Eric Lindquist coming to you from Arizona, celebrating the New Year with my family while diving into tonight’s seven-game NBA slate. Let’s get into the action with the best NBA bets for today, from game lines to odds and player props. If you haven’t read our +EV NBA bets!
Best NBA Bets Today: Player Props, Lines & Odds
Before we break this slate down, don’t forget to grab 50% off my Tails subscription by using promo code LINDY50 at checkout! Now we head to the picks.
Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland has been impressive this season, led by the dynamic backcourt duo of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, and the defensive prowess of Evan Mobley and Jarett Allen. Off the bench, Caris LeVert and Max Strus have been crucial contributors. But even with Cleveland’s strong play, I find it odd that we’re getting Golden State at +158 on the moneyline at home.
With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green both healthy and back in the lineup, Golden State has plenty of depth with Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins. Yes, it is without Brandon Podziemski and Gary Payton II, but this team has found ways to compete.
Rather than take the points at +4.5, I prefer the upside of the moneyline at +158. If I’m right about this being a close game, I’d rather cash in fully on the value here.
NBA Best Bet: Warriors Moneyline (LIKE)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
This matchup has a lot of moving pieces, starting with Joel Embiid’s questionable status. If Embiid sits, Tyrese Maxey props become more appealing, but his current lines already reflect that uncertainty. So instead, I’m targeting Paul George, whose points prop is sitting at 16.5.
With George coming in at -128 on FanDuel, this line feels undervalued, especially if Embiid is out. Regardless of Embiid’s status, George has been a consistent offensive threat, and this is a reasonable number for him to sur.
NBA Best Bet: Paul George Over 16.5 Points (LEAN)
Dallas Mavericks vs. Sacramento Kings
Sacramento has been struggling lately, compounded by the firing of head coach Mike Brown, which I think was a massive mistake. Under Brown, the Kings showed defensive improvement despite Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan, who aren’t exactly defensive stalwarts. Without him, their cohesion is faltering.
Meanwhile, Dallas comes into this matchup with a core that’s been gelling well, even without Luka Doncic. P.J. Washington has been a solid addition, and I expect Dereck Lively to suit up tonight, adding an interior presence on both ends. This team is deep and disciplined, making it a tough matchup for Sacramento.
I considered taking the Mavericks moneyline at +140, but I prefer the points at +4. This is my favorite bet on the board tonight.
NBA Best Bet: Mavericks +4 (LIKE)
