Friday’s NBA slate offers plenty of betting value, with intriguing matchups and key trends shaping the best plays. From the Pelicans looking to keep it close against the Celtics to a low-scoring battle between the Clippers and Hornets, here are our top NBA bets for January 31.
Pelicans +11 vs. Celtics (-112, FanDuel)
Although Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones will both be out for the Pelicans, Dejounte Murray is probable and Zion Williamson will play. Boston’s Sam Hauser is questionable and Al Horford is probable, but I think the value is clearly on the side of New Orleans. The Celtics own the NBA’s worst ATS record coming off a win: 6-25-1 ATS (19.4% cover rate) and have been playing inconsistent ball on both ends of the floor. The last time these two teams met, Boston beat New Orleans 120-119 back on January 12 and with Zion, Murray, CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III all healthy for New Orleans, I expect them to keep this final score within striking distance.
Clippers at Hornets Under 214.5 Points (-105, BetMGM)
The Hornets have gone 16-28 to the O/U (63.6% under win rate, most in NBA) while the Clippers have gone 18-28 to the O/U (60.9% under win rate, 2nd-most in NBA). Not only that, but Charlotte has gone 6-18 to the O/U at home (75% under win rate, most in NBA) while the Clippers have gone 7-14-1 to the O/U on the road (66.7% under win rate, 2nd-most in NBA). Los Angeles owns the 2nd-best Defensive Rating in the NBA while the Hornets rank 14th in that regard and Charlotte will be without LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, Tre Mann, Cody Martin, Brandon Miller and Grant Williams. Last game in this situation, the Hornets scored just 83 points at home against the Nets, so they should have a difficult time scoring against one of the Association’s top defenses. Give me the under.
Previous Picks This Week (5-3, +2.48 Units)
Monday: ✅ Rockets +6.5 at Celtics (-110, BetMGM) ✅Grizzlies at Knicks Over 240.5 (-110, BetMGM)
Tuesday: ❌ Lakers -3.5 at 76ers (-110, BetMGM)
Wednesday: ❌ Knicks Over 122.5 Team Total vs. Nuggets (+100, BetMGM) ✅Nets +2.5 at Hornets (-105, BetMGM)
Thursday: ❌ Grizzlies -4.5 vs. Rockets (-110, BetMGM) ✅ Hawks at Cavaliers Over 238.5 (-110, FanDuel) ✅ Trail Blazers ML vs. Magic (+180, Caesars)
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