{"id":648873,"date":"2026-01-23T06:46:01","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T05:46:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=648873"},"modified":"2026-01-23T06:46:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T05:46:06","slug":"nba-best-bets-today-january-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/nba-best-bets-today-january-23\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Best Bets Today- Our Top Picks for Friday, January 23, 2026\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

For Friday, we have got an eight-game NBA slate, which features key matchups like the Houston Rockets clashing against the Detroit Pistons, the Milwaukee Bucks locking horns with the Denver Nuggets and more. A few potential lopsided games include the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Indiana Pacers, the Brooklyn Nets vs the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers vs the Sacramento Kings, and more. <\/p>

Rather than 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 trends, stats, and matchup edges. We would prioritize these picks if we are focusing on just a few spots tonight. If you are looking for full game previews, head over to our NBA picks and predictions page<\/a> for tonight. <\/p>

Otherwise, you can continue scrolling down for our favorite NBA best bets of the day, driven by a quick breakdown for each play. <\/p>

Our NBA Best Picks of the Day <\/h2>
Tag <\/td>Game<\/td>Market and Line <\/td>Odds and Book <\/td><\/tr>
Best Bet<\/td>Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics <\/td>Celtics -8.5 (spread)<\/td>-106 at FanDuel<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Play #2<\/td>Detroit Pistons vs Houston Rockets <\/td>Under 216.5 (total)<\/td>-110 at FanDuel<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Play #3<\/td>Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers <\/td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32.5 points (player prop)<\/td>-108 at FandDuel <\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Odds from FanDuel, accurate as of Friday, January 23, at 12:05 am ET. Lines may move before the tip off. <\/em><\/p>

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Game 1- Best Bet: Boston Celtics -8.5 vs Brooklyn Nets <\/h2>
Pick Type <\/td>Market <\/td>Odds and Book <\/td><\/tr>
Best Bet <\/td>Boston Celtics -8.5 vs Nets (spread) <\/td>-106 at FanDuel <\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

The Boston Celtics possess the second-best offense in the league, while their defensive rating has given them the 12th spot in the standings. In terms of net rating, the Celtics are seeded second<\/a>. On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets have occupied the lower-bottom spot in both offense and defense. This clearly suggests that the Celtics clearly have an upper-hand over their rivals. <\/p>

The spread at Celtics -8.5 feels solid considering their balance and control over the Nets. They have covered well in such spots as favorites, especially against weaker defenses. <\/p>

Considering Boston’s balance on the court, overall form and the Nets’ offensive and defensive struggles, we are comfortably laying the -8.5 as our Best Bet of the day. <\/p>

Game 2- Play #2: Detroit Pistons vs Houston Rockets Under 216.5 <\/h2>
Pick Type <\/td>Market <\/td>Odds and Book <\/td><\/tr>
Play #2<\/td>Pistons vs Rockets Under 216.5 (total)<\/td>-110 at FanDuel <\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

The Houston Rockets have the seventh-best defensive rating in the league, while the Pistons have the second-best. In addition, both teams also play with mid-to-slow pace, often resulting in low-scoring affairs. <\/p>

The posted total at 216.5 adjusts well with the slower pace and defensive prowess of both the teams. Recent games of these teams have trended under similar spots. <\/p>

The under 216.5 fits the defensive, and low-scoring narrative perfectly. <\/p>

Game 3- Play #3: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32.5 points vs Indiana Pacers <\/h2>
Pick Type <\/td>Market<\/td>Odds and Book<\/td><\/tr>
Play #3<\/td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32.5 points (player prop)<\/td>-108 at FanDuel<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the second-leading scorer in the league, dropping an average of 32 points per game<\/a>. In the last five contests, he has had four 30+ games, which speak of his consistency. In addition to it, he has had a 55-point game against the Indiana Pacers during their last meeting. <\/p>

The Pacers, on the other hand, are seeded towards the bottom half of the league in terms of defensive rating, while the Thunder are seeded atop. <\/p>

The line at 32.5 points is reachable for the Thunder, considering his consistency, form, and the Pacers’ poor defense. We back SGA to exceed the mark seamlessly. <\/p>

NBA Best Bets Recap for January 23, 2026 <\/h2>