Will the Hawks cover as a 2.5-point home favorite when they take on the Bucks at 1:00 p.m. ET? Will the Clippers cover as a 7-point favorite when they visit the Wizards at 3:00 p.m. ET? Is the total for the Mavericks-Knicks matchup too high? Our Monday NBA Best Bets Jan. 19 column offers selections for all three matchups.
NBA Best Bet: Hawks -2.5 (vs. Bucks)
Game Info: Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks — 1:00 PM ET
Bet: Hawks -2.5 (spread)
Why This Pick:
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The consensus public betting leans Hawks -2.5 with nearly 60% of bets on Atlanta covering the spread.
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Atlanta is favored in many projections despite both teams struggling this season, and the Hawks’ home crowd pace and recent form make them appealing on the MLK matinee slate.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the central piece for Milwaukee, but the Bucks are slipping with recent losses and matchups skew toward Atlanta here.
Betting Angle: Hawks cover at -2.5 offers more upside than the moneyline — this spread reflects confidence without overpaying for a straight Win bet.
NBA Best Bet: Clippers -7 (at Wizards)
Game Info: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Washington Wizards — 3:00 PM ET
Bet: Clippers -7 (spread)
Why This Pick:
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Clippers are a solid favorite with upwards of 60% of public money supporting them on MLK Day.
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Washington enters on a six-game skid, and injuries have hit the Wizards hard, while LAC’s stars give them a structural edge.
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Betting models show the Clippers have tempo and defensive advantages that should translate into a comfortable win if key players stay healthy.
Betting Angle: If Washington veers toward an uptempo game, Clippers’ experience and efficiency should shine — look for them to cover a moderate number.
Best Bet: Knicks/Mavericks under 230.5
Game: New York Knicks vs. Dallas Mavericks — 5:00 PM ET
Pick: UNDER 229.5 Points
Why This Pick?
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Multiple handicappers project this as a lower-scoring game with a slow tempo, especially with the New York Knicks controlling pace at home.
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Dallas enters banged up, which could further limit scoring efficiency.
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A disciplined defensive Knicks squad plus a Mavericks offense missing key contributors makes the under a compelling play.
📉 Betting Angle: Avoid the volatility of a moneyline and take advantage of game pace and injuries.
Monday NBA Best Bets Jan. 19
- Atlanta Hawks -2.5
- Los Angeles Clippers -7
- Knicks/Mavericks under 230.5