We’re absolutely flying with our NBA betting tips this season and have a fantastic opportunity to find some more winners from the huge 11-game slate on Saturday. Check out our best bets from some of the key matchups right here!
NBA Betting Tips: Saturday, 23rd January
Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets
11:10am AEDT, Spectrum Center
Chicago Bulls have turned things around with a mini two-game winning streak coming into this matchup. Wins over the Mavericks and the Rockets have improved their season record to a respectable 6-8 with plenty of winnable games to come over their next couple of weeks.
Charlotte Hornets have been box office this season but it hasn’t necessarily translated to wins as they come into this game at 6-8. They started the season in inspired form but have now lost three games on the spin, which is sure to dint a young team’s confidence.
We aren’t expecting either of these ball clubs to clinch a playoff berth this season, but the Bulls should be the closest of the two. Spearheaded by a potential All-Star in Zach LaVine and with plenty of young talent around him, we have the Bulls covering the spread here and extending their winning streak to three.
For a player prop bet we’re looking at Lauri Markkanen here. He’s returned from a layoff in great fashion and looks a much-improved player this season. As long as he sees a couple of early shots fall, we have him eclipsing his PRA line here.
Prop: Markkanen O27.5 PRA ($1.91)
Orlando Magic at Indiana Pacers
11:10am AEDT, Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Orlando Magic were dealt a cruel blow when Markelle Fultz went down with a serious knee injury and it’s severely stunted the early season momentum they had. They went on to lose six straight games, but were able to clinch a victory in their recent outing against the Timberwolves via a Cole Anthony buzzer-beater from downtown.
Indiana Pacers have also had a couple of injuries that have stalled their momentum this season, but they still have two out and out stars in Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis who are keeping them very competitive. The Pacers are on a two-game losing streak but both losses were against quality sides.
The Pacers are by far the more talented team in this matchup and are a chance to get Myles Turner back from injury, which would give them a huge advantage on the defensive end. Getting the Pacers at just a -2.5 spread looks to be one of the better bets available in this big slate.
For our player prop here we’re targeting Magic’s recent hero in Cole Anthony. He’s seeing a lot more playing time now that he’s the starting point guard and his stats are certainly better for it. His line is just 11.5 for his points and on current form, we have him clearing this comfortably.
Prop: Anthony O11.5 Points ($1.84)
Indiana Pacers -2.5
$1.85
Houston Rockets at Detroit Pistons
11:10am AEDT, Little Caesars Arena
Houston Rockets are an interesting team to watch at the moment, as their play style has changed dramatically since James Harden was traded. Christian Wood remains a constant threat on both ends of the floor and has helped keep this team competitive during their transitional phase.
Detroit Pistons are one of many rebuilding teams in the east that won’t be making much noise this season. Jerami Grant has been a fantastic addition to their team, but Blake Griffin looks a shell of his former self after a truck load of injury setbacks.
Both clubs come into this game well below .500, but the Rockets certainly have the better roster and chance of bouncing back. They’ve stayed competitive in all of their games of late and get a favourable matchup here, which we expect them to take full advantage of.
Eric Gordon is our player of focus in this matchup, as he’s seen a huge uptick in usage % since Harden left. He’s getting plenty of touches and is never shy of letting it fly, so we really like him to clear his PRA line before the bookies adjust.
Prop: Gordon O25.5 PRA ($1.90)
Houston Rockets +3.5
$1.99
