Wednesday NBA Best Bets Jan. 7: Will Suns continue to cash for bettors?

The Suns are 9-1 against the spread over their last 10 games. Will their strong ATS play continue tonight when they visit the Grizzlies at 8:00 p.m. ET? Our Wednesday NBA Best Bets Jan. 7 column hands out three selections for tonight’s games, including the one in Memphis.

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NBA Best Bet: Toronto Raptors -1.5 (at Memphis)

Prediction: Raptors by 3 (or cover -1.5)

Toronto hits Charlotte on a slight road favorite line, and this feels like a smart lean to the Raptors covering at -1.5.

The Raptors have been one of the better defensive teams in the league, holding opponents under 113 points per game — a top-5 defensive mark this season — while the Hornets allow nearly 118 PPG on the other end. Toronto’s ability to clamp down on that end will be pivotal.

Key Factors:

Toronto’s recent form: Raptors are 3–1 in their last four with strong offense from Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes.
Injuries favor depth: Jakob Poeltl is out (Raptors), but Charlotte has multiple frontcourt absences (Ryan Kalkbrenner out, Mason Plumlee out, Grant Williams out), while Brandon Miller is only probable.
Hornets inconsistency: Charlotte’s defense breaks down too easily and their + over-pace offense tends to stall late.

Toronto also has solid road success and a scoring arsenal that should handle the Hornets’ scrambling defense — especially with LaMelo Ball’s efficiency volatile this year. Take the Raptors to cover -1.5 in this one.

Bet Tip: Raptors -1.5 is a strong side given defensive advantage and depth.

NBA Best Bet: Los Angeles Clippers +5 (at Knicks)

Prediction: Clippers +5

At first glance, the Knicks look like the stronger team on paper: they’re 23–13 and solid at home. But digging deeper, this line has value on the road for LAC.

Why this works:

Clippers on a roll: LA is 7–3 over its last 10 games and just not getting enough respect. They beat Golden State 103-102 recently, showcasing toughness and capacity to hang in tight contests.
Knicks offense stagnant: New York is sliding, losing 4 straight with offensive fluidity issues — especially since Josh Hart’s absence has hurt ball movement and playmaking.
Clippers shot creators: Kawhi Leonard averages over 28 PPG this season and drives the offense, while James Harden’s status as questionable complicates Knicks’ defensive planning.
Knicks missing rotation pieces: Landry Shamet (shoulder) and Josh Hart (ankle) are out, limiting perimeter shooting and defensive versatility for New York.

All signs point to the Clippers keeping this tight — don’t be afraid of the +5 and the value on LAC in a potential low-scoring, grind-type game. The Knicks shouldn’t blow them out given recent struggles, meaning +5 is a sharp play.

NBA Best Bet: Phoenix Suns -4.5 (at Memphis)

Prediction: Suns -4.5

Phoenix enters Memphis at a line around Suns -4.5, and we like the Suns to deliver here for several reasons:

Phoenix trend crushing ATS: Suns are excellent against the spread this season, especially when favored by 4.5+, going 6–0 ATS in those spots.
Grizzlies inconsistent at home: Memphis’ recent form is sketchy — 1–4 ATS in last five and just 16–20 overall.
Suns offensive balance: Phoenix has versatile scorers (Devin Booker leading the way) and improved bench contributions which help sustain leads late.
Injury wheelhouse: Memphis has multiple day-to-day guys like Ja Morant (right calf), Brandon Clarke (calf), and more listed in injury questions. Even if they play, limited mobility could slow their transition offense and defensive recovery.
Phoenix executes on road: Suns have been solid away from home — particularly against teams with defensive holes like Memphis.

The Suns’ formula for winning: efficient shooting from perimeter and limiting transition points. In a matchup where Memphis’ rebound/second-chance scoring isn’t elite, Phoenix should cover the -4.5 spread fairly comfortably.