Now that the weekend is here, it’s time to simplify the grind. Instead of splitting sides/totals and player props into separate pieces, my weekend columns will bring everything under one roof — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Fewer words, hopefully the same results. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Saturday, January 24.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Magic ML (-125 – 1.5 units) vs. Cavaliers
Cavaliers at Magic – 7:00 pm ET
While it might seem like the sky is falling in Orlando, this is too good of a team to completely avoid backing the rest of the season. It also seems like Jalen Suggs, the heart and soul of this squad, will be back tonight. Suggs gives the Magic an elite point-of-attack defender to throw on Donovan Mitchell, which will be big with Darius Garland out. Cleveland might not have the overall juice it needs to light up this Orlando defense. The Cavaliers are also weakest on the wing, meaning they might not be able to exploit Franz Wagner’s absence here.
We just have to hope that Orlando can do enough offensively to get this one home. However, it does help that this is a third game in four nights, plus the second leg of a back-to-back, for Cleveland. The Magic will be working against a Cavaliers team with tired legs.
Orlando also happens to be 66-29 straight-up when playing as a home favorite under Jamahl Mosley. The Magic are also 65-45 SU under Mosley when facing teams that allow 116.0 or more points per game.
NBA Player Props Today
Stephen Curry Over 5.5 Assists (+112) vs. Timberwolves
Warriors at Timberwolves – 5:30 pm ET
Curry is coming off a 38-point performance against the Mavericks last game, and it’s clear he’s going to need to do a lot more now that Jimmy Butler is out for the year with a torn ACL. However, while grabbing Curry to go Over on points might seem like the best way to react to the injury, I think there’s a chance he does some good work as a passer tonight. The Timberwolves are going to do whatever they can to prevent Curry from beating them, meaning the superstar might be forced to give the ball up a lot. Well, let’s just hope some of his quick dump-offs lead to buckets when he’s blitzed. If he picks up a few cheap ones there, he should really go Over 5.5 dimes. We know he’s going to have some legitimate playmaking opportunities when going to the basket. That’s just what his scoring gravity opens up for him.
Max Christie Over 14.5 Points (-111) vs. Lakers
Lakers at Mavericks – 8:30 pm ET
The Lakers are 24th in the NBA when it comes to adjusted defensive rating (117.0), making this one of the worst defensive teams in the league. Los Angeles is also especially miserable when it comes to defending the rim, along with the left corner. Why is that significant? Christie scores 41% of his points from those two spots. Christie can also do some damage from everywhere else, and the Lakers aren’t all that great at defending any part of the floor.
Christie is also in a nice little groove right now, as he has scored at least 21 points in three straight games. He has also scored at least 18 points in four of his last five home games, so he’s comfortable in this building. He should also be pretty motivated tonight, as he’s going up against his former team.
Additional Plays
Kyshawn George Over 29.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-105) vs. Hornets
Jalen Brunson Over 27.5 Points (-105 – 1.5 units) vs. 76ers
PARLAY: Knicks Alt +8.5 vs. 76ers & Bulls Alt +8.5 vs. Celtics (-135 – 2 units)
Ace Bailey Over 14.5 Points (-105 – 1.5 units) vs. Heat
2025-26 NBA Record: 286-270 (+3.61 units)
