I only have a few picks for the NBA slate on Thursday, January 29. 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 Thursday.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Wizards ML (+120 – 1.5 units) vs. Bucks
Bucks at Wizards – 7:00 pm ET
I can’t quite understand why the Bucks are favored over the Wizards tonight. Milwaukee has lost three consecutive games and six of the last seven, and this is a team that looks lifeless without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Well, the Bucks now take on a team that just earned a good win over the Blazers. This Washington team has covered in four of its last five, showing that the group has been highly competitive. And overall, it’s hard not to feel like the Wizards are the more talented team here.
The only thing I’m a little nervous about is the health of Alex Sarr. He’s questionable for Washington this evening, and he’ll be needed in this game. He’s turning into a true two-way force. When you combine that with the shotmaking the Wizards have in the backcourt, you’re talking about a team that could turn some heads the rest of the year.
NBA Player Props Today
Alperen Sengun Over 36.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (+100) vs. Hawks
Rockets at Hawks – 8:00 pm ET
Sengun hasn’t been very consistent lately, but I like his chances of posting big numbers against the Hawks tonight. Offensively, there’s a real shot Sengun thrives. Atlanta is a bottom-five team when it comes to defending the rim, where Sengun scores 48% of his points. The Hawks are also a bottom-10 group defending inside 10 feet, where Sengun scores 67% of his points. I just don’t think he’s going to be met with too much resistance when he looks to score, as Atlanta is bad in isolation and lacks rim protection. That should also mean that Sengun’s passing will shine. On top of that, Sengun’s rebounding should be there against a Hawks team that struggles on the glass.
Coby White 20+ Points (-125) vs. Heat
Heat at Bulls – 8:00 pm ET
White let me down in yesterday’s meeting with the Pacers, but I think he’ll bounce back with at least 20 points tonight. The Heat and Bulls are top-five teams when looking at pace of play, so this should be an up-and-down game that allows White to do his thing. Miami is also much weaker than Indiana when guarding above-the-break 3s, as the Heat are 22nd in the NBA defending the non-corners. White scores 45% of his points from there, and he also scores 41% of his points inside 10 feet. Well, Miami is just 22nd in the NBA guarding there.
White should just do a lot of damage as an off-ball player in this game, and he could also thrive when given his chances to run some offense. The Heat are awful against pick-and-roll ball handlers. They’re also below average in transition.
Moussa Diabate Double-Double (+220 – 0.5 units) vs. Mavericks
Hornets at Mavericks – 8:30 pm ET
I was looking into Diabate’s point and rebound totals, which were at 9.5 apiece. So, at +220 odds, I figured I’d lower my risk and take a shot on him to have a double-double. The Mavericks have been insanely soft on the glass this year, so Diabate should really dominate the boards with his energy tonight. He could also terrorize Dallas with putbacks, which is something that has plagued Jason Kidd’s team this year. On top of that, Diabate is a threat to finish pick-and-roll plays, and he’s also a good dump-off option.
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
Anthony Edwards Over 2.5 Made 3s (-143) vs. Thunder
2025-26 NBA Record: 291-275 (+3.74 units)
