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 16.
MORE: Check out the VSiN Pro Picks page for more bets from our talented hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today – Friday, January 16
76ers ML (-120) vs. Cavaliers
Cavaliers at 76ers – 7:00 pm ET
The Cavaliers beat up on the 76ers in Philadelphia the other day, but it’s hard to beat a good team twice in a row. And it’s harder when you’re playing without Darius Garland, Sam Merrill, Max Strus, and Dean Wade. This Cleveland team is just missing too many key rotation pieces, so I’m riding with Philadelphia to get some revenge this evening.
The last time these teams met, I noted that the Cavaliers have the backcourt firepower to match what the Sixers have at the guard spots. However, with no Garland, I’m not sure that’s true. I don’t think Donovan Mitchell will outperform Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe himself, and I like Philadelphia’s depth to be a factor against a depleted Cleveland team. The floor spacing for the Cavaliers could also be pretty ugly without Garland and Merrill.
Nets ML (-125) vs. Bulls
Bulls at Nets – 7:30 pm ET
I’m still a little upset about the Nets losing to the Pelicans the other night, but I feel I have to go back to Brooklyn here. This is a third game in four nights for Chicago, and the Bulls are 58-66 straight-up in this situation under Billy Donovan. I also just think the Nets are a better team than the Bulls. Since December 1st, Brooklyn is 16th in the NBA in Efficiency Differential (-0.1); Chicago is just 22nd (-3.1). The Nets defense is also the biggest strength either team has in this game. Brooklyn is seventh in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions (113.0) since the start of December.
The injury report also favors the Nets, as the Bulls will be missing Josh Giddey here. Not having a playmaker like that against this type of defense can be problematic.
Additional Plays (Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
PARLAY: Rockets ML vs. Timberwolves & Kings ML vs. Wizards (+118)
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2025-26 NBA Record: 267-245 (+13.79 units)
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