NBA Predictions and Best Bets – January 14, 2021

The NBA is pure chaos right now. There is trade talk, there are games being impacted or flat out cancelled due to COVID-19, and the league in general is seeing a ton of blowouts.

Betting on the NBA is a dicey proposition these days.

Even so, you still have an opportunity to make some money on Thursday, where (hopefully) five games are slated to play. Let’s see who is in action on January 14th, 2021.

This is the schedule for now, but there are games being postponed all over the place. Most of those are coming on Friday so far, but you’ll want to keep an eye out.

Miami and Philly are facing off again, and they’re two teams that have been hit hard by COVID-19 thus far. Keep a close eye on that game, as anymore inactives could easily cancel that one, as well.

With that, let’s dive into Thursday’s NBA predictions and top betting picks.

This is probably the diciest game, just because Miami is down several players, and Philly has also been dealing with COVID-19.

As things stand, however, the 76ers are nearing full strength. Considering they’re at home and the Heat are still without Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, backing Philly feels like the easy call.

The NBA world was shook yesterday, when the Rockets finally traded superstar shooting guard James Harden.

Sources: Full current trade:

Rockets: Victor Oladipo, Dante Exum, Rodions Kurucs, 3 BKN first-rounders (22, 24, 26), 1 MIL first (22, unprotected), 4 BKN 1st round swaps (21, 23, 25, 27)

Nets: James Harden

Pacers: Caris LeVert, 2nd-rounder

Cavs: Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 13, 2021

Houston got Victor Oladipo in the trade, but they’ll be shorthanded, as Dipo won’t be ready to play, and John Wall is also expected to be out.

San Antonio could get DeMar DeRozan back, and they’re at home, so it’d be a bit surprising if they lost this one.

Toronto is struggling to start the year, but they get a break tonight, as they get a mediocre Hornets team that should be tired after playing last night.

The Raptors have not been themselves all year, but this feels like a “get right” spot for them.

Denver has the clear edge at home, as the matchup with Golden State is pristine, and I trust the Nuggets’ size and defense in this spot.

Stephen Curry could always keep it interesting, but if you want a winner, it’s Denver.

The Pacers will be without Victor Oladipo (traded) as they prepare to battle the Blazers.

Portland is typically more focused at home, too, so even though they played last night and could be a bit worn down, it’s hard not to like them here.

While I think the Hornets lose against Toronto, I love this spread. Charlotte has been pretty competitive all year, and the 2-8 Raptors are really tough to trust.

San Antonio should beat a severely undermanned Rockets team. You won’t want to bet on them at their -275 moneyline, but I think they can cover this spread.

Denver will be 5-point favorites tonight. I think that’s totally doable, but the Warriors also are pretty explosive offensively, and can be pesky. I’ll just take the Nuggets to win at -190.

The same goes for Portland. Indiana is interesting as a +150 underdog, but they’re on the road and just lost a key starter.

Hopefully these NBA picks serve you well. To place your bets, head over to the top online betting sites now.