The 2023-24 NBA season has begun and we’re excited over here at VSiN. As always, Jonathan Von Tobel will be providing you with his exceptional coverage of the greatest league in the world. Just click here for all of his content. However, all of my picks will be featured in this daily column, which will combine my NBA best bets and NBA player props. So, keep reading to find out how I’m playing the NBA slate on Thursday, January 25. Also, check out our NBA Odds page for the latest line movement.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on January 25
2023 Record: 167-149-1 (+11.87 units)
NBA Best Bets Today – January 25
Denver Nuggets at New York Knicks – 7:30 pm ET
The Nuggets are playing the final game of a five-game road trip. So, they’re going to be looking forward to getting this over with. Meanwhile, the Knicks have played just once in the last five days, and that was a road win over the Brooklyn Nets. That’s a lot of time at home, which is always good on the body and mind. New York is also 10-2 straight-up and 9-3 against the spread in its last 12 games, so the team is hot right now. That’s why they’re the focus of tonight’s NBA best bets.
The Knicks are as well suited as anyone to slow down this Nuggets offense. Nobody on this team is capable of covering Nikola Jokic, especially with no Mitchell Robinson — and Isaiah Hartenstein banged up. But New York should be able to keep everybody else in check. That starts with throwing OG Anunoby on Jamal Murray. Anunoby has been as advertised since arriving in New York, and he should pass this test with flying colors. So, look for Jokic to score a ton of points here, but don’t expect as many assists as usual.
Offensively, Jalen Brunson should cook. I don’t see anybody on the Nuggets that can handle this assignment. And New York can really damage Denver’s defense by knocking down some shots. The Knicks are going to spread them out and launch a lot of 3s. If those are going in, they should win this game somewhat easily. The Knicks are also 11-2 ATS in home games with totals of 220 or higher this year. They have won those games by an average of 11.9 points per game. I’m expecting New York to win outright, but I’d suggest taking the 2.5 for the extra sliver of insurance.
Bet: Knicks +2.5 (-110 – 2 units)
Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors – 10:00 pm ET
I was on the wrong side of betting the Warriors game last night, but I’m fading them again tonight. Golden State is now playing the second night of a back-to-back, while Sacramento hasn’t played since Monday. That should give this Kings team some fresh legs, and they’re going to use it to try and up the pace against this Warriors squad. That could be trouble for Golden State, as the team already struggles to stay in front of De’Aaron Fox. Look for the Kings All-Star to really impact this game with his ability to get to the basket. And don’t be surprised if he’s consistently setting up good looks for his outside shooters, who are all capable of burying shots at a high clip.
The Kings are also 13-3 ATS in road games against division opponents under Mike Brown. In that same time, they’re 20-5 ATS on the road against teams that give up 116.0 or more points per game. It’s just hard for weak defensive teams to beat this Sacramento squad. And I still have trouble finding the good with this Warriors team. They were really struggling before beating up on a bad Hawks team last night.
Bet: Kings ML (-125 – 1.5 units)
Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30 pm ET
The Lakers have been playing a little better lately, but they’re still a team I’m looking to fade with my NBA best bets. And while Chicago is below .500, this has been a good team for months. The Bulls actually come into this one after having covered in three straight games. They have also had two full days of rest. So, I’m expecting them to come out with some energy, especially after a brutal blown lead against the Phoenix Suns.
The reality here is that neither one of these teams really embrace the modern style of the NBA. Although the Bulls have been trying lately. And Chicago is a bit more efficient offensively, while also being the better defensive team. So, even though the Bulls are playing this one on the road, I’m taking the points and also sprinkling the moneyline. They just have a few more trustworthy players at the moment. And it doesn’t hurt that LeBron James and Anthony Davis are questionable. It isn’t impossible that one of them sits this out.
The Bulls also won by 16 when these teams met in Chicago on December 20. That said, there’s a lot to like about the road team here. I’m looking forward to watching another one of my NBA best bets regulars.
Bet: Bulls +5 (-112 – 2 units) & Bulls ML (+160 – 0.5 units)
NBA Player Props Today – January 25
Minnesota Timberwolves at Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 pm ET
It’s not a secret that Mikal Bridges’ defense has fallen off a cliff. The wing is being asked to do more offensively in Brooklyn, so he doesn’t have the energy to play as hard on defense. But Bridges is still capable of causing some chaos. He has had nine games with at least two steals this season. And while it’s not likely he’ll do it again, it’s worth taking a chance on a multi-steal game with tonight’s NBA player props. The Timberwolves are great defensively, but they have issues on offense. They’re a below-average team on that end of the floor. Minnesota is also third in the league in turnover rate this year. That said, the Timberwolves can be sloppy with the ball. So, I like Bridges to use his length to get his hands on the basketball. And these odds are just outrageous.
Bet: Bridges Alt Steals 2+ (+255)
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