Monday NBA Best Bets Jan. 19: Will Hawks take down Bucks?

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.

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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:

The consensus public betting leans Hawks -2.5 with nearly 60% of bets on Atlanta covering the spread.
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.
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:

Clippers are a solid favorite with upwards of 60% of public money supporting them on MLK Day.
Washington enters on a six-game skid, and injuries have hit the Wizards hard, while LAC’s stars give them a structural edge.
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?

Multiple handicappers project this as a lower-scoring game with a slow tempo, especially with the New York Knicks controlling pace at home.
Dallas enters banged up, which could further limit scoring efficiency.
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.