Image Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

NBA Best Bets Today- Our Top Picks for Friday, January 16, 2026

Our NBA Best Bets for Friday, January 16, 2026.

Image Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

For Friday, January 16, 2026, we have got a six-game NBA slate, which features some intriguing Eastern Conference matchups like the Philadelphia 76ers hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers. The New Orleans Pelicans will be up against the Indiana Pacers, the Chicago Bulls will face the Brooklyn Nets, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be up against the Houston Rockets and more.

Instead of breaking down every game, we have picked our NBA best bets today, which consist of a spread, one total, and a player prop. These are the picks which we would prioritize while focusing on a few spots tonight.

If you are looking for full game previews, and more options, head over to our NBA picks and predictions page for tonight. Otherwise, scroll down for our favorite NBA best bets of the day and a quick breakdown for each play.

Our NBA Best Picks of the Day

Tag	Game	Market and Line	Odds and Book
Best Bet	Philadelphia 76ers vs Cleveland Cavaliers	76ers-1.5 (spread)	-110 at FanDuel
Play #2	Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans	Under 238.5 (total)	-110 at FanDuel
Play #3	Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves	Kevin Durant Over 25.5 points (player prop)	-112 at FanDuel

Odds updated: Friday, January 16, 12:21 am ET. Lines may move before the tip off.

Game 1- Best Bet: Philadelphia 76ers -1.5 vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Pick Type	Market	Odds and Book
Best Bet	Philadelphia 76ers -1.5 vs Cleveland Cavaliers (spread)	-110 at FanDuel

The Philadelphia 76ers have been playing decently at home, winning ten and losing ten of their 20 games. They are currently seeded 11th in the league in terms of defensive rating with 113.4, and an offensive rating of 114.7. While the Cavs have been doing better offensively, they are seeded at a lower spot in terms of defense. In addition, key absences of players such as Darius Garland and others impact their backcourt and depth.

The spread at -1.5 feels a bit undervalued for the Sixers’ defensive edge, homecourt advantage and the Cavs’ absences. The Sixers have covered in recent home games against similar opponents.

With Philadelphia’s defense holding firm, and the guests missing key pieces, we are laying the Sixers -1.5 as our NBA Bet of the day.

Game 2- Play #2 Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans Under 238.5

Pick Type	Market	Odds and Book
Play #2	Pacers vs Pelicans Under 238.5	-110 at FanDuel

Both New Orleans Pelicans and the Indiana Pacers are seeded towards the second half and bottom of the standings in scoring. In addition to it, they place with a decent pace, and the Pacers maintain a mid-racked defensive rating. The recent matchups of both teams have resulted in low-scoring contests due to their defensive focus and key absences.

This under fits the defensive approach and low-scoring contests of both teams.

Game 3- Play #3: Kevin Durant Over 25.5 points vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Pick Type	Market	Odds and Book
Play #3	Kevin Durant Over 25.5 points vs Timberwolves	-112 at FanDuel

Kevin Durant is leading the Houston Rockets with an average of 26.1 points per game. He is grabbing 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, while shooting 52.1% from the field and 40.0% from the three-point range. In the last five games, he has had three 25+ point games, including a 37-point show.

The Rockets sit just a spot lower to the Wolves in terms of defensive rating, which suggests that it wouldn’t be a big task for Durant to score 25+ points.

The line at 25.5 points is reachable given his consistency and experience. We expect the two-time NBA champion to cross the mark comfortably.

How We Are Betting Today’s NBA Slate

The 76es’ defensive edge and the Cavaliers’ key absences make the former favorites to come on top. The defensive approach of both teams in the second game keeps the total under. Kevin Durant’s consistency, despite the Wolves’ slight edge, makes him a star performer for the night.

NBA Best Bets Recap for January 15

Best Bet: Philadelphia 76ers -1.5 vs Cleveland Cavaliers (-110 at FanDuel)

Play #2: Pacers vs Pelicans Under 238.5 (-110 at FanDuel)

Play #3: Kevin Durant Over 25.5 points vs Timberwolves (-112 at FanDuel)

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