NBA Betting Guide: Lines, Trends & Picks For Thursday, Jan. 5

Today's NBA Betting Lines, Odds & Picks

We had a great 3-0 night in the NBA last night, so let's keep it rolling! There are only four games on the board tonight and only two plays that I feel strongly about. Scroll down to see where I think we can find some value as well as which picks our BetQL model likes.

One trend to note is that the BetQL NBA model is on fire, going 147-112 (58%) combined on spread and total picks rated ⭐⭐ and higher in the last 30 days for a total return of $2,164 on $100 bets! Take advantage of BetQL's free trial and see all of today's best NBA bets, plus what the model is projecting for this week's NFL, NHL, and NCAA football and basketball games! Start your free trial today!

Celtics at Mavericks Prediction

After a terrible loss at OKC on Tuesday, the Boston Celtics (26-12 SU, 20-17-1 ATS, 18-17-3 O/U) look to bounce back with a road win against the Dallas Mavericks (22-16 SU, 13-22-3 ATS, 22-16 O/U).

I'm going to play the first-half under 119 in this game because not only does our BetQL model make this a ⭐⭐⭐⭐ play, but I agree with it. The Celtics got absolutely embarrassed by the Thunder in their last outing, giving up 150 points to an OKC team that didn't have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In their postgame press conference, the Celtics admitted that they took the Thunder lightly. I don't think that will be the case tonight against a Mavs team that has won their last seven games, which makes me think that Boston is going to come out strong defensively. The Celtics are also a better first-half under team on the road, hitting the under in seven of their last 10. Dallas is also the second-best under team in the first half, staying below the total in 13 of their 20 home games.

My pick: 1H Under 119

Clippers at Nuggets Prediction

The Denver Nuggets (24-13 SU, 17-19-1 ATS, 17-19-1 O/U) face the Los Angeles Clippers (21-18 SU, 20-19 ATS, 16-23 O/U) for the second time this season but the first at Ball Arena.

Nuggets games have resulted in some pretty high totals recently with each of their last four games and five of their last seven going over this number. The last time these two teams met was in late November, and that game finished with only 218 points, but L.A. was without both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers offense is significantly better with both of those players in the game. Denver also only shot 33% from 3, well below their season mark of 39%, which ranks first in the league.

My pick: Clippers-Nuggets Over 228.5

MORE NBA: STAFF PICKS | PLAYER PROPS

Take advantage of BetQL's free trial and see all of today's best NBA bets, including player props, plus what the model is projecting for every NFL, NHL and NCAA football and basketball game this week! Start your free trial today!