NBA Predictions and Best Bets – January 16, 2021

After a pretty fun NBA betting slate on Friday, the weekend welcomes sports bettors with open arms – and a nice six-game NBA betting schedule.

It’s a fun one, featuring big names like Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Trae Young, and perhaps even a Nets debut for James Harden.

See who else is in action with a quick rundown of Saturday’s NBA contests.

It’s a fun slate, by the looks of it. Houston hopes to get John Wall back for a second meeting with San Antonio in three days, and it’s possible Victor Oladipo could make his team debut, as well.

James Harden might suit up for the Nets, too, while big names like Joel Embiid, Trae Young, and Damian Lillard round out a star-studded slate.

Looking for a little help in sorting through the madness? I’ve got you covered with my NBA predictions, and top betting picks for Saturday, January 16th, 2021.

Houston got a surprise win on Thursday in this same matchup, even though they traded James Harden and were down other key players.

The Rockets could be healthier this time, but I still think it makes more sense to go with the Spurs at home. Don’t be shocked if this game turns into another shootout and pushes for the Over, of course.

The Nets could be ready to debut James Harden on Friday, even if there is merit in questioning his fit with the team. If he’s not in, it’d be the Kevin Durant show.

I tend to favor Brooklyn at home, no matter who is active. Orlando could be tired after playing on Friday, and they’re traditionally not a very reliable team on the road.

The Raptors have a chance to kick start their season with a second straight win over the Hornets on Saturday. They won the previous meeting on Thursday, and it’s possible they could get a Charlotte team sans Gordon Hayward again.

Either way, the Raptors need to take advantage of winnable games, and this looks to be one.

The story is similar for Miami, who have had a lot of trouble fielding a healthy roster lately. Their luck could change for the better on Saturday, as they could get some bodies back and will be at home.

They’re also facing the 2-9 Pistons, who look like the worst team in the league these days.

After some recent struggles due to lineup health and player availability, Philly seems to be getting back to where they were at the beginning of the year.

The Sixers are a solid 9-4 and look like one of the best teams in the NBA. It’s quite arguable they should have little trouble against the inferior Grizz, especially if Memphis is bogged down after playing on Friday night.

Atlanta enters Portland after battling Utah on Friday. They could have a shootout on their hands here, as the Blazers operate the league’s 10th fastest (and 8th most efficient) offense.

I’d expect the Hawks to be a bit tired after playing the night prior, while a 7-5 Portland squad is historically a tough out at the Moda Center. Doing so will admittedly be a bit more difficult without the presence of stud center Jusuf Nurkic.

Blazers‘ Jusuf Nurkic has suffered a broken right wrist.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 15, 2021

Even so, the Blazers are a guard-driven team, and Enes Kanter has been positively brilliant this season. Look for them to improve on a weak 3-3 mark at home on Saturday.

Pricing isn’t available just yet for Saturday’s NBA betting slate. Once it is, I’ll update this section with my favorite NBA picks.

If you get to the NBA odds before I update this section, feel free to ride my NBA predictions and advice above to some wagers.

Whenever you do place your bets, just be sure you’re using the safest sports betting websites out there.