The 2023-24 NBA season has begun and we’re excited over here at VSiN. As always, Jonathan Von Tobel will be providing you with his exceptional coverage of the greatest league in the world. Just click here for all of his content. However, all of my picks will be featured in this daily column, which will combine my NBA best bets and NBA player props. So, keep reading to find out how I’m playing the NBA slate on Friday, January 26. Also, check out our NBA Odds page for the latest line movement.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on January 26
2023 Record: 170-151-1 (+15.18 units)
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NBA Best Bets Today – January 26
Los Angeles Clippers at Toronto Raptors – 7:30 pm ET
This is the start of a seven-game road trip for the Clippers, who come into this game after having won 11 of their last 13 games. They’re really rolling at the moment, but I think this is a tricky spot for them. Even after two days of rest, I just wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a slight dip in tenacity from Los Angeles tonight. That’s only natural for a group that has a potential NBA Finals preview with the Boston Celtics tomorrow night. Meanwhile, Toronto hasn’t played since Monday and will be hungry to get back in the win column after having lost seven of its last eight. I’m not sure the Raptors will actually get there, but I think this one will be close.
The Raptors actually played the Clippers close in Los Angeles a few weeks back, losing 126-120 as 10-point road underdogs. Well, this team will be in much better shape with this being in Toronto, where it’s always tough for road teams to play. It’s also big that Los Angeles will be without Ivica Zubac here, as Toronto is still without Jakob Poeltl. That somewhat cancels out a big absence for the Raptors. I’m also not too concerned about Immanuel Quickley being out for the Raptors here. He’s obviously the best guard on this team, but Dennis Schroder is still around. He’s fully capable of running the show.
I just expect a good defensive effort from the Raptors here. This might not be pretty, but it’s simply too many points to turn down with tonight’s NBA best bets.
Bet: Raptors +8 (-112 – 1.5 units)
Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs – 9:30 pm ET
The Blazers are wrapping up a four-game road trip tonight, and they have been playing some solid basketball. They have actually covered in three of the four games on this trip, and they probably should have won the Oklahoma City Thunder game they’re protesting. However, the Spurs are also playing pretty well right now. San Antonio got blown out at home by Oklahoma City on Wednesday, but the team is 10-5 against the spread in its last 15 games. And things are only looking better with Victor Wembanyama now playing center. The rookie’s minute restriction has also been lifted.
There simply aren’t many games in which the Spurs have the advantage in talent, but this is one of them. When you throw in the fact that San Antonio is playing at home, and also has a better coach, it’s just hard not to like the Spurs. The Blazers are also missing Shaedon Sharpe tonight, and that’s a big loss offensively. And Malcolm Brogdon is questionable, as he’s dealing with a banged-up knee. If he’s not 100% out there, Portland won’t have what it needs to exploit a weak San Antonio backcourt.
Bet: Spurs -2.5 (-110 – 2 units)
NBA Player Props Today – January 26
Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs – 9:30 pm ET
Not only do I have the Spurs to cover tonight, but I’m also jumping on some NBA player props for Wembanyama. His rim protection should be a big factor tonight. The Blazers shoot a good percentage of their shots at the rim, and they’re being blocked at a higher rate than all but two teams this year. So, I think it makes a lot of sense to look to Wembanyama to block three shots tonight. Only Walker Kessler has a higher block percentage than Wembanyama’s 9.6% this season. The rookie has been tremendous defensively and he’ll love this match-up. I also wouldn’t hate jumping on some alternates for this. I think four or five blocks is very much in play.
Bet: Wembanyama Over 2.5 Blocks (-154 – 1.5 units)
Added Plays
Cavaliers +6 (-112) vs. Bucks
Suns -4.5 (-108) vs. Pacers
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