Image Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

NBA Best Bets Today- Our Top Picks for Thursday, January 22, 2026

Our Best Bets for Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Image Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

For Thursday, January 22, we have got an eight-game NBA slate, which features matchups like the Philadelphia 76ers clashing against the Houston Rockets, the Orlando Magic against the Charlotte Hornets, the Washington Wizards against the Denver Nuggets and more. Key notes include injury impacts across various teams, a few teams on short rest, and strong home defenses.

Instead of breaking down every game, we have picked our NBA best bets today, which consist of a spread, a total and a player prop. These picks are based on recent form, stats, and matchup edges. We would prioritize these picks while focusing on just 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, driven by 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 Houston Rockets	Houston Rockets -2 (spread)	-112 at FanDuel
Play #2	Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets	Over 229.5 (total)	-110 at FanDuel
Play #3	Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors	Stephen Curry Over 27.5 Points (Player Prop)	-118 at FanDuel

Odds from FanDuel, accurate as of Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 12:38 am ET. Lines may move before the tip-off.

Game 1- Best Bet: Houston Rockets -2 vs Philadelphia 76ers

Pick Type	Market	Odds and Book
Best Bet	Rockets -2 vs 76ers (spread)	-112 at FanDuel

The 76ers are entering Thursday’s matchup on the back of a loss to the Phoenix Suns, while the Rockets are coming off a three-game winning streak. The Rockets have a strong and defensive edge, whereas the hosts are seeded towards the middle of the rack in terms of offensive and defensive ratings. In addition to it, the Rockets have the fourth-be st net rating in the league, while the 76ers are 13th in the standings.

The spread at Rockets -2 feels undervalued given the Rockets’ edge and recent form. Houston covers on the road against weaker defenses comfortably. We make this closer to -6 or -7 given their recent streak.

Considering the Rockets’ upper hand in both offenses and defenses, we are comfortably laying the -2 as our NBA best bet of the day.

Game 2- Play #2: Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets Over 229.5

Pick Type	Market	Odds and Book
Play #2	Over 229.5 (total)	-110 at FanDuel

The Orlando Magic are seeded 18th in the league in terms of offensive rating and the Hornets have occupied the ninth spot. In terms of defensive rating, the Magic are 12th, while their rivals are 21st in the league. This suggests the games of both teams result in high-scoring affairs.

The posted total of 229.5 has adjusted enough for the decent offense and defense of both teams.

The over fits the offensive, and high-possession narrative perfectly.

Game 3- Play #3: Stephen Curry Over 27.5 Points vs Dallas Mavericks

Pick Type	Market	Odds and Book
Play #3	Stephen Curry Over 27.5 Points	-118 at FanDuel

Stephen Curry dominates the Golden State Warriors. He is averaging over 27 points per game. Though Curry put up only one 27+ point game in the last five contests, he has been a highly-experienced player, and drops over 29 points per game on the road.

The Mavericks have a slight edge over the Warriors in terms of defensive edge, but considering how reliable Curry has been all through his career, we think this line is reachable for him.

We are expecting Curry to exceed the mark comfortably, and end his 20+ point performance drought.

NBA Best Bets Recap for January 22, 2026

Best Bet: Houston Rockets -2 vs Philadelphia 76ers (-112 at FanDuel)

Play #2: Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets Over 229.5 (-110 at FanDuel)

#Play 3: Stephen Curry Over 27.5 Points (-118 at FanDuel)

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