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 Wednesday, January 17. 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 17
2023 Record: 160-137-1 (+21.00 units)
NBA Best Bets Today – January 17
Miami Heat at Toronto Raptors – 7:30 pm ET
The Raptors have been a lot more competitive than people thought they’d be since trading OG Anunoby — which is why they’ve been a staple when it comes to my NBA best bets — but the team also comes into this one on a four-game losing streak. Meanwhile, Miami has won three in a row and should make for a tough match-up for Toronto. The Raptors are still playing without Jakob Poeltl right now, which might not seem like much. However, it’s tough to be without your starting center in a meeting with Bam Adebayo, who is one of the most relentless bigs in the league on both ends of the floor. I’d be surprised if Adebayo doesn’t completely dominate this game.
The Heat should also win the battle at most other positions. Immanuel Quickley could have his way with Miami’s guards, but I’m not sure where Toronto has the edge elsewhere. I also think the Heat will be able to consistently create open looks from 3 against a team that hasn’t had much time to play with one another. Erik Spoelstra is one of the league’s best tacticians, so he’ll run a ton of action to get Toronto uncomfortable.
It’s also worth noting that the Heat won 112-103 when these teams met in Toronto on December 6. That was a game in which Adebayo didn’t even play, which shows how bad of a match-up this is for the Raptors. On top of all that, the Heat are 12-9 straight-up and 10-9-2 against the spread on the road this year. The Raptors are 9-10 both SU and ATS at home.
Bet: Heat -1.5 (-110 – 1.5 units)
NBA Player Props Today – January 17
Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers – 8:30 pm ET
Taurean Prince had reached double digits in scoring in five straight games before scoring only three points against the Thunder on Monday. However, Prince still played 31 minutes in that game, and he has been flirting with 30 minutes a night for the last two months. With that in mind, I know he will play a good amount in this game, and this one will likely end up being a shootout. That should mean another game with 10 or more points for Prince, who is a good catch-and-shoot weapon for this Lakers team. In an up-and-down game, I just find it hard to believe that he won’t get his fair share of looks. He’s actually averaging 14.5 points per game in two meetings with Dallas this season. That said, I’m playing this one a little bigger than I play most of my NBA player props.
Bet: Prince Over 9.5 Points (-104 – 1.5 units)
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