Saturday features 9 games on the NBA slate with start times ranging from 5:00 PM ET to 10:00 PM ET. Can the Knicks cover the 3.5-point spread as home favorites against the Suns? Will the Warriors defeat the Hornets by 7+ points at the Chase Center in San Francisco? I’ll pick both contests below. Read on for our Saturday NBA Best Bets Jan. 17 article.
NBA Best Bet: Phoenix Suns +3.5 over New York Knicks
I like Phoenix here. The Suns are well-positioned to cover the 3.5-point spread at Madison Square Garden tonight. Phoenix has been a remarkably reliable bet in this situation all year, posting a 14-10 ATS record as an underdog and a strong 14-8 ATS mark in road games. Their efficiency against cross-conference foes is also notable, going 5-3 ATS in non-conference matchups this season. Having already defeated New York 112-107 just last week, the Suns’ defensive discipline and road resilience should allow them to keep this game within a single possession or secure the outright upset. Final score projection: PHOENIX SUNS 114, NEW YORK KNICKS 112.
NBA Best Bet: Charlotte Hornets +6.5 over Golden State Warriors
I’d take Charlotte in this game. The Hornets head into Golden State with a strong statistical profile to cover the 6.5-point spread. This season, the Hornets have been exceptionally profitable for bettors in this role, boasting a 21-13 ATS record as underdogs in 2025-26. Their road tenacity is equally impressive, with a 13-9 ATS mark as the visiting team. Additionally, Charlotte has shown great consistency in playing well on tight turnarounds, going 12-10 ATS when playing on exactly one day of rest this season. Expect the Hornets’ energetic transition game to keep pace with the Warriors’ scoring, keeping the final margin within two possessions. Final score projection: GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 116, CHARLOTTE HORNETS 112.
Saturday NBA Best Bets Jan. 17
- Phoenix Suns +3.5
- Charlotte Hornets +6.5
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.