We have a monster slate on our hands in the NBA this Thursday, with 12 games scheduled for play. Naturally, there are a number of juicy matchups across the day, and action is set to start from the familiar time off 11am AEDT. We bring you our best three bets for the slate below and wish you the best of luck if following along!
NBA Betting Tips: Thursday, January 8th 2026
Los Angeles Clippers at New York Knicks (11:30 am AEDT)
The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden looking to snap a recent skid as they host the Los Angeles Clippers. New York currently sits at 3rd in the Eastern Conference with a 23–13 record and remains a formidable force in the East, particularly at home where they have historically defended their floor with high intensity. The Knicks rank 4th in the league for rebounding, averaging 45.8 boards per game, and currently outscore their opponents by 4.5 points per contest.
The Clippers (13–22) arrive in New York sitting 11th in the West following a gritty one point win over the Warriors. While Los Angeles has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been their primary hurdle this season. They rely heavily on a methodical half court game, but their road form has been patchy with only 4 wins in 17 away games, often struggling to maintain defensive pressure against elite scoring units that average over 115 points per game.
New York’s ability to dominate the glass and create second chance opportunities should be the deciding factor here. At the Garden, the Knicks tend to elevate their physicality, which may overwhelm a Clippers side that has struggled to string together 48 minutes of cohesive basketball.
Knicks -5.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Phoenix Suns at Memphis Grizzlies (12:00 pm AEDT)
The Phoenix Suns travel to Memphis to face the Grizzlies in a clash of contrasting styles. Phoenix hold a 21–15 record and sit 7th in the Western Conference playoff picture. Their strength lies in controlled half court offence and efficient execution in the fourth quarter, allowing them to manage games against faster, high energy teams. They currently rank in the top 10 for free throw percentage, which has certainly been helping them close out tight games.
Memphis enter at 16–20 and sit 10th in the West, having been inconsistent this season, but they remain a tough opponent at FedExForum. The Grizzlies excel when they can increase tempo, apply defensive pressure, and score in transition, currently ranking high in steals per game. When slowed down in half court sets, their offensive execution has been less reliable against structured opponents.
Phoenix will aim to dictate tempo and limit Memphis’ transition opportunities. Their composure and efficiency in key moments give them the edge in what is expected to be a competitive game. If the Suns can withstand the early energy of the Grizzlies, their superior late game execution should see them cover.
Suns -3.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs (1:30 pm AEDT)
The Los Angeles Lakers visit the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center in a marquee Western Conference matchup between the 3rd and 2nd seeds. San Antonio sit at 25–11 and have been one of the league’s most consistent teams this season, boasting a top 5 defensive rating. Their balance, defensive discipline, and ability to control tempo have made them particularly difficult to beat at home.
The Lakers arrive at 23–11 and remain one of the league’s most potent offensive units, averaging 119.4 points per game. Their scoring depth allows them to stay competitive in any matchup, but defensive inconsistencies, especially on the road where they allow nearly 116 points per game, have occasionally undermined their performances.
San Antonio’s organisation and home court control give them a measurable advantage. If they manage possessions and control tempo, they should be able to absorb Los Angeles’ scoring bursts and assert themselves late in the contest to secure the win and cover the line.
Spurs -6.0
$1.90 (2 Units)
