Ben Simmons decided not to play yesterday, and that voided the bet. Jalen Duren reverted back to low minutes and inconsistency, unable to cover his heavily juiced rebounding line… forget about a teased up one. However, Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter saved the day.

The San Antonio Spurs had a double digit lead multiple times over the Denver Nuggets, yet the game went to overtime. The Nuggets dominated and almost doubled the spread thanks to a timely three by Porter Jr.

The Nuggets are now 7-0 in games without rest, they covered our spread, essentially making yesterday a wash. This column has dished out 200 NBA bets this season and we are just under +25.00 units thus far. We are going to keep it rolling throughout the season too.
 

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 1/5

There are six games today, none of which are nationally televised as the NFL has its last full week. The games begin at 3:30 PM ET but are mostly in the evening. The first game is the most impressive, and two bets come out of that game. Including the Bet of the Day.

 

 

 

Celtics vs Thunder Prediction: Boston Moneyline  (+105 on Draftkings Sportsbook) *Bet of the Day

What a way to start the day, eh? The guardians of the Larry O’Brien trophy versus a first place team on a fourteen game winning streak. This is what it’s like when worlds collide, the big size of the Boston Celtics versus the quick and defensive team of the Oklahoma City Thunder. It is going to be a thriller.

The Thunder have won fourteen games in a row, and done so with ease. They have a seven game advantage over both the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies and are creating space in the Western Conference. Although praise rightfully goes on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Head Coach Mark Daigneault is doing a marvelous job. He has built a wonderful roster, weathered injuries, and has exploited weaknesses in his opponents. 

Head Coach Joe Mazzulla has always walked to the beat of his own drum. His philosophy and style make him unique, but he also enjoys one of the most impressive starting rosters in the history of the NBA. Boston is a team that can light you up offensively, or use their size to dominate you defensively. They gladly play the way Mazzulla wants them to in order to win.

This is a projected tight game, with a spread that is jumping towards even as the day continues. The Law of Averages is on our side, fourteen wins is an impressive streak, but at some point a loss is going to happen. The Celtics just have too much size for the Thunder to battle for four quarters. Put a unit on the road team today.

 

 

 

Celtics vs Thunder Prediction: Kristaps Porzingis Over 1.5 Blocks (-110 on Draftkings Sportsbook) 

Kristaps Porzingis is a game changer for the Celtics. His playing time is being managed, but he has a length advantage against everyone on the court. This should be an intense game and Porzingis should be on the court for several minutes tonight, which helps this bet.

He has two or more blocks in every game he has played fourteen or more minutes. Granted that is not many but blocking is almost instinctive for Porzingis. The Thunder do not have several tall players, and enjoy playing the midrange game. This too should help Porzingis who can be more of a threat at or near the free throw line.

This prediction at near even odds essentially only needs Porzingis to play to be successful. He played 28 minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 3rd, and earned two blocks against a much taller team that doesn't attempt as many field goals as the Thunder. Put a unit on our Porzingis Prediction and cheer on two great bets in the first NBA game today.
 

 

 

NBA Player Props & Other Picks Today, 1/5

Without question the game of the night is Boston versus Oklahoma City, however another game projected to be close is the Los Angeles Lakers versus Houston Rockets. There are several tight lines on the straight bets, but we are going to a person who recently brought us over 10 units.
 

 

 

Lakers vs Rockets Prediction: Austin Reaves Over 5.5 Rebounds (+110 on Bet365)

Austin Reaves, Fantasy Alarm will forever love you due to you successfully completing our assists ladder, but the sportsbooks caught on. His assists line has been moved up, juiced in several sportsbooks, and Houston is a good defensive team.

Luckily for us Reaves is not a one trick pony, but a dynamic point guard. Houston has a good defense, which could lead to more offensive rebounds for Reaves. The Rockets allow the sixth most rebounds to opposing point guards, and Reaves at 6’ 5” can easily out-rebound a smaller backcourt. 

He has earned over 5.5 rebounds in his last six games, and has a great opportunity to do it once again. He has played 35 or more minutes in nine straight games (one game 34:55), and is a foundational piece of the Los Angeles Lakers. He should play around 35 minutes today as this game has a spread of just 4.5 points.

There is opportunity for several rebounds, especially if Alperen Sengun plays more of a point-center or spends time around the perimeter. Sengun and Anthony Davis are great rebounders… but so is Reaves. Put a unit on him to cover this plus odds prop.
 

 

 

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