Sunday features 10 games on the NBA slate with start times ranging from 3:30 PM ET to 9:30 PM ET. Can the Lakers cover the 4.5-point spread as road underdogs against the Knicks? Will the Thunder defeat the Nuggets by 5+ points at Ball Arena in Denver? Both games are on NBC and Peacock, and I’ll pick both contests below. Read on for our Sunday NBA Best Bets Feb. 1 article.
NBA Best Bet: New York Knicks -4.5 over Los Angeles Lakers
I like the Knicks here. New York is well-positioned to cover the 4.5-point spread as home favorites due to their exceptional consistency at Madison Square Garden in 2025-26. New York’s dominance in this specific environment is backed by a robust 17-8 ATS record as the home team and an even more focused 16-8 ATS mark as a home favorite this year. Coming off a string of strong performances, the Knicks have also proven they can maintain momentum, sporting an 18-12 ATS record after a win this season. With Jalen Brunson’s elite playmaking and the Lakers playing their 7th straight road game, the Knicks’ stifling home defense should allow them to pull away in the fourth quarter. Final score projection: NEW YORK KNICKS 118, LOS ANGELES LAKERS 111.
NBA Best Bet: Denver Nuggets +4.5 over Oklahoma City Thunder
I’d take Denver in this game. The Nuggets are primed to cover the 4.5-point spread due to their “Mile High” home-court advantage and historic dominance over the Thunder. Denver has been a reliable bet in this spot, going 4-3 ATS as a home underdog and 4-1 ATS in division games this year. Despite the league’s scheduling quirks, the Nuggets thrive on short turnarounds, boasting an incredible 8-1 ATS record when playing with the rest disadvantage this season. When you consider that the Nuggets have a 7-3 ATS record in their last 10 matchups against Oklahoma City, it becomes easy to see that Denver’s veteran poise should keep this contest within a single possession. Final score projection: DENVER NUGGETS 114, OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 112.
Sunday NBA Best Bets Feb. 1
- New York Knicks -4.5
- Denver Nuggets +4.5
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