seeing the Raptors tonight at Madison Square Garden should ease the concerns of Spike Lee and other New York fans.
It has been a tough go (we'll say) for Toronto, which recently snapped an 11-game skid with a win over the Nets, but immediately lost and failed to cover its next two vs. the Magic and Bucks.
The Raptors have also absorbed some frightful beatings, with recent losses by 24, 54, 29, 29 and 14 points (vs. NYK) across their last seven games.
The fact the Knicks had to work a bit in their Dec. 8 win (113-108) over Toronto should keep NY on the alert, which is what we saw in their subsequent 139-125 win over the Raptors on December 23 at MSG, a shoreline that wasn't as close as it may appear, as New York led by 29 entering the 4th quarter of the contest, and Tom Thibodeau's bunch shot better than 59% from the floor.
There's some question about Karl-Anthony Towns' availability (knee) after missing Monday's loss to the Magic, but OG Anunoby will be ready for his old team after scoring 31 in the romp past Toronto two weeks ago. Lay the points with New York.
Pick: Knicks -11.5 (-110)
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Thunder vs. Cavaliers
By Vince Akins
Both of these teams (especially Cleveland) are capable of scoring points in bunches on most teams. But this game should have a playoff-type environment, and the Thunder's size can have a meaningful impact on Cleveland tonight.
Cleveland is 2nd in the league in scoring at 122.8 points per game. But Oklahoma City is first in points allowed at 102.8.
Teams that are averaging 5+ points per game more than league average and are facing a team allowing 5+ points per game less than league average are 708-877 OU.
Cleveland is also the league leader in field goal percentage, while OKC is the league leader in field goal percentage allowed.
In at least game four of the season, a team shooting 2% higher than league average facing a team allowing an opponent field goal percentage 2% less than league average are 499-635 OU.
Pick: Under 230.5 (-110)
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Spurs vs. Bucks
By Joe Dellera
The Bucks take on the Spurs on Wednesday night and I expect a big game from Giannis after his 11 point outing against the Raptors.
Although Victor Wembanyama has improved dramatically since last season, Giannis still dropped 44 points in their one head-to-head matchup.
One of the issues we have seen with Wemby is he still has some difficulty with players that can out-physical him, and Giannis is certainly one of those players.
On the season, Giannis is averaging 31.4 points per game, and has exceeded this line in 66% of games this season.
Even with Middleton playing, it has actually given Giannis a slight boost, as he doesn’t need to facilitate for others and can just focus on scoring for himself.
Pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 Points (-106)
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Clippers vs. Nuggets
By Nick Parsons
I had a play on the Over in the Nuggets 118-106 loss at home to Boston last night. Yes, fatigue will indeed be an issue for Denver in the second game of the back-to-back, but expect that to affect the intensity on the defensive end tonight.
Note that the Nuggets have seen the total go Over the number in eight of their last 11 when coming off a SU/ATS home loss as an underdog.
Also, note that Denver didn't have Jokic in the lineup last night. But whether he plays tonight or not, I believe the home side will come out and push the pace after last night's poor effort.
The Clippers are coming off a 108-106 loss at Minnesota, and they will be seeking revenge in this matchup after a 120-98 loss to Denver back in mid-December.
The Clippers have seen the total go Over the posted number in four of their last five instances when trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss in which they were held to 99 or fewer points.
With each team pushing the pace from the outset like I believe they will in this one, I'll take the Over tonight.
Pick: Over 226.5 (-112)
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