NBA Thursday offers a smaller slate consisting of five games, with the spotlight on the Warriors – Bucks tipping off at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry, two of the league’s top scorers, face off in Milwaukee for their first matchup of the season. Now that the halfway point of the season is approaching, the data is starting to build up which allows for better analysis on matchups and trends to find the edges each day. Let’s dive into the best NBA bets, picks and overall NBA betting tips for Thursday, Jan. 13.
NBA Best Bets: Game Tips & Expert Betting Predictions
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies Best Bet
The Timberwolves travel to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies, who are the hottest team in the NBA right now. The Grizzlies are winners of 10 straight games and hold an overall record of 29-14 on the season. The Timberwolves will look to bounce back in their final game of a four-game road trip after a heart-breaking loss in New Orleans on Tuesday. Despite the loss, the Timberwolves have been building some momentum of their own, winning four of their last five games.
Minnesota enters tonight with a roster full of healthy starters. Jaylen Nowell is the only rotational piece that is doubtful after spraining his ankle during their game on Tuesday. The Timberwolves offense is averaging 110 points per game on 43.8% shooting from the field. Their offense ranks fifth in 3-pointers made, averaging 14.2 per game. This team has been on tear over the last five games, ranking second in offensive rating and putting up 124.2 points per game. Karl-Anthony Towns is leading the team, averaging 24.6 points and 3.7 assists, while Anthony Edwards is averaging 22.4 points and 3.7 assists. Minnesota has struggled defensively, giving up 109.2 points per game.
Memphis loves to crash the boards ranking first in the league in total rebounds per game (57.3) and offensive rebounds per game (13.4). The Grizzlies are hoping to get back Steven Adams, who is questionable entering Thursday with a non-COVID illness. If Adams in unable to go, Brandon Clarke and Xavier Adams will see an uptick in usage. Dillon Brooks will be sidelined for the next 3 to 5 weeks with a sprained ankle that he suffered over the weekend. Memphis has played well without Brooks, going 16-6 without him in the lineup. The Grizzlies are averaging 112.2 points per game, third most in the league.
These two teams are top six in offensive rating over their last five games. In their last six matchups the total is averaging 239, and it has gone over 230 in both their matchups this season. Both teams rank in the top four for most field goal attempts per game, presenting lots of opportunity for buckets. Minnesota is a machine on the road, cashing the over in 15 of their 20 road games this season. Take the over in tonight’s matchup and expect a high-tempo pace throughout the entire game.
Best Bet for Tonight’s Game: Total Over 230.5 Points
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Warriors vs. Bucks Best Bet
Golden State clashes with the Bucks in Milwaukee on Thursday in the national spotlight on TNT. The 30-10 Warriors were happy to get Klay Thompson back in the lineup but are now dealing with an injured Draymond Green, who will be sidelined for the next several games with a calf injury. The Bucks are in a rut, losing four of their last five games. This is a nice bounce-back spot for Milwaukee at home, where they are 13-7 on the season.
Milwaukee will be without George Hill for the fifth straight game. Jrue Holiday is doubtful with an injured ankle for Thursday’s contest. Grayson Allen is not on the injury report, which means he could return after a four-game absence while spending time in the league’s health and safety protocols. Keep an eye on his status, as he may be limited due to conditioning. The Bucks are averaging 111.8 points per game on 45.5% shooting from the field. Milwaukee will need to focus in on defending the perimeter against Golden State, as the Bucks give up the second-most 3-pointers to opponents per game. Fortunately for Milwaukee, they can produce 3-pointers at the same rate as the Warriors, with both teams averaging 14 made 3’s per game. Without Holiday to defend the perimeter, the Bucks will rely on Donte DiVincenzo and Wesley Matthews to step up.
The Warriors have the best net rating in the league and the top-rated defense, holding opponents to 101.3 points per game and 42.6% shooting from the field. Their production will take a hit with their floor general Draymond Green sidelined. The Warriors are 2-4 this season without Green in the lineup. His absence will translate to more minutes for Otto Porter Jr. and Juan Toscano-Anderson. On offense the Warriors are averaging 109.8 points per game, shooting 46.7% from the field and 35.9% from deep. Golden State has lost their last three road games, failing to score more than 100 in two of the three games. Their offense has struggled as of late ranking last in offensive rating over the last five games.
The Bucks dominated the Warriors at home 138-99 in their matchup last season. One key note is that Green was absent from this game, as he will be tonight. While Golden State has played well following a loss this season, they are 6-11-1 against the spread in the first half on the road and 3-7 against the spread in the first half in their last 10 games, with an average margin of negative-2.6 points. The Bucks continue to get off to a hot start, holding a 13-7 record against the spread in the first half at home this year, with an average margin of 5.65 points. Milwaukee is desperate to get back in the win column after dropping three of their last four games. Expect this game to be a close battle that is decided by a few buckets. Lay the points with the Bucks in the first half as they look to defend their homecourt against the Warriors.
Best Bet for Tonight’s Game: Milwaukee Bucks First Half -0.5
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