NBA Betting Guide: Lines, Trends & Picks For Monday, Jan. 9

Today's NBA Betting Lines, Odds & Picks

We kick off a new week with a solid six-game NBA slate. Scroll down to check out my favorite play in each game as well as today's top picks from our BetQL model.

One trend to note is that the BetQL NBA model was on fire over the weekend, going 15-5 (75%) on moneyline picks rated ⭐⭐ and higher in the last three days for a total return of $430 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!

Lakers at Nuggets Prediction

The Denver Nuggets (26-13 SU, 19-19-1 ATS, 18-20-1 O/U) look to even the season series at two games apiece when they play the Los Angeles Lakers 19-21 SU, 17-21-2 ATS, 25-15 O/U) for the fourth and final time this season.

Both of these teams come into this game playing some of their best basketball on the offensive end. The Lakers are on a five-game win streak and are averaging 125.8 points during that span. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have won four of their last five and are averaging 120.2. Denver is shooting a league-high 48.1% from deep in its last five games, while the Lakers have the best field-goal percentage at 53.5% in that stretch. In their last 12 games combined, the Nuggets and Lakers are 7-4-1 to the over, which is why I like that trend to continue tonight.

My pick: Lakers-Nuggets Over 240.5

Magic at Kings Prediction

After beating the Warriors on Saturday, the Orlando Magic (15-25 SU, 21-18-1 ATS, 20-19-1 O/U) continue the California portion of their road trip with a matchup against the Sacramento Kings (20-18 SU, 21-17 ATS, 17-20-1 O/U).

The Kings have been struggling lately, dropping three of their last five, including their last two home games. The Magic have been playing well lately and are coming off a win over the defending champions, but I still think this is a good spot for Sacramento to get things back on track. They rank seventh in the league in fast break points, which is an area that the Magic struggle to defend, so I expect the Kings to try and push the pace. They've also been shooting really well, knocking down over 50% in their last two games. Defense is going to be important tonight, but after giving up 136 points to the Lakers, I'd imagine it'll be a major point of emphasis for them. I'll lay the -6 with the home team.

My pick: Kings -6

Pelicans at Wizards Prediction

The New Orleans Pelicans (24-16 SU, 2020 ATS, 23-17 O/U) make a stop in our nation's capital tonight to take on the Washington Wizards (17-23 SU, 18-21-1 ATS, 21-19 O/U).

The Pelicans are coming off a loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the first game of their current five-game road trip. They come into tonight's matchup with the Wizards as the slight one-point underdog, but I think they'll win this game outright. New Orleans ranks in the top 10 in points off turnovers, second-chance points, fast-break points and points in the paint over its last five road games. The Pelicans' 3-point shooting numbers have taken a huge hit lately, but I'd expect that to start regressing back toward the mean, especially against a Wizards team that ranks 24th in opponent 3-point percentage on the season. Plus, there's a slight chance that the Pels get Brandon Ingram back tonight, which would be a huge boost offensively.

My Pick: Pelicans +1

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!