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 Friday, January 24th. 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 24th
NBA Best Bets Today – January 24th
Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadephia 76ers – 7:00 pm ET
The Sixers are still playing without Joel Embiid, who is out indefinitely as he deals with a foot injury. However, the Cavaliers remain without Evan Mobley, so Philadelphia isn’t in as bad of shape in the paint as it would normally be against Cleveland. Sure, Jarrett Allen is a big two-way presence, but he’s not a player that opponents fear. So, this game should really come down to perimeter play, and it’s hard not to like the Sixers to hold their own in that battle.
There’s no denying that Paul George has been a little disappointing in Philadelphia so far, but the reality is that he wasn’t brought in to be a second option. The Sixers saw him as their third guy alongside Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, so he’s currently playing a role that he might not be suited for at this stage in his career. But I will say that George has a shot at torching the Cavaliers this evening. With no Mobley or Isaac Okoro, Cleveland’s defense is missing some of its best disruptors. So, George should really have some good matchups all night long, and I expect him to take advantage of them. Also, Maxey is going to be an absolute pain in the side of the Cavaliers, who don’t have any reliable point-of-attack defenders. Look for Maxey to get whatever he wants going to the basket, especially if Guerschon Yabusele is knocking down triples and pulling Allen away from the rim.
This just feels like a lot of points for a shorthanded Cleveland team to be laying in a difficult road environment. Of course, I’m a little nervous about how the Sixers will defend Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, but I do like that Philadelphia at least had two full days of rest to prepare for this one.
This is also an interesting spot for the Cavaliers, as they’ll play the Rockets in Cleveland tomorrow night. Considering Houston is an elite Western Conference team, the Cavaliers might get caught overlooking the Sixers a bit. So, I’m taking the points with Philadelphia, and I’m also putting a little pizza money on the Sixers. I think this game has the potential to be a lot closer than people think. For what it’s worth, Philadelphia is 3-0-1 against the spread as a home underdog of 6.5 to 12 points under Nick Nurse. Also, Cleveland is 3-5 both straight-up and ATS when facing teams that average at least 9.0 steals per game. The Sixers can do some damage by applying intense ball pressure tonight.
Bet: Sixers +10.5 (+100 – 1.5 units) & Sixers ML (+430 – 0.25 units)
NBA Player Props Today – January 24th
Portland Trail Blazers at Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 pm ET
The Blazers are starting to get healthy, but Toumani Camara’s minutes won’t be impacted by players returning. He’s simply too good of a perimeter defender, and he’s playing for a team without many of those. But I’m actually looking to Camara to do a little damage offensively tonight. Camara is coming off a 16-point performance against the Magic, and he has now scored at least 16 points in two of his last three games. Unfortunately, the young wing isn’t a very consistent shooter right now, so he’s not always a threat to score. But he is going up against a Hornets team that is mediocre defensively. So, Camara really should get some open looks. But even if he isn’t shooting well, there’s going to be room for Camara to feast in transition, or as a cutter. Charlotte can fall asleep defensively. That said, 10 points seems like a very realistic goal for the lefty.
Bet: Camara Over 9.5 Points (-115)
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.
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2024-25 NBA Record: 199-195-2 (+2.35 units)
