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 31. 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 31
2023 Record: 182-163-1 (+14.05 units)
NBA Best Bets Today – January 31
New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets – 8:00 pm ET
The Rockets went through a serious rough patch after a hot start to the season. However, they seem to be playing some much better basketball now. Houston is coming off a 16-point home win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The team has now won two of its last three and is 4-1 against the spread in its last five. This Rockets team simply needed to get healthy, and Tari Eason is the only key rotation piece on the injury report right now. That means Houston should turn it on moving forward. And this Rockets team is one of my NBA best bets tonight.
The Pelicans are just cold at the moment, as the team has lost three in a row and four of its last five. They have been miserable on both ends of the floor in that stretch. But the defense is especially concerning heading into this match-up. If New Orleans can’t lock in and make life difficult on Houston, this should be somewhat easy for the Rockets. If the home team struggles anywhere, it’s on the offensive end. So, if Houston is getting good looks in this game, that’s just gravy. We know the Rockets will dig in defensively.
The Rockets are also 2-0 both straight-up and ATS in this series this season. They most recently won outright in New Orleans as 7.5-point ‘dogs on December 23.
Bet: Rockets ML (+115 – 2 units)
Orlando Magic at San Antonio Spurs – 8:30 pm ET
The Spurs are coming off a bad five-point home loss against the Washington Wizards on Monday. However, this team is still 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games. Meanwhile, Orlando heads to San Antonio for its third game in four nights, so the Magic should be somewhat fatigued here. That’s why I’m playing the Spurs as one of tonight’s NBA best bets, and I’m even putting a little on the moneyline.
I just think there’s a good chance Victor Wembanyama turns in a big performance on both ends of the floor here. And San Antonio actually has some good size on the wing to defend guys like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. Also, for as good as Jalen Suggs is defensively, the Magic don’t have a ton of offensive firepower in the backcourt. That’s one place it’s easy to beat the Spurs. So, I don’t see Orlando taking advantage of a San Antonio backcourt that is low on talent.
This is also a game where Devin Vassell’s shotmaking should stand out. He’s averaging 24.5 points per game over the last two contests, and he is the best scoring guard on either one of these teams.
Bet: Spurs +5.5 (-115 – 2 units) & Spurs ML (+172)
NBA Player Props Today – January 31
Sacramento Kings at Miami Heat – 7:30 pm ET
I never really suggest ladder plays with my NBA player props, but I like Tyler Herro to have a big shooting night against the Kings. This season, opponents are shooting 39.1% from deep against Sacramento. That’s the second-highest mark in the NBA. Only six teams in the league are giving up more 3s per game than the Kings. That said, this is a match-up that should be favorable for Miami’s shooters.
Herro also happens to be blistering hot from deep. He has made at least four 3s in 10 of the 14 games he has played in January. He has also made at least five 3s in three of those games. Considering the way he’s shooting, I love Herro to take advantage of this match-up. That’s why I’m putting a total of two units on this, with 0.25 being a sprinkle on Herro to make six triples. He has done that twice this season.
Bet: Herro Over 3.5 Made 3s (-108 – 1.25 units), Herro Alt 3s 5+ (+190 – 0.5 units), Herro Alt 3s 6+ (+400 – 0.25 units)
Added Plays
Suns -2.5 (-115 – 2 units) vs. Nets
Heat ML (-120) vs. Kings
Blazers +10.5 (-110 – 2 units) vs. Bucks
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