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Top NBA Betting Picks for Thursday, January 28

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After an action-packed 12-game slate last night, we’re down to just four matchups this evening. Five of these teams are on the wrong sides of a back-to-back, too, so monitor the late scratches closely.

Here are the top NBA betting plays for Thursday, January 28, provided by BettingPros experts Raju Byfield and Isaiah Sirois (Main game odds courtesy BettingPros Consensus; lock and prop odds sites may vary):

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Betting Locks of the Day

Bisson: Clippers and Heat Under 213.5 (-110 at FD Sportsbook)

Oof. We got our first glimpse of what the Clippers look like with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George sidelined due to COVID-19 protocols – and the result was not so good for L.A. backers or over bettors, with the Clippers dropping a 108-99 decision in Atlanta. The Heat will likely be missing plenty of firepower, too, and with both clubs running below-average paces, this one could be a bit of a slog.

Sirois: Warriors +2.5 (-114 at FD Sportsbook)

Both of these teams are on back-to-backs, and with the Suns trending down recently, I’m all over the Warriors plus the points. Golden State didn’t have to try very hard to take down the KAT-less T’Wolves, and some of their key players didn’t need to play a ton of minutes. For example, Draymond Green played barely more than a half hour, while Kelly Oubre only needed to play 24 minutes. Meanwhile, the Suns had to lean on Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton without Devin Booker last night, and they still lost. I’m confident that the Warriors will at least cover against a floundering Suns team tonight.

Best Team Props of the Day

Bisson: Rockets Over 117.5 (-102 at FD Sportsbook)

We might finally get to see what the re-tooled Rockets are supposed to look like, with star forward Christian Wood expected to return Thursday (if you believe him). He joins the guard tandem of John Wall and Victor Oladipo to form an impressive triple threat – and they should stomp a Trail Blazers unit that boasts the league’s second-worst defensive efficiency. This game could very well end up being the exact opposite of Clippers-Heat.

Sirois: Heat Under 108.5 Points (-106 at FD Sportsbook)

The Miami Heat average 106.2 points per game. That number drops to 97 when you look at just their last three appearances. Although they should beat a limited Clippers team tonight, the Atlanta Hawks couldn’t even clear this total against them on Tuesday. Currently the second-slowest team in the league, the Clippers won’t allow Miami enough scoring opportunities for the over to hit.

Best Player Props of the Day

Bisson: Steph Curry Under 28.5 Points (-118 at FD Sportsbook)

Taking the under on a Steph Curry point prop is often the quickest path to a rough night. But plenty is working against him here: He’s playing the second leg of a back-to-back, and on the road, no less. The Suns play the second-slowest pace in the league, and Curry has exceeded 28 points just four times in the last 11 games. I’m fading him here, which probably means he’s putting up a 40-burger.

Sirois: Christian Wood Over 9.5 Rebounds (-106 at FD Sportsbook)

This is a great play as long as Wood suits up. He averages 10.8 rebounds per game, and the Blazers are giving up 13.5 boards per game to opposing centers. Sure, it would be his first game back, but he’s told the press that he feels 100% after his multi-game absence, and we haven’t heard anything about a minutes limit. Look for him to dominate off the glass against a banged-up Portland squad.

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