Friday features 6 games on the NBA slate with start times ranging from 7:00 PM ET to 10:00 PM ET. Can the Nets cover the 1.5-point spread as home favorites against the Bulls? Will the Clippers defeat the Raptors by 2+ points at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto? I’ll pick both contests below. Read on for our Friday NBA Best Bets Jan. 16 article.
NBA Best Bet: Brooklyn Nets -1.5 over Chicago Bulls
I like Brooklyn here. The Nets are primed to cover the 1.5-point spread as home favorites against the Bulls due to their ATS consistency in specific scheduling scenarios. This season, Brooklyn has been highly reliable on short turnarounds, posting a 13-6-1 ATS record with one day of rest. Their familiarity with Eastern Conference rivals shows in their 14-10 ATS conference mark, and they hold a steady 10-7-1 ATS record when facing opponents on equal rest this season. Expect Brooklyn’s disciplined play to stifle Chicago’s offense late in the game, securing a narrow but outright victory at home. Final score projection: BROOKLYN NETS 112, CHICAGO BULLS 109.
NBA Best Bet: Toronto Raptors +1.5 over Los Angeles Clippers
I’d take Toronto in this game. The Raptors are well-positioned to cover the 1.5-point spread as home underdogs for a litany of reasons. This season, Toronto has excelled when overlooked, boasting an 11-7 ATS record as an underdog. Their adaptability is evident in a 17-13 ATS mark in non-division games, and they have historically held their own against the Clippers, going 5-3 ATS in their last eight meetings with Los Angeles. With their length and home-court energy, expect Toronto to disrupt the Clippers’ rhythm and secure an outright victory. Final score projection: TORONTO RAPTORS 108, LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS 104.
Friday NBA Best Bets Jan. 16
- Brooklyn Nets -1.5
- Toronto Raptors +1.5