The NBA is set for a larger-than-normal Tuesday slate with nine games scheduled across the league. Lakers – Nets and Mavericks – Warriors will be showcased on TNT. Anthony Davis is set to make his return for the Lakers against Brooklyn after missing the previous 17 games due to an MCL sprain. Let’s dive into the best NBA bets, picks and overall NBA betting tips for Tuesday, Jan. 25.
NBA Best Bets: Game Tips & Expert Betting Predictions
Pelicans vs. 76ers Best Bet
These two teams are playing in a makeup game from Dec. 19. The Pelicans are coming off a 117-113 win at home last night versus the Pacers. New Orleans is in a tough spot tonight, as they made a quick stop at home on Monday after coming off a three-game road trip and will now have to travel overnight to Philadelphia for one game before heading back home. The 76ers are coming off a win in San Antonio on Sunday after another monster performance by Joel Embiid.
The Sixers are 27-19 sitting at second in the Atlantic division, two games behind the Nets. Philadelphia has been playing through injuries to several of their key rotational players . Danny Green (hip), Shake Milton (back) and Seth Curry (ankle) remain sidelined for tonight’s matchup. Matisse Thybulle is questionable with a shoulder sprain that has forced him to miss the last five games. Embiid will look to continue his MVP campaign, averaging 28.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He has been even more impressive in January, averaging 33.8 points on 55% shooting. On the year the 76ers rank 21st in scoring, with 107.5 points per game. Their defense has not been as dominant while dealing with all the injures, but they rank 11th in defensive rating and are holding opponents to 105.7 points per game. Their struggles continue to come on the glass, where they rank last in rebounds per game. This limits their ability for second-chance opportunities, ranking 26th in second-chance points.
The Pelicans will look to extend their win streak to three games with a win over Philadelphia. Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Josh Hart (ankle) are both questionable for Tuesday. Hart injured his ankle in the third quarter of last night’s game but was able to return, finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds in 36 minutes. Given New Orleans is on the second night of a back-to-back, keep an eye on Hart’s status, as the team may be cautious knowing they have the next two days off to rest. New Orleans is 24th in scoring, averaging 105.5 points on 43.8% from the field. New Orleans ranks ninth in total rebounds and fourth in offensive rebounds, an area where the Sixers will need to apply focus if they want to pull through with a victory in tonight’s matchup. The Pelicans rank 23rd in defense rating on the season but have been improving as of late, ranking sixth in their last five games.
With all the missing rotational players for the Sixers, plus the potential of the Pelicans’ top scorer sitting out, offense will come at a premium tonight. The Pelicans average 212.7 points combined on the road. The Sixers average 213.7 combined points at home. The Sixers have cashed the under in 60% of their games this season, while New Orleans is cashing the under in 62.5% of their away games. The Pelicans have a 5-15 over/under record an away underdog and will be facing the Sixers on no rest. This will be the second meeting between these teams this season. The Sixers took the first game in New Orleans 117-97. Have confidence in taking the under for tonight’s matchup.
Best Bet for Tonight’s Game: Total Under 216 Points
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Kings vs. Celtics Best Bet
The Sacramento Kings travel to Boston on Tuesday looking to get back into the win column after losing three straight games. The Kings have had their struggles on the road losing eight straight away from home with their last road win coming on Dec. 1 in Los Angeles versus the Clippers. The Celtics snapped their two-game losing streak with a win over the Wizards in their last game. They will try to keep the momentum going with a win over the Kings at home.
Jayson Tatum is coming off a 51-point performance on Sunday in a 116-87 win over Washington. Boston comes into this game as one of the few NBA teams with a fully health roster. Their offense is averaging 107.6 points per game shooting 44.7% from the field. Even though the Celtics are not always the most explosive offense, they are able to get to the free-throw line, ranking seventh in the league in free throws made per game. The Kings defense has given up a ton of free-throw attempts to opponents over the last five games, which is something they need to work on if they want to close out games. The Celtics defense has performed well, ranking fifth in defense rating on the season and holding opponents to 105.5 points per game.
Sacramento enters this contest at 18-30 on the year. De’Aaron Fox is listed as questionable for tonight’s matchup with ankle soreness. He was a late scratch for Saturday’s matchup, so keep an eye out for updates throughout the day. If Fox does not play, the Kings have solid depth at the guard spot with Tyrese Haliburton and Davion Mitchell. The Kings are averaging 110.5 points per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their offense ranks first in offensive rating over the last five games. It is their defense that has been non-existent, ranking 28th in defensive rating and allowing opponents to average 114.5 points per game.
Both teams have been shooting the 3 ball well as of late. Sacramento is cashing the over in 65% of their road games this season, averaging a combined score of 229 points. The Kings have combined for an average game total of 249 points over their last five games. While Boston tends to play in lower-scoring defensive battles, look for Sacramento to speed up pace and force Boston to play at a higher tempo in tonight’s showdown. Take the over with confidence in Tuesday’s matchup inside TD Garden.
Best Bet for Tonight’s Game: Total Over 220.5 Points
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