Not the afternoon we were hoping for to begin the new year’s NBA best bets. Just one of four wagers came in correctly as Josh Giddy could not get off the hook, forget the next step of the betting ladder. Goga Bitadze had one of his worst games of the season, only 3 rebounds, 8 points, in 23 pathetic minutes… an awful display.

 

 

 

However, the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets safely covered the highest total of the night and cashed a ticket. The Nuggets have brought profits all season, but Giddy and Bitdaze were new faces. New faces are rarely mentioned for their inconsistency and these two were no exception. 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 1/2

We look to get back on track in today’s NBA best bets and do so with a series of wagers. 

There are two games on TNT tonight including the match featured in the bet of the night. 

 

 

 

Celtics vs. Timberwolves Prediction: Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 Threes Made (+120 on DraftKings) *Bet of the Night

The first game on TNT is a match between two teams that have played fantastic basketball over the past two seasons. The Boston Celtics travel to the Target Center to play the Minnesota Timberwolves. It features a few marquee players that could shine under the bright lights of a nationally televised game. One of those players is Anthony Edwards.

Edwards is the leading candidate for the face of USA basketball, his main competition being Jayson Tatum of the Celtics. The expectations are the highest they have ever been for Minnesota, and Edwards has to deliver as the best player on their team. Even when the opponent is the defending champions.

His game has taken massive jumps from last year in a few areas, one of those being three point scoring. Edwards has attempted more threes per game this season, and is making more as well. He has made four or more threes in four of his last six games, and has attempted seven or more threes in his last ten games played.

The switch can be credited to his time with the USA team in the 2024 Summer Olympics. He went toe-to-toe with Stephen Curry in multiple practices, and that gave him the confidence to attempt more threes this season. Despite taking his under in their most recent match, and it being successful, Edwards made four threes. 12 of his 20 points came from the three point line, or three of every five points. 

The Celtics score at will and the Timberwolves are going to need several three point attempts, as Boston averages over 10 points more per game than Minnesota. Look for Edwards to have over eight or more attempts tonight, and for him to make four of them. Put a unit on this great plus odds proposition bet.

 

 

 

76ers vs. Warriors Prediction: Philadelphia Money Line (+114 on DraftKings) *0.5 Unit

The second match on TNT features a red-hot Eastern Conference team versus a struggling Western Conference team, yet the spread and money line are much tighter than one would believe. That is due to one team having rest and the other playing in back-to-back matches.

The Philadelphia 76ers have recovered from their horrific start to the season and are really rolling. They are playing in their second of back-to-back games tonight, but yesterday’s game was in Sacramento against the Kings. Minimal travel, if any, was required for their game tonight in San Francisco.

They were in a thriller against the Kings, and ended up losing control late in the fourth quarter. Despite that they had won eight of their previous ten prior to that match. They are now playing against a team that has lost seven of their last ten games in the Golden State Warriors. 

The prediction is for the Philadelphia 76ers to get past a struggling Golden State team that is having terrible issues in their front court, and offensively at times. Look for the Philadelphia 76ers to try and take it to the Warriors with a tough front court offense. Put a unit on Philadelphia to win tonight.

 

 

 

NBA Player Props & Other Picks Today, 1/2

The latest match of the night belongs to the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers. 

It is from that match that several units can come off of one statistic from one player.

 

 

 

Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Prediction: Ladder, Austin Reaves Assists - O6.5 (+125 on Bet365), 8+ (+200 on DraftKings), 10+ (+700 on Bet365)

The ladders have not been that successful as of late, but when the data indicates there is potential for a big profit, we do not hesitate. Scared money doesn’t make money, and we are courageous with our belief in Austin Reaves.

Reaves has been on a roll lately and has been the Lakers best player. Not only due to his consistency but the unbelievable numbers he has put up. Since Christmas Reaves has been on a tear, two double-doubles and one triple-double. 

He has a high number of minutes per game this season, with 34.5. Reaves has been their most consistent player, playing when LeBron James and Anthony Davis sit out. Since the Lakers trade he has been playing like an all-star. It’s almost as though Head Coach JJ Reddick is getting every ounce of potential Reaves has to offer.

Reaves has 10 or more assists in each game since returning from a slight injury. With D’Angelo Russell now completely out of the picture, Reaves has taken on more point guard responsibilities. Portland allows 117.3 points per game, fourth most in the Western Conference, and this is a perfect game for Reaves to continue dishing out dimes.

One unit is recommended for each step of this ladder. The best odds on a line is at Bet365, with +125 on over 6.5. Then Draftkings has an amazing +200 for a teased up line of 8+ assists. That is due to the fact they have a juiced line of 5.5 for their base offer. Then Bet365 has a banger of +700 should he get 10 or more assists. They also offer +700 for a double-double, but why risk the points if 10 assists is offered at the same odds. 

That puts three units on Reaves tonight but has potential for over 10 units' profit! Off of one statistic! This pick just needs Reaves to continue to be himself against a poor defensive team. A blow out is the biggest threat to this bet, but Portland has been playing better and should keep it competitive through most of the game. Put three units on this three-step betting ladder and cheer for Reaves to dish out dimes. 

 

 

 

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Alternatively, if you prefer a safety net for your first bet, you can place a wager of $10 or more, up to $1,000, and if luck isn't on your side, your entire stake will be returned as bonus bets. Whether you want to tail our NBA best bets today or not, use this link to create your Bet365 account now!

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

*All odds accurate at time of writing and NBA best bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise