Navigate

Top NBA Betting Picks for Wednesday, January 13

by |

Another day, another delayed game. As the NBA tries to stay on track during the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s just be thankful for the basketball we do have!

Here are the top NBA betting plays for Wednesday, January 13, provided by BettingPros experts James Bisson, Raju Byfield, and Isaiah Sirois (Main game odds courtesy BettingPros Consensus; lock and prop odds sites may vary):

Check out our daily NBA consensus game odds here >>

Betting Locks of the Day

Bisson: Pelicans-Clippers Under 218 (-110 at FD Sportsbook)

This is one time when you’re far better off ignoring recent history between the teams. The Pelicans and Clippers have combined for 225+ points in all seven of their meetings dating back to the start of the 2018-19 season – and that trend might compel some bettors to jump on the over 218 here. But both teams play at a below-average pace, and the Pelicans, in particular, have been stout defensively.

Byfield: Nets -6 (-110 at FD Sportsbook)

Kyrie who? In all seriousness, the Nets are more than talented enough to win the East without Kyrie Irving, so don’t get caught up in his absence, especially against a team like the New York Knicks, who remain a laughingstock outside of Julius Randle. The Nets should win this one easily and should push for a double-digit victory barring an unexpected inactive.

Sirois: Grizzlies +2.5 (-110 at FD Sportsbook)

I’m a little surprised that the T’Wolves are favored here. Yes, they should have Karl Anthony-Towns again tonight, but Minnesota couldn’t beat the Spurs with him in the lineup. While Minnesota outranks Memphis in offensive efficiency (26th to 28th), Memphis vastly outranks Minnesota fourth in defensive efficiency (4th to 28th). Memphis’ defense should keep this close enough to cover — or win outright — even against KAT.

Best Team Props of the Day

Bisson: Bucks First Half Over 59.5 (-106 at FD Sportsbook)

The Bucks have picked up right where they left off last season (okay, last regular season), leading the NBA in first-half scoring at 62.5 points per game. And they’ve already victimized Detroit twice in the opening half this season, scoring 67 and 82 points, respectively, in their previous two meetings. By comparison, this total seems tame – so I’m jumping on the over.

Byfield: Bucks First Quarter Over 29.5 (-128 at FD Sportsbook)

Milwaukee scored 44 and 33 first-quarter points in their two previous games against the Pistons, and they are a fantastic bet to do so once again. The Pistons offers little defensive resistance and are facing a team that has averaged 31.5 first-quarter points per game on the season. Detroit has surrendered an average of 29.1 first-quarter points per game. Lock this one in before the number rises at FanDuel.

Sirois: Clippers Under 112.5 (-106 at FD Sportsbook)

The Clippers are averaging fewer points per game than this line (111.8), and the Pelicans give up the fifth-fewest points per game to their opponents (106.6). While New Orleans’ rate of points allowed has ticked up over their last three games, both of these teams play at an extremely slow pace, and I don’t expect to see a ton of points tonight. Like James said, you’re better off ignoring the recent team trends.

Best Player Props of the Day

Bisson: CJ McCollum Over 3.5 Three-Pointers (-110 at FD Sportsbook)

He’s heating up! This NBA Jam reference is brought to you by McCollum, who has been sizzling from beyond the arc of late, having made 21 of his 45 attempts over the past four games. That includes knocking down six three-pointers in Saturday’s dominant win over a Kings team allowing opponents to shoot 42 percent from deep over their past three. CJ should feast again.

Byfield: Jerami Grant Over 22.5 points (-102 at FD Sportsbook)

Grant scored 24 and 31 against the Bucks earlier this month and was able to do so despite shooting just .400 and .450, respectively. Grant is going to continue to fill it up with the extra shots he has been afforded and is a strong bet to hit at least 23 points — even if Derrick Rose makes his return to the lineup. Ride with Grant at 22.5 until the wheels fall off.

Sirois: C.J. McCollum Over 25.5 Points (-108 at FD Sportsbook)

McCollum has been electric this year. He’s averaging 28.1 points per game, and he dropped 37 on the Kings just a few days ago — and he did it in only 29 minutes! McCollum is scoring 0.81 points per minute, so he should clear this total in roughly half an hour of playing time. It helps that the Kings give up the most points per game (27.6) to opposing shooting guards.

View our daily NBA matchups pages here >>

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | iHeartRadio