I only have a few picks for the NBA slate on Monday, January 19. Normally I’d break down a slate like this with two separate articles, but it doesn’t feel necessary today. So, instead of splitting sides/totals and player props into two pieces, I’m bringing everything under one roof — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Monday.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Pistons ML (-140) vs. Celtics
Celtics at Pistons – 8:00 pm ET
The Pistons are 2-1 against the Celtics this season. The last win also happened to come in Boston, and it was a favorable rest spot for the Celtics. With that in mind, I was surprised to be able to play Detroit at -140 last night. Unfortunately, that price has come and gone, but there’s still a -145 out there — and I’d be willing to play the Pistons at anything up to -155 or so.
I just like that Detroit has the No. 2 adjusted defensive rating (110.2) in the league to combat Boston’s No. 2 offense (120.7 aORTG). The Pistons are capable of taking away the true strength of the opponent here. Also, Detroit is much bigger and tougher inside, where Jalen Duren should be able to dominate this game. I also like Cade Cunningham to do just enough offensively to get the Pistons offense to execute at a high level against a bad Celtics defense.
Boston is also just 4-8 straight-up as underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 with Joe Mazzulla on the sidelines. Meanwhile, under JB Bickerstaff, Detroit is 21-9 SU when playing four or fewer games in a span of 10 days. This is a well-rested Pistons group.
NBA Player Props Today
Jaylon Tyson Over 14.5 Points (+100 – 1.5 units) & Alt Points 20+ (+400 – 0.25 units) vs. Thunder
Thunder at Cavaliers – 2:30 pm ET
Tyson is going up against the No. 1 defense in the league today, as the Thunder have an adjusted defensive rating of 106.8. However, Oklahoma City is just 28th in the league guarding catch-and-shoot attempts — and 29th defending spot-ups. The Thunder are pretty weak guarding the 3-point line all around, struggling in the corners and on above-the-break 3s. That should be huge for Tyson, who shoots 47.5% from deep.
This is another game in which Cleveland will be missing Darius Garland and Sam Merrill, meaning more opportunities for Tyson. We just saw the 23-year-old pop off in a 39-point performance against Philadelphia, and he has now scored at least 24 points in each of the last three games he has played without Garland and Merrill. On top of that, he has scored at least 15 points in all seven of the games he has played without them.
I’m not expecting another 39 from Tyson here, but I do think another 20 points is reasonable. He’s not shy about getting his shots up, and his shot diet is quite strong when looking to take advantage of this tough matchup.
Naji Marshall Over 15.5 Points (-108) vs. Knicks
Mavericks at Knicks – 5:00 pm ET
It’s getting to the point where I feel like I’m taking Marshall’s point totals every single night, but I continue to find value when looking at his numbers in Dallas’ current situation. The Mavericks will be without both Anthony Davis and PJ Washington this evening, and that has been a good thing for Marshall. He has had at least 16 points in five of the last six games he has played without them, and he’s getting a crack at a mediocre Knicks defense tonight. New York is just 21st in adjusted defensive rating (116.4), and Marshall should be able to find his spots here.
There’s also a chance Cooper Flagg doesn’t go tonight. The star rookie is questionable for the Mavericks, so Marshall could end up with an even bigger role than usual.
Additional Plays (Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
PARLAY: Bucks Alt +8.5 vs. Hawks & 76ers ML vs. Pacers (-130 – 1.5 units)
2025-26 NBA Record: 272-254 (+7.67 units)
