NBA Best Bets Friday 1/17/25
Welcome to today’s edition of NBA Best Bets, where we dive into the most promising plays on the NBA slate. With detailed insights and stats-driven analysis, we’ll break down the matchups and explain why each bet stands out. Stick around until the end for a special offer to enhance your betting journey. Let’s get started!
Check out our Free Prop Projections
Prop Projections | Prizepicks Projections | Underdog Projections
Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic) – Over 19.5 Points
Matchup: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics
Suggested Bet: Over 19.5 Points (-260)
Why This Bet?
- Consistency: Banchero has cashed this over in 8 of his last 10 games (80% hit rate), averaging 28.6 PPG during that span.
- Post-Injury Performance: Since returning from injury, he has exceeded 19.5 points in all three games, showing no signs of slowing down.
- Boston Matchup: Historically solid against the Celtics, Banchero averaged 24.3 PPG against them last season, including a 36-point explosion.
- Weak Defense at PF Spot: Boston ranks 25th in points allowed to power forwards, a key position for Banchero.
This is a high-confidence play, as Banchero thrives in favorable matchups like this one.
Mikal Bridges (New York Knicks) – Over 14.5 Points
Matchup: New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Suggested Bet: Over 14.5 Points (-230)
Why This Bet?
- Strong Hit Rate: Bridges has hit this over in 6 of his last 10 games, averaging 17.2 PPG during that span.
- Recent Matchups: Against Minnesota, he’s been exceptional, cashing this over in his last three meetings and averaging 21.6 PPG.
- Minnesota’s Defensive Struggles: The Timberwolves rank 27th in points allowed to small forwards, surrendering 23.1 PPG on average.
Bridges has a proven track record in this matchup and offers tremendous value at this line.
Grady Dick (Toronto Raptors) – Over 9.5 Points
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Suggested Bet: Over 9.5 Points (-190)
Why This Bet?
- Reliable Performer: Dick has exceeded this line in 7 of his last 10 games, averaging 11.2 PPG during this stretch.
- Matchup Success: Against the Bucks, he has cashed this over in four straight games, including a 32-point showing earlier this season.
- Key Factors: With Gary Trent Jr. questionable, Dick’s minutes and shot volume are likely to increase.
The Bucks’ perimeter defense has shown vulnerabilities, making this a smart play.
Nikola Vučević (Chicago Bulls) – Over 9.5 Rebounds
Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets
Suggested Bet: Over 9.5 Rebounds (-175)
Why This Bet?
- Rebounding Machine: Vučević has hit this mark in 8 of his last 10 games, averaging 12.1 RPG.
- Hornets Matchup: He’s dominated Charlotte, cashing this over in 4 of his last 5 meetings, including a 13-rebound performance earlier this season.
- Hornets’ Weak Interior Defense: Charlotte ranks 16th in rebounds allowed to centers, giving up 12.7 RPG.
Vučević has been a reliable rebounding option all season, and this matchup only enhances his potential.
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) – Over 7.5 Rebounds
Matchup: Miami Heat vs. Denver Nuggets
Suggested Bet: Over 7.5 Rebounds (-185)
Why This Bet?
- Elite Consistency: Bam has exceeded this line in 8 of his last 10 games, averaging 8.8 RPG.
- Denver Struggles: The Nuggets rank 25th in rebounds allowed to centers, giving up 13.6 RPG.
- Matchup History: Bam has hit this over in his last three meetings with Denver, including a 9-rebound game earlier this season.
Given Denver’s rebounding issues and Bam’s consistent form, this is a solid bet.
Recap of Best Bets
- Paolo Banchero – Over 19.5 Points
- Mikal Bridges – Over 14.5 Points
- Grady Dick – Over 9.5 Points
- Nikola Vučević – Over 9.5 Rebounds
- Bam Adebayo – Over 7.5 Rebounds
Are you ready to win more?
Maximize your betting and fantasy picks with Oddsjam. Oddsjam’s powerful tools and insights, including Promo Finder, Bet Tracker, and +EV Bets, can help you stay ahead of the game. Sign up today for a 7-day free trial and take your betting strategy to the next level!
Good luck, and let’s cash those bets tonight!