NBA Betting Guide: Odds, Predictions For Thursday, Jan. 26

NBA Odds, Predictions For Jan. 26

A rematch of the Western Conference semifinals from last season between the Mavericks and Suns highlights our Thursday NBA slate. Scroll down to see who I like to cover the spread in that game and what other plays our BetQL model likes for today.

One trend to note is that the BetQL NBA model is hitting from all over the court, going 51-25 (67%)on all picks rated ⭐⭐ and higher in the last three days for a total return of $1,175 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 basketball games! Start your free trial today!

Bulls at Hornets Prediction

The Chicago Bulls (22-24 SU, 24-20-2 ATS, 21-25 O/U) continue its three-game road trip with a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets (13-36 SU, 20-27-2 ATS, 26-23 O/U) tonight.

The Bulls are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Pacers in which they blew a 21-point lead in the second half. They have a chance to redeem themselves tonight against a Charlotte Hornets team that is terrible. Plus, this is the Hornets' first game back home after a four-game road trip that had some tough travel spots involved. Chicago has been really bad as a road favorite this season, but I don’t think that’s going to be a factor tonight, especially since it already whooped Charlotte by 18 earlier this season. We’re going to see a Bulls team that plays with much more intensity on the defensive end and covers this number on the road.

My Pick: Bulls -6

Mavericks at Suns Prediction

The Dallas Mavericks (24-24 SU, 15-33 ATS, 27-21 O/U) and Phoneix Suns (25-24 SU, 25-23-1 ATS, 24-24-1 O/U) meet tonight in a rematch of last year's Western Conference Semifinals in which the Mavs upset the Suns.

With Cam Johnson back in the lineup for the Suns, their offense has been significantly better than what they’ve shown in recent weeks. Johnson’s ability to knock down shots from deep has opened up Phoenix’s offense, forcing teams to have to defend more on the perimeter. Over its last four games, Phoenix has quietly been the league's top team in a number of categories, including Defensive Rating and Net Rating. I also don’t trust Dallas on the road, especially with the struggles they've been having lately, losing seven of their last 10 games. This is also a big rivalry game after the Mavericks bounced the Suns from the postseason last year, so the Phoenix will come ready to play tonight. 

My Pick: Suns -1.5

Pistons at Nets Prediction

The Brooklyn Nets (29-18 SU, 24-23 ATS, 19-27-1 O/U) return home after playing in Philly last night and now host the Detroit Pistons (13-36 SU, 20-26-3 ATS, 27-22 O/U).

The under in this game is one of our BetQL model's favorite plays today. That is interesting because the Pistons are coming off their worst defensive performance of the season when they gave up 150 points to the Bucks on Monday. Will they get their act together tonight and actually defend tonight? I definitely think we see a better effort from them on that side of the ball. Offensively, Detroit is playing at the fastest pace in the league over the last five games, however, their offensive efficiency numbers have been so bad that those extra possessions haven't exactly mattered. The Nets have also been up and down in terms of scoring with Kevin Durant out of the lineup. They put up quite a few points last night against the Sixers, but I don't see that happening tonight on the back end of a back-to-back. Listen to the model and take the under.

My pick: Pistons vs. Nets Under 232.5

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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 basketball game this week! Start your free trial today!