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 9.
MORE: Check out the VSiN Pro Picks page for more bets from our talented hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today – Friday, January 9
76ers ML (-145) vs. Magic
Pacers at Hornets – 7:00 pm ET
When I recorded Hardwood Handicappers this morning, the Sixers were -145 on the moneyline. It’s now all the way up to -160, making it extremely juicy. That said, it’s hard to suggest playing the moneyline at this point, but I do think -3.5 is worth a look. The reason for the move is that Joel Embiid was upgraded from questionable to probable. And this is definitely a matchup in which Embiid can dominate. The Magic aren’t all that strong at the center spot.
The Sixers also have a massive edge in the backcourt. Jalen Suggs is out for the Magic, so Orlando will be without an elite point-of-attack defender. That means that Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe should terrorize the Magic backcourt. I also see Paul George taking advantage of Franz Wagner being out on the wing, and Philadelphia will also have Kelly Oubre Jr. tonight.
The Sixers are just a much healthier team right now. And because of that, over the last 10 games, Philadelphia is 9-6 with a net rating of +3.1, while Orlando’s net rating is down at -3.9. The Sixers also happen to be 29-12 straight-up as road favorites under Nick Nurse.
I’d just be surprised if the Magic find a way to win this game. However, I’d love to see these two lock horns at full strength.
Trail Blazers +7.5 (-126) vs. Rockets
Pacers at Hornets – 7:00 pm ET
The Blazers just earned a 103-102 win over the Rockets the other night, so I’m a little surprised they’re getting so many points this evening. Houston continues to be without Alperen Sengun, who is one of the better offensive players in the league. That means Portland really has to worry primarily about Kevin Durant, and this is a Blazers team that can be solid defensively. Deni Avdija also happened to score 41 points against the Rockets the other night, and Houston had no answer for him attacking the basket. Avdija was either finishing at the rim or drawing fouls, which is what he’s done all year.
I don’t see this game being too different than the one the other night, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Houston finds a way to grind out a victory. Still, having the points feels like the right move here. Under Ime Udoka, the Rockets are 6-12 against the spread as road favorites of 6.5 to 12 points. Also, the Blazers are 7-3 ATS as home underdogs under Tiago Splitter. They’re also 9-2 ATS as underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 overall. Portland is also 6-1 both SU and ATS over the last seven games, and the team has won four in a row.
Additional Plays (Teasers, Parlays, Futures)
PARLAY: Celtics ML vs. Raptors & Bucks Alt +8.5 vs. Lakers (-118 – 1.5 units)
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2025-26 NBA Record: 247-232 (+7.49 units)
Check out today’s episode of Hardwood Handicappers!
