Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (1/9)
There are only five games on the NBA slate tonight. Still, there are two spots I’m interested in attacking with tonight’s NBA action despite massive spreads on the board.
Let’s get right to it!
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Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are dealing with a lot of injuries right now. Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr., Joe Ingles, Gary Harris, and Jonathan Isaac have all been ruled out for this matchup.
Although Orlando is home and sitting at 21-15 on the season, the Magic are still underdogs. Yet, the Magic have won two straight games with a road win against the Nuggets and a home overtime win against the Hawks. Paolo Banchero has stepped up recently despite the absence of all of those other Orlando players.
The defense for the Magic also ranks fourth in points per 100 possessions. Orlando has earned 15.5% of steals per game and has been remarkable on the defensive glass. The Magic might give up a high rate of foul shots, but the Timberwolves won’t have as much success on the offensive glass and will turn the ball over at a high rate.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves are the best defense in the NBA. They’ve held teams to 109.4 points per 100 possessions and a 51.2% effective field goal percentage. The Magic should have more success on the offensive glass and typically get to the foul line more efficiently. However, the Timberwolves have only allowed an 18.7 free throw rate this season.
Therefore, I’m riding the Under 218.5 in this game.
Bet: Under 218.5 (-110)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Dallas Mavericks
The breaking news is out. Ja Morant is done for the season after an MRI revealed a labral tear in his right shoulder. He’ll need surgery, which will keep him out for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. is listed as questionable, and Santi Aldama likely won’t play in this matchup.
Dallas is also dealing with injuries on its end. Dante Exum, Dereck Lively II, and Maxi Kleber are not expected to play, while Grant Williams and Luka Doncic are questionable.
The Grizzlies were extremely bad without Ja Morant. They’re still sitting at 13-23 and have Marcus Smart back in the mix. But this will ultimately be a wasted season for Memphis. The offense has scored just 108.7 points per 100 possessions with a 52.1% effective field goal percentage. That’s one of the worst rates in the NBA.
On the other hand, Memphis has performed better defensively. But stopping the Mavericks will be a challenge. The Mavericks have added a 56.5% effective field goal percentage, which ranks 6th in the nation. They’re also very good at limiting turnovers and will likely see the foul line more frequently, with the Grizzlies allowing a 22.8 free throw rate.
Let’s back the Mavericks at -8.5 at home.
Bet: Mavericks -8.5 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday:
- NFL Wild Card Weekend Early Odds, Best Bets & Trends
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NBA Player Prop Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions
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