We have a massive 12-game NBA slate tonight. There is certainly no shortage of options to explore. Let's not waste any more time and jump right into some of our favorite picks for Monday, January 27th.
Monday’s Best NBA Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Detroit Pistons +10.5 (-108)
We start off the night in Cleveland, where the Pistons take on the Cavs, who sit in first place in the Eastern Conference, with the second-best overall record. Each team has lost five out of their last 15 contests.
Of the five losses for Detroit, only two resulted in a losing margin of over 10.5 points. The Cavs have lost five games over the last eight contests. While Cleveland still sits atop the Eastern Conference, there's a hitch in their giddy-up currently.
These teams have matched up twice so far in the season early on in October, with the Cavs winning handily in both contests. Detroit has certainly improved since the first month of the 2024-25 campaign, currently ranking sixth in the Eastern Conference.
Tobias Harris is questionable for this contest after leaving Saturday's contest with a head injury. While that would set the Pistons back a very solid starting scoring option, Detroit still has the firepower to keep this contest competitive. The Pistons have won two of their last three games on the road. At worst, the Pistons should stay within 11 points of their opponent in this contest.
Orlando Magic Moneyline (-110)
After starting the season in an extremely promising fashion, the Orlando Magic incurred a litany of injuries that derailed all their positive momentum. Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have all returned to the team, which resulted in a win after five straight losses.
The road for Orlando has been bumpy, to say the least. However, it's nowhere near the current state of the Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler is available to play tonight after serving a two-game suspension enforced by the organization. There's honestly no telling what version of the veteran superstar will be on the floor tonight.
Miami has two wins in their last seven games and owns the seventh-lowest defense rating over that span. The Heat are allowing an extra 4.7 points per game to their opponent in those seven games compared to their season average. Orlando is allowing a mere 104.5 points per game on the season to the opposition while surrendering a league-low 11 three-pointers each game.
The Heat rely on the three-pointer for 38.4% of their offense. Orlando has shown they are extremely efficient at defending beyond the perimeter. If Miami is unable to knock down the deep ball, Orlando is more than likely going to sneak out a win on the road.
Brooklyn Nets @ Sacramento Kings Over 221.5 Points (-110)
The Brooklyn Nets are second to last in regards to scoring over the last 10 games with an average of 99.1 points. That average has decreased to an abysmal 95.6 in their five previous games. The Nets will be without their most consistent scoring option, Cam Johnson, for this contest.
Sacramento has no issues scoring the ball, averaging over 124 points per game in their last five contests. On the defensive side of the floor, the Kings are giving up just under 124 points per game to the opposition. Sacramento has also scored an average of 126 points per game in their last three home contests.
It would make the most sense to take the under in a contest involving a Brooklyn team struggling to break 100 points. Having said that, the Kings have been scoring in high volume lately and do not seem very concerned with stopping the opposition from scoring.
This selection could be the sweatiest of the bunch. However, it's difficult to feel confident in the under for this contest as long as the available Nets players can at least hit the century mark for points tonight.
Memphis Grizzlies +3.5 (-108)
The Grizzlies roll into Madison Square Garden having won six straight games. Whereas the Knicks are 6-4 over their last 10 games, with a 4-4 record at home. After missing Friday's contest due to illness, Ja Morant was able to return to action on Saturday and appears ready to go tonight.
The Grizzlies are scoring the most points per game on the season with an average of 123.7 per contest. New York has been one of the best at stopping the opposition from scoring, only allowing 110.9 points per game. The Knicks have also proved they can put up points in bunches after scoring 143 against Sacramento on Saturday.
Memphis is playing at top form currently, while New York has only two wins against teams with records over .500 in their last six victories. While it's tempting to take the Grizzlies on the Moneyline, just to play it safe, we will take the extra 3.5 points in what should be a fantastic matchup in the world's most famous arena.
Gradey Dick has had a solid sophomore season, averaging 15.8 points per game on 42% shooting from the field. The Toronto guard is also pulling down over three rebounds per contest. He has cleared 16.5 points + rebounds in two out of his last three games.
The Pelicans are coming off two straight losses on the road where they gave up over 120 points in each contest. The Kansas alum was not available the first time these teams matched up on November 27th. He will certainly look to get in on the scoring action against a gracious New Orleans defense.
New Orleans is allowing over 21 points and 6.89 rebounds per game to the shooting guard position on the season. Dick will have every opportunity to score and grab boards against the Pelicans. We are confident he will go for over 16.5 combined points and rebounds tonight.
Enjoy the games and best of luck with your picks.
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:
