NBA action continues Saturday with 10 games being played, including a headline game in the western conference between the Thunder and Warriors in Golden State. Here are our best bets for Saturday’s NBA games!
NBA Betting Tips: Saturday, January 3rd 2026
Orlando Magic at Chicago Bulls (12:00pm AEDT)
The Orlando Magic (19-15) head to the United Center to take on the Chicago Bulls (16-17) and both teams will be full of confidence after recent wins – the Magic won 112-110 over the Indiana Pacers and the Bulls proved too good for the New Orleans Pelicans with a 134-118 victory. The Magic have ambitions of Playoff basketball while the Bulls could be staring down yet another Play-In tournament appearance.
There are injury concerns for both teams with the Magic’s leading scorer Franz Wagner out with an ankle injury. It is worse for the Bulls though, as Josh Giddey and Coby White are both out which means Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter and Ayo Dosonmu need to pick up the slack.
The Bulls will try and push the pace to score quickly in transition, especially without their floor general Giddey who normally sets up halfcourt plays with his impressive passing skills. Last time they played, Desmond Bane scored 37 points, and he will be a key focal point alongside Paolo Banchero who dropped 29 against the Pacers.
This looks a good clash, but I fancy the Magic (8-9 on the road) to cover the -4.5 line against the Bulls missing two key players.
Magic -4.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors (2:00pm AEDT)
The OKC Thunder (29-5) sit 4.5 games clear in the western conference as they hit the road to battle the Golden State Warriors (18-16). This is always a mouth-watering clash as reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander competes against former two-time MVP Steph Curry. Both players are two of the best offensive players the game has ever seen, and it’s been a stellar season so far for SGA, averaging 32.1 points and 6.4 assists per game. Throw in another 1.6 steals per game for good measure and he is on track for a second MVP award and potentially championship ring.
Defensively, the Thunder are the best team in the league, and it isn’t even close. They are also a top five offensive team with SGA consistently scoring 25 or more points. The Warriors are ranked in the top five in the league defensively, but Draymond Green is out due to scheduled rest. Their defensive anchor missing hurts a lot as he brings physicality – something the Thunder are accustomed to with their own enforcer Lu Dort bringing a physical presence. Curry is also a game-time decision, and if he does indeed end up being a late out, then the Warriors are in huge trouble.
Apart from three losses to the San Antonio Spurs, the defending champion Thunder have almost been flawless, and they look the most likely to cover their -8.5 line.
Thunder -8.5
$1.87 (1.5 Units)
Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers (2:30pm AEDT)
The LA Lakers (20-11) have hit a skid of late, losing four of their past five games to the Clippers, Suns, Rockets and Pistons. LA’s only win in that stretch came against the Kings which isn’t that exciting for a team that wants to contend. The Memphis Grizzlies (15-18) are 8-9 on the road, a better record than their 7-9 at home.
It is a must-win game for the Lakers following a blowout 128-106 loss to Detroit. Potential first-time All-Star Austin Reaves is out, and Rui Hachimura will also miss, while the Grizzlies are without Zach Edey and possibly Jaylen Wells.
The Lakers are one of the most efficient teams in the league from the field, shooting 49.9% but quickly drop off once they shoot from deep, ranking 25th at 34.6%. Luka Doncic and LeBron James are going to take the bulk of the shots. If they can get more out of big man Deandre Ayton, his scoring has been down of late, and back-up center Jaxson Hayes, who will rely on some lobs from Doncic to finish at the rim, then they can overpower the Grizzlies to get a much-needed win at home.
On paper, the Lakers are better, and the small -4.5 line appeals in a bounce-back game for LA.
Lakers -4.5
$1.92 (1.5 Units)
