Friday features 8 games on the NBA slate with start times ranging from 7:00 PM ET to 10:00 PM ET. Can the Hawks cover the 2.5-point spread as home underdogs against the Suns? Will the Raptors defeat the Trail Blazers by 5+ points at the Moda Center in Portland? I’ll pick both contests below. Read on for our Friday NBA Best Bets Jan. 23 article.
NBA Best Bet: Atlanta Hawks +2.5 over Phoenix Suns
I like the Hawks here. Atlanta is primed to cover the 2.5-point spread against the Suns because they’ve been solid in this spot this year. The Hawks are 6-4 ATS as home underdogs this season. Despite the rest disadvantage, Atlanta has excelled in this specific scenario, going 8-4 ATS this season when playing on shorter rest than their opponent. Their success in non-conference matchups (13-6 ATS) further suggests they can handle Phoenix’s star power. With Jalen Johnson’s playmaking and the Hawks’ steady home-court performance, they are well-positioned to keep this contest close or pull off the upset. Final score projection: ATLANTA HAWKS 118, PHOENIX SUNS 117.
NBA Best Bet: Portland Trail Blazers +4.5 over Toronto Raptors
I’d take Portland in this game. The Trail Blazers are strong candidates to cover the 4.5-point spread as home underdogs, largely due to their remarkable resilience in challenging scheduling spots. This season, Portland has been elite on the second night of back-to-backs, posting a 7-1 ATS record on no rest and a 5-1 ATS mark when playing with a rest disadvantage. Their 11-4 ATS record as home underdogs further highlights their ability to keep games competitive at the Moda Center. Combined with an 8-5 ATS record in non-conference play, Portland’s grit should keep them within striking distance of Toronto, or even lead them to an outright upset win. Final score projection: PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS 115, TORONTO RAPTORS 113.
Friday NBA Best Bets Jan. 23
- Atlanta Hawks +2.5
- Portland Trail Blazers +4.5
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