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 6.
MORE: Check out the VSiN Pro Picks page for more bets from our talented hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today – Tuesday, January 6
Pelicans +5.5 (-114) vs. Lakers
Lakers at Pelicans – 8:00 pm ET
I got a bad number on the Pelicans, as I jumped on them Monday night. You should now be able to get 6 or 6.5, and the opportunity to buy to 7.5 is something that’s worth exploring. However, despite the line moves, I still believe in the New Orleans side.
There’s no denying that this recent stretch has been brutal for the Pelicans, but this is a team that is loaded with playmakers on offense. That’s going to be problematic for the Lakers, who are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. It also seems like New Orleans could get Herbert Jones back tonight, giving the Pelicans a decent option to throw on Luka Doncic. If New Orleans can find a way to make life difficult on the Slovenian superstar, the team just might be able to hold its own in a track meet — and potentially even win outright.
Los Angeles might be coming off back-to-back wins over Memphis, but both of those games were played at home — and that’s not exactly a strong opponent. Let’s see how the Lakers do when they’re expected to win on the road. Under JJ Redick, they’re just 10-15-1 against the spread in this position. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are 11-6 ATS at home under James Borrego. They’re also 4-0 ATS under Borrego when facing teams with winning percentages between 60% and 70%.
Additional Plays
PARLAY: Heat Alt +13.5 vs. Timberwolves & Spurs ML vs. Grizzlies (-109 – 1.5 units)
Kings +5.5 (-122 – 1.5 units) & Kings ML (+175 – 0.5 units) vs. Mavericks
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2025-26 NBA Record: 239-223 (+8.82 units)
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