NBA Daily Best Bets for Thursday, Jan. 22
Summary
The Houston Rockets, on a three-game win streak, face the Philadelphia 76ers, who are missing key players like Joel Embiid. Given Philadelphia’s recent struggles and Houston’s strong rebounding, the Rockets are favored to cover a -2 point spread.
In other matchups, the Dallas Mavericks, riding a three-game win streak, are picked to cover against the Golden State Warriors, who are reeling from Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury. For the Los Angeles clash, the Lakers are favored on the money line against the Clippers, who may be without Kawhi Leonard and are coming off a loss.
Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers 7:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Rockets | -2 (-110) | -135 | O222 (-110) |
| 76ers | +2 (-110) | +115 | U222 (-110) |
Houston Rockets (26-16)
The Rockets have won three straight, including a dramatic come-from-behind win against the Spurs on Tuesday. Houston trailed by 16 before rallying for a 111-106 win as Alperen Sengun led the way with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists. The Rockets have been dominant on the glass, leading the league in rebounding (49.0) and offensive boards 16.1).
Philadelphia 76ers (23-19)
The 76ers are coming off a 116-110 loss to the Suns on Tuesday in a game they played without
Philadelphia was without Joel Embiid (right ankle injury management) and Paul George (left knee injury management). Rookie VJ Edgecombe led the way with 25 points while Tyrese Maxey added 20. Philadelphia has struggled at home, just 11-12 this season.Â
Recent Betting Trends
The 76ers are 24-18 ATS this season (57%).
The Rockets are 20-21 ATS this season (48.8%).
Philadelphia is 13-5 (72.2%) ATS after a loss.
Houston is 12-11 ATS as the road team this season.
Prediction
Check the status of Joel Embiid before this one, as he continues to be in and out of the lineup due to load management. The Rockets have been playing really well of late, and with the 76ers losing four of the last six, Houston is the pick here.  BEST BET: Rockets -2Â
Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks 7:30 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Warriors | -5.5 (-110) | -225 | O235.5 (-110) |
| Mavericks | +5.5 (-110) | +189 | U235.5 (-110) |
Golden State Warriors (25-20)
In their first game without Jimmy Butler, the Warriors were blown out by the Raptors on Tuesday, 145-127. The Golden State star is out for the season after a season-ending right knee injury. The Warriors fell behind 70-50 at the half and never climbed back into the game. They committed 18 turnovers that led to 34 points for the Raptors. Golden State begins a four-game road trip in Dallas. Check the latest NBA odds to see how the market is reacting.
Dallas Mavericks (18-26)
The Mavericks have won three straight, including a big 114-97 win against the Knicks on Monday. Cooper Flagg had 18 points and seven rebounds and is having a great rookie season. Dallas has eight players averaging double digits in points and is 22nd overall in scoring (114.2) while allowing (116.6), 19th in the NBA.Â
Recent Betting Trends
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
The Warriors are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 road games.
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
The Mavs are 6-0 ATS in the last six home games vs the Warriors.
Prediction
The Warriors suffered a major blow with the Butler injury, and the effect was clearly seen in the game vs Toronto. Can Jonathan Kuminga fill in after 20 points in his first game in 17? The Mavericks are playing well and have covered vs. the Warriors in their last 6 at home. That trend continues on Thursday. BEST BET: Mavs +5.5
Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers 10:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Lakers | +1 (-110) | -109 | O223.5 (-110) |
| Clippers | -1 (-110) | -111 | U223.5 (-110) |
Los Angeles Lakers (26-16)
The Lakers have earned two straight wins vs. top-tier teams, beating the Raptors and the short-handed Nuggets. Luka Doncic posted a triple-double (38, 13, and 10) vs Denver on Tuesday, while LeBron James, who was left off the All-Star starting five for the first time since his rookie year, added 19 points.  Center DeAndre Ayton is out due to a left eye injury, and his status for Thursday’s game isn’t known yet.
Los Angeles Clippers (19-24)
The Clippers are one of the hottest teams in the league, but had their 6-game winning streak halted by the Bulls Sunday in a game where L.A. allowed 25 three-pointers. L.A. is 7-3 in the last ten games. Kawhi Leonard, who leads the Clippers in scoring (28.2), missed his third straight game. The star forward has been dealing with a sprained right ankle and bruised left knee. Â
Recent Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers’ last 6 games.
The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 games against the LA Clippers.
The Clippers are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games.
The LA Clippers are 6-1 SU in the last seven.
The Clippers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games at home.
Prediction
While this isn’t really a home or road game for either team, you have to like the Lakers in this spot. Leonard is likely to sit this one out, and Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer (33.6), has been on fire, scoring at least 30 in seven of the last ten games. BEST BET: Lakers ML
