Every night of the 2025-26 NBA season gives us a fresh set of games and numbers to pick apart. This daily column digs into the best sides and totals on the board, using in-depth basketball analysis, betting trends, and our VSiN NBA betting splits to spot value. We’ll also be tackling these slates relentlessly on our live VSiN programming, which is why basketball fans should really consider a VSiN Pro subscription. Below you’ll find some NBA picks and predictions for January 13.
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NBA Best Bets Today – Tuesday, January 13
Bucks -3.5 (-108) vs. Timberwolves
Timberwolves at Bucks – 8:00 pm ET
We have seen a Jekyll and Hyde act from Milwaukee recently. After going on the road and beating the Lakers, the Bucks then lost on the road against a Nuggets team that was playing without Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun, and Jonas Valanciunas. Milwaukee now has to find a way to bounce back, but I like the team’s chances. Under Doc Rivers, the Bucks are actually 10-7 against the spread when coming off an upset loss as a road favorite, so the veteran coach has been good about getting his team locked back in. Well, this is a home game against a depleted Timberwolves team, making for a very winnable matchup.
Minnesota will be without Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert tonight, meaning they’ll be without their pulse on both ends of the floor. And I’m especially concerned about what the Gobert absence will mean against Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak should be able to absolutely dominate with his ability to attack the rim, and the Wolves won’t have anybody that can keep him from finishing.
Pelicans ML (+126) vs. Nuggets
Nuggets at Pelicans – 8:00 pm ET
The Nuggets are 4-3 since Jokic injured his knee, but I do think they’re going to struggle in this meeting with the Pelicans. Under David Adelman, Denver is just 2-3 straight-up when playing road games with lines of +3 to -3. Meanwhile, with James Borrego on the sidelines, New Orleans is 2-0 SU in home games with lines of +3 to -3.
This is also another game in which Denver will be down a ton of bodies. It seems like Murray could return to action tonight, but Jokic, Braun, Johnson, and Valanciunas all remain out. That means the Pelicans will actually be the more talented team when comparing the rotations.
This is also a game in which Zion Williamson should really stand out with his ability to create. Denver is missing two the most reliable bigs on the roster, so Williamson should take advantage by being aggressive attacking the basket. I also see Derik Queen snapping out of his mini-slump and turning in a big performance here.
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2025-26 NBA Record: 259-238 (+14.33 units)
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