The 2024-25 NBA season is in full swing. I’ll be giving out NBA best bets and player props here as often as possible, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on big news that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work throughout the season. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Monday, January 13th. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on January 13th
NBA Best Bets Today – January 13th
Memphis Grizzlies at Houston Rockets – 8:00 pm ET
I have Western Conference futures on both of these teams, but I definitely have more faith in the Grizzlies ticket. While Houston is third in the league in adjusted defensive rating (108.5) this season, Memphis is sixth in that regard (110.2). However, the Grizzlies are sixth in the NBA in adjusted offensive rating (115.1). The Rockets are just 11th in adjusted offensive rating (113.4). And Memphis would probably be a little higher in the league’s rankings if the team was a little healthier. After all, in the two games since Ja Morant returned from injury, the Grizzlies have an offensive rating of 117.5. That’d be good for fourth in the league if stretched over the entire season. And realistically, it’s the Memphis offense that makes it hard not to like the team against Houston tonight.
This is going to be a game in which both teams are digging in for stops, but only one of these teams has a truly reliable playmaker running the show. Morant is just way better at creating for himself and his teammates than anybody on the Rockets. And while Alperen Sengun is excellent as an offensive hub in the paint, Memphis has the elite-level defense of Jaren Jackson Jr. and the unteachable size of Zach Edey to throw him off. The Rockets also have some key rotation pieces out, as Tari Eason is listed as doubtful and Jabari Smith Jr. isn’t playing. Both of those guys are huge for this team.
It’s also worth noting that Houston is just 10-12 straight-up and 10-11-1 against the spread when facing teams with winning percentages between 60.0% and 70.0% under Ime Udoka. These are the games in which it’s evident the Rockets need to make a move that nets them a star-level offensive player. I know Houston has had three days of rest. That’s a huge advantage in the NBA. But I can’t get on board with seeing the Rockets as a favorite against the Grizzlies right now.
Bet: Grizzlies +2.5 (-115 – 2 units)
NBA Player Props Today – January 13th
Minnesota Timberwolves at Washington Wizards – 7:00 pm ET
Before going 0 for 5 from 3 against the Grizzlies last game, Anthony Edwards had made at least four 3s in four straight games and seven of his previous nine. Edwards is simply jacking up triples this year, and he’s hitting them at an impressive clip. Well, only the Hawks are giving up more made 3s per game than the 14.7 the Wizards are allowing. Washington simply can’t defend the 3-point line, so Edwards should be able to do a ton of damage with his outrageous green light. So, I’m not putting much into the Memphis game, as the Grizzlies are fourth in the league in 3-point percentage defense (34.4%). Edwards should feel much better about the types of looks he’ll be getting here. We just have to hope Minnesota doesn’t run Washington off the court. Edwards probably needs his usual minutes to hit the four-make mark.
Bet: Edwards Over 3.5 Made 3s (-120)
San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30 pm ET
This season, Julian Champagnie is averaging 12.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game for San Antonio. So, I’m surprised his combined points, rebounds and assists total is down at 11.5 this evening. He has gone Over this number in points alone in two of the last four games. Also, in two meetings with the Lakers this season, Champagnie is averaging 14.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. I’ll admit, I’m feeling a little nervous about this being a massive trap. But I’m playing this one and hoping the minutes situation goes well. Champagnie has been in and out of the doghouse lately, playing fewer than 20 minutes in three of the last six games. But he’s one of the Spurs’ best 3-point shooters, knocking down 37.7% of his triples. I think Mitch Johnson can find some time for him against a Los Angeles team that occasionally struggles to defend the perimeter. And even if Champagnie scores seven or eight points here, he can help cash this by doing some of the little things.
Bet: Champagnie Over 11.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-109 – 1.5 units)
Additional Plays
This is where I’ll include any late added plays, teasers/parlays or in-season futures. Come back before tip if you don’t want to miss anything. It’s always possible I’ll add something to my card.
PARLAY: Raptors Alt +10.5 vs. Warriors & Spurs Alt +10.5 vs. Lakers (-110 – 2 units) – I’m a little off with these lately, so I’m sure the NBA teaser haters are enjoying that. However, I personally see value in looking to these alternate line parlays. So, I’m going to continue attacking them. Tonight, I’m taking a few extra points with Toronto against Golden State. While the Raptors have been miserable for most of the year, the Warriors have lost three of their last four games. And all three of the losses came by double digits. Meanwhile, Toronto is returning home after a three-game road trip. This team should have a little extra juice tonight. And for what it’s worth, the Warriors are just 5-7 ATS when facing teams with winning percentages of 25.0% or less over the last two years. They don’t take these games as seriously as they should, and I’m getting a few extra points here. Then, in the other game, I like having 10.5 with San Antonio against Los Angeles. I actually don’t have the teams on different levels from one another. They have identical adjust net ratings (-1.3) at Dunks & Threes, and then you have to factor in all the terrible off-court stuff the Lakers are dealing with. The Spurs should be able to keep this close — and potentially even win. But again, the extra points are some added insurance that I like having when I’m not paying up very much.
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2024-25 NBA Record: 162-162-1 (-2.36 units)
