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 Sunday, January 4.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
PARLAY: Nets Alt +10.5 vs. Nuggets & Bucks ML vs. Kings (-127 – 1.5 units)
Nuggets at Nets – 3:30 pm ET
Bucks at Kings – 9:00 pm ET
I might end up adding a side or a total later in the day, but the only thing I have right now is a parlay with the Nets +10.5 and Bucks on the moneyline. In the first game, it looks like Denver might get Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon back. Both players are listed as questionable. However, I’m still not sure the Nuggets will go into Brooklyn and blow out a competitive Nets team — especially in a Michael Porter Jr. revenge game! In the second game, I just trust the Bucks to keep finding ways to win. This is a rock-solid basketball team when Giannis Antetokounmpo is in the lineup, and the Kings are absolutely miserable. In fact, while everybody rips on Milwaukee, the team’s lineup of Ryan Rollins-Kevin Porter Jr.-AJ Green-Antetokounmpo-Myles Turner is one of the more productive five-man units in the NBA.
NBA Player Props Today
Anthony Black Over 27.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-115) vs. Pacers
Pacers at Magic – 3:00 pm ET
Black is averaging 28.6 combined points, rebounds, and assists when playing without Jalen Suggs, who is going to miss this game for the Magic. However, when looking at just the last six games that Black has played without Suggs, the talented guard is averaging 34.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists. With that in mind, it’s hard not to like Black to fill up the stat sheet against the Pacers. Indiana is a bottom-10 team in the NBA in defensive rating (116.7) this year, so Black should get going as a scorer and a passer. This game has track meet written all over it. He should also pitch in on the glass.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Over 25.5 Points + Rebounds (-114) vs. Lakers
Grizzlies at Lakers – 9:30 pm ET
I had Jackson Jr. to go Over 25.5 points and rebounds against the Lakers two nights ago. The big man ended up doing it without doing much rebounding, finishing with 25 points and one board in 30 minutes of action. Jackson was unstoppable going to the basket in that game, but he went 0 for 3 from 3-point range and 1 for 5 at the free throw line. So, even though he was pretty good as a scorer, he did leave a lot of food on the table. I think he will have another strong game as a scorer, doing a little better with the jumper. After all, this is still a Lakers team that is near the bottom of the league in defensive rating (122.0) over the last 15 games. I’d also be stunned if he doesn’t rebound a little better. This Grizzlies coaching staff will likely hammer him for only finishing with one board.
Additional Plays
Davion Mitchell Over 9.5 Points (-128) vs. Pelicans
Grizzlies +7.5 (-145 – 1.5 units) & Grizzlies ML (+182 – 0.5 units) vs. Lakers
2025-26 NBA Record: 234-216 (+11.16 units)
