With nine games on tonight’s NBA slate, there’s plenty of value on the betting board. That’s why I asked the AI Model for its projections and favorite bets.
Here’s what it came up with for tonight’s slate. And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more betting advice. Today, our expert covered two more games: Timberwolves vs. Knicks and Nuggets vs. Heat.
Picks Summary
- Mavericks +8 (-110) at Bet365
- Spurs ML (+110) at Bet365
- Nets +11 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks
Friday, January 17, 2025 – 08:30 PM ET at American Airlines Center
The AI Model suggests the Mavericks will lose to the Thunder, 115-110. While losing isn’t fun, the Mavericks are still +8 via Bet365. They’d still cover the spread in this scenario. Consider Dallas here.
Oklahoma City Is Coming Off a Major Win!
The Oklahoma City Thunder pounced on the Cleveland Cavaliers last night, winning by 30. Now they’ll take on the Dallas Mavericks in a quick turnaround.
The win last night was emotional. It was likely taxing, as many starters did not even play in the fourth quarter.
The Mavericks could have Kyrie Irving back in the lineup for this game. That would totally help Dallas, which needs a star with Luka Doncic also out with an injury.
The Mavericks are also very good at getting to the foul line, and the Thunder rank 27th in defensive free-throw rate. Dallas’s ability to stay aggressive will favor it.
Can The Thunder Take Advantage of Dallas On The Glass?
The answer is no. The Thunder can’t. Oklahoma City has averaged 25.4% of offensive rebounds per game and now doesn’t even have a healthy center since Isaiah Hartenstein went down.
The Mavericks struggled on the defensive glass, giving up 29.2% of offensive rebounds. But the Thunder will play small, which will hurt their chances on the offensive glass.
Let’s ride the Mavericks at +8.
NBA Pick: Mavericks +8 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs
Friday, January 17, 2025 – 09:30 PM ET at Frost Bank Center
Our AI Model believes the Spurs will escape with a 121-118 win over the Grizzlies tonight. Yet, the Spurs are +110 via Bet365. That’s tremendous value for the Spurs.
Memphis Won’t Have It Easy!
The Memphis Grizzlies have scored 118.2 points per 100 possessions. They’ve done it using the offensive glass and a high effective field goal percentage.
The offensive rebounds will always be there. However, the shot-making won’t be nearly as good against the Spurs. After all, the Spurs have allowed teams to shoot just a 53.4% effective field goal percentage and rank No. 1 in the nation in defensive free throw rate.
Many offensive rebounds won’t just win the Grizzlies a game.
The Spurs Could Pile Up Free Throws!
The Spurs aren’t any better offensively. They’re also facing a more difficult defense. But if San Antonio stays aggressive and earns more points at the foul line, the Spurs will be in a position to win this game outright at home.
In addition, San Antonio has turned the ball over just 14.5% of the time, which is slightly above the average in the NBA. If turnovers stay down and foul shooting goes up, the Spurs have a real shot at winning.
Take the Spurs at +110 NBA odds in this game.
NBA Pick: Spurs ML (+110) at Bet365
Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Friday, January 17, 2025 – 10:30 PM ET at crypto.com Arena
The AI Model believes the Nets will only lose to the Lakers, 114-104. I say only because the Nets are +11 via Bet365 and would cover the spread if the scenario happened.
The Nets Can Still Compete!
The Brooklyn Nets were embarrassed last time out against the Clippers. But don’t expect that every game.
After all, the Lakers have allowed 116.1 points per 100 possessions and a 55.5% effective field goal percentage. There’s a real reason to believe the Nets can score at a solid rate against Los Angeles tonight.
Additionally, the Lakers have allowed 28.7% of offensive rebounds, while the Nets have gained 26.8%. Brooklyn has legitimate offensive potential.
Los Angeles Won’t Win On The Glass
The Lakers will shoot well against the Nets and frequently get to the foul line.
However, the Lakers could turn the ball over more, and it won’t be easy on the offensive glass tonight.
The Lakers have gained just above 25.2% of offensive rebounds, while the Nets have given up only 27.6%.
Ride the Nets at +11.
NBA Pick: Nets +11 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
