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 Monday, January 22. 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 22
2023 Record: 163-143-1 (+17.62 units)
NBA Best Bets Today – January 22
Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic – 7:00 pm ET
The Magic got Franz Wagner back yesterday and quickly reminded everybody why they were one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference to start the season. Orlando earned a 105-87 win over the Miami Heat, getting right back to playing that elite defense we got used to seeing early on. As long as this team stays healthy, it should be a great bet to win home games against teams that are outside the league’s top tier. That’s why I’m playing Orlando to win outright against Cleveland.
The Cavaliers have been scorching hot lately, winning seven straight games and covering in six of them. However, they’re still without Darius Garland right now. That kind of absence can’t be ignored in this type of game, as the Magic are simply too good defensively. Cleveland will be missing his shot creation, as Orlando will have the ability to throw Jalen Suggs on Donovan Mitchell. That will make things pretty tough on Mitchell, and he’ll miss the help of Garland’s on-ball ability. Cleveland does have plenty of shooters, but Orlando will be out on them as much as possible.
The Magic also won when these two met in Orlando back on December 11, as they pulled out a 104-94 win in that game. On top of that, Orlando is 14-5 straight-up and 13-6 against the spread at home. So, I’m comfortable taking this team on the second night of a back-to-back. And they could be a regular in my NBA best bets column moving forward. I’m still bullish on this team, when healthy.
Bet: Magic ML (+106 – 2 units)
NBA Player Props Today – January 22
San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 pm ET
The Spurs have looked a lot better since moving Victor Wembanyama to center, and the rookie has been a big part of that. Wembanyama is playing ridiculous well in the month of January, averaging 23.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. Tonight, Wembanyama has a tough match-up against Joel Embiid. The weight differential is going to be massive. However, I still like Wembanyama to have at least three blocks.
Embiid is the focal point of everything Philadelphia does, so the team will be pounding it inside here. That should mean some easy buckets for last year’s MVP, but it also means a lot of time around the ball for Wembanyama. Considering the rookie’s defensive instincts, I like his chances of swatting a few shots away. That’s why I’m laying some juice with tonight’s NBA player props.
Bet: Wembanyama Over 2.5 Blocks (-156)
Added Plays
Mavericks +3.5 (-110) vs. Celtics
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