We’re back with our best bets for this Thursday’s action in the NBA regular season. There are seven games scheduled across the day with the first of those set for an 11am AEDT tip-off. Highlighting the slate is Thunder at Bucks matchup and we have a tip for that plus more below!
NBA Betting Tips: Thursday, January 22nd 2026
Indiana Pacers at Boston Celtics (11:30 am AEDT)
The Indiana Pacers (10–34) head into the TD Garden facing a Boston Celtics (26–16) team that will be playing with a chip on its shoulder after a frustrating one-point loss to Detroit. Boston has been a powerhouse this season, largely due to an offence that sits second in the league for three-pointers made. Jaylen Brown has been the catalyst for that success, playing at an elite level and putting up nearly 30 points per game.
It has been a long season for Indiana, who find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Central Division. Andrew Nembhard has done his best to spark the offence by averaging over 7 assists, but the Pacers simply cannot find stops on the other end. They are conceding roughly 118 points per game, and their lack of a true interior presence has made them a target for high-efficiency scorers.
When the Celtics find their rhythm at home, they are incredibly difficult to contain, especially with Neemias Queta providing such a reliable finishing touch at the rim. Given the massive gap in defensive discipline and Boston’s motivation to get back into the win column, the Celtics should have enough depth to pull away comfortably in the second half.
Celtics –10.5
$1.90 (2 units)
Brooklyn Nets at New York Knicks (11:30 am AEDT)
It’s another chapter in the cross-town rivalry as the New York Knicks (25–18) host the Brooklyn Nets (12–29) at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have established themselves as one of the most physically imposing teams in the league, largely because of Karl-Anthony Towns and his ability to dominate the glass with 11.6 rebounds per game. When you pair that grit with Jalen Brunson’s scoring output, the Knicks become a very tough out on their home floor.
Brooklyn arrives in Manhattan struggling for form, particularly on the road where wins have been hard to come by. While Michael Porter Jr. has been a bright spot (leading the team with 25.7 points per game), the Nets often look one-dimensional when his shot isn't falling. Nic Claxton remains a high-percentage finisher inside, but Brooklyn lacks the consistent secondary scoring needed to keep up with the Knicks' starters.
New York’s ability to control the boards and disrupt the Nets' backcourt should dictate the flow of this one. Between the Knicks' size advantage and the energy of the Garden crowd, New York looks well-placed to handle a Nets side that has struggled to close out games effectively this season.
Knicks -11.0
$1.86 (2 units)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Milwaukee Bucks (1:30 pm AEDT)
The league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (36–8) travel to Milwaukee to face a Bucks (18–24) team that is still searching for consistency. The Thunder have been the benchmark of the NBA this year, combining the best scoring defence in the league with a massive +12.95 net rating. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an MVP level, leading the league in Win Shares and making everyone around him better.
Milwaukee remains a dangerous opponent at home thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who continues to put up monster numbers. The Bucks find success when they can slow the tempo and let Bobby Portis stretch the floor (47% from three), but they face a massive challenge against a Thunder team that excels at forcing turnovers and getting out in transition.
OKC has already had the wood over Milwaukee this season, winning and covering the spread in both previous meetings. With Chet Holmgren anchoring the defence and Cason Wallace hounding ball-handlers, the Thunder have the defensive tools to stifle the Bucks' half-court sets. Expect OKC’s discipline and depth to be the deciding factor once again.
Thunder -9.5
$1.90 (2 units)
