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 3.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Clippers ML (-115 – 2 units) vs. Celtics
Celtics at Clippers – 10:30 pm ET
I really like this year’s Boston team, but this feels like a great opportunity to back Los Angeles. The Clippers, who have won six games in a row, are starting to look like the elite team they were towards the end of last season. Over the last 10 games, they’re third in the NBA in net rating (+8.1), ranking in the top-seven in both offense and defense. The Clippers will also have Ivica Zubac available for this one, giving them a big advantage against a Celtics team that is a little weak at the five.
It’s just hard not to feel like LA can match what Boston wants to do offensively — especially with Kawhi Leonard averaging 39.0 points per game over the course of the winning streak. However, the Clippers are the better defensive team. They’re also 10-3 straight-up under Ty Lue when coming off three consecutive home games, so they like these longer stretches playing in their own building. Also, the Celtics are just 8-10 SU under Joe Mazzulla when playing road games with lines of +3 to -3.
NBA Player Props Today
Donte DiVincenzo Over 4.5 Assists (+106) vs. Heat
Timberwolves at Heat – 5:00 pm ET
I’m taking a shot on DiVincenzo to have at least five assists at plus-money odds tonight. The guard has had at least six dimes in five of the last six contests, and he also happens to be averaging 8.7 potential assists and 7.3 adjusted assists over the last six games. He’s just doing a good job of staying alert and finding teammates, so it’s hard not to like him to fill up the assists column against the Heat. This Miami team plays as a fast pace, so there should be a bunch of extra possessions in this game. That should mean more chances for DiVincenzo to dish.
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Parlays, Teasers)
PARLAY: 76ers Alt +8.5 vs. Knicks & Hawks Alt +8.5 vs. Raptors (-101 – 1.5 units)
Kon Knueppel Over 26.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-125) vs. Bulls
Max Christie Over 1.5 Made 3s (-105) vs. Rockets
2025-26 NBA Record: 233-212 (+16.23 units)
