Sunday features 6 games on the NBA slate with start times ranging from 12:00 PM ET to 9:30 PM ET. Can the Nuggets cover the 2.5-point spread as home favorites against the Hornets? Will the Kings defeat the Trail Blazers by 3+ points at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento? I’ll pick both contests below. Read on for our Sunday NBA Best Bets Jan. 18 article.
NBA Best Bet: Charlotte Hornets +2.5 over Denver Nuggets
I like Charlotte here. The Hornets are a compelling pick to cover the 2.5-point spread against Denver because of their remarkable resilience and efficiency in tough scheduling spots. This season, the Hornets have proven they can bounce back, going 16-10 ATS after a loss. They are particularly dangerous in back-to-back situations, boasting a stellar 7-1 ATS record when playing on no rest, and they maintain a solid 14-9 ATS mark when facing an opponent on equal rest this season. Given their ability to thrive under pressure and fatigue, expect Charlotte to keep this contest extremely tight. Final score projection: DENVER NUGGETS 112, CHARLOTTE HORNETS 111.
NBA Best Bet: Portland Trail Blazers +2.5 over Sacramento Kings
I’d take Portland in this game. The Trail Blazers are a strong candidate to cover the 2.5-point spread against Sacramento, as they have consistently thrived in challenging scheduling spots this season. Portland has been incredibly tough to beat on the second night of back-to-backs, posting a stellar 6-1 ATS record when playing on no rest this year. They also excel when the schedule is not in their favor, going 4-1 ATS when playing with a rest disadvantage this season. Combined with a solid 17-14 ATS mark in conference games in 2025-26, Portland’s grit and ability to perform when fatigued make them a dangerous road underdog. Final score projection: PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS 110, SACRAMENTO KINGS 107.
Sunday NBA Best Bets Jan. 18
- Charlotte Hornets +2.5
- Portland Trail Blazers +2.5
Follow: Twitter/X · Bluesky · Facebook
Responsible Gaming
For help and resources, visit our Responsible Gaming page or the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Affiliate Disclosure
We may receive affiliate commissions if you sign up through links on our site. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure.