Saturday features 8 games on the NBA slate with start times ranging from 5:00 PM ET to 10:30 PM ET. Can the Knicks cover the 3.5-point spread as home favorites against the 76ers? Will the Clippers defeat the Celtics by 2+ points at the Intuit Dome? Both games will be available on NBA TV, and I’ll pick both contests below. Read on for our Saturday NBA Best Bets Jan. 3 article.
NBA Best Bet: New York Knicks -3.5 over Philadelphia 76ers
I like New York here. The Knicks are in a good spot to cover the 3.5-point spread as home favorites on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. New York’s home-court dominance is backed by a stellar 13-5 ATS record as the home team and a consistent 17-13 ATS mark when favored this year. Furthermore, the Knicks have excelled in high-stakes rivalry matchups, going 5-2 ATS in division games this season. With Jalen Brunson’s elite scoring and Mikal Bridges’ elite efficiency, the Knicks’ top-tier offense should outpace a 76ers squad that historically struggles to keep up with New York’s pace at the Garden. Final score projection: NEW YORK KNICKS 118, PHILADELPHIA 76ERS 112.
NBA Best Bet: Los Angeles Clippers -1.5 over Boston Celtics
I’d take the Clippers in this game. Los Angeles is primed to cover the 1.5-point spread as home favorites against Boston tonight. Riding an elite surge, the Clippers are 6-0 straight up and 6-0 ATS in their last six games. They face a fatigued Boston squad playing their 5th straight road game, a grueling stretch that often drains a traveling team’s legs. Furthermore, Los Angeles is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings with the Celtics. Led by Kawhi Leonard’s 28.5 PPG and James Harden’s playmaking, the Clippers’ momentum should outpace a weary Celtics defense at the Intuit Dome. Final score projection: LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS 115, BOSTON CELTICS 111.
Saturday NBA Best Bets Jan. 3
- New York Knicks -3.5
- Los Angeles Clippers -1.5