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NBA Betting Trends Analysis and Expert Handicapping 1/15/2026

by Jeremy Block - 1/15/2026

NBA betting trends and expert handicapping Devin Booker Phoenix Suns

We’re kicking off another year of basketball, and 2026 is already throwing a lot at us. Injuries, trade speculations, and the usual drama of teams stuck in the middle, unsure if they should rebuild or push for a title right now. Meanwhile, fans are left in the dark, scrambling for insights. That’s where I come in, with another edition of my NBA Trends to Watch Out For.

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January is arguably one of the toughest months to cash in on your bets. With trade rumors flying, the All-Star break just around the corner, and mid-season injuries wreaking havoc, it’s a minefield out there. But don’t worry, I’ve done the heavy lifting and have everything you need for your next set of bets to cash in faster than you can say “Another Anthony Davis injury.” Let’s dive right in.

Fly With Atlanta as Underdogs

With the Atlanta Hawks recently making headlines after finally parting ways with Trae Young, most Hawks fans are still emotionally recovering. But for betting purposes, this is the best time to take advantage of the change. Since Young’s departure and even a bit before, Atlanta has stepped up its game, with role players leading the way, and has been covering spreads because of it.

With Young in the rotation, handling the ball for most of the shot clock and launching questionable shots, the Hawks' offense would often be stagnant, making it hard for them to cover spreads. But now that Young is gone, this team has completely flipped the script and is playing solid, unselfish basketball, and are a team to back as underdogs, which is almost every game they play.

The Hawks are now 14-9 ATS as underdogs, and given how well they’ve been playing lately, especially with the addition of CJ McCollum adding that veteran presence and extra scoring, they’re a sneaky team that no bettor should underestimate. Keep an eye on them for the rest of the season.

Take Suns ATS At Home

Going into the 2025-2026 season, it was beyond a doubt that no analyst or fan expected the Phoenix Suns to be as big a threat in the Western Conference as they are now. With a 24-16 record, they’ve taken down some of the league’s best teams outright.

While Phoenix has had its ups and downs with injuries, between Devin Booker and Royce O’Neal dealing with minor setbacks, at home, no matter the lineup, this team takes care of business, and you need to add them to your betting slips going forward.

The Suns are now 15-4 ATS when playing on its home floor, and I don’t see that trend changing anytime soon. They rank fifth in points allowed, surrendering just 112.2 points per game, and seventh in opponent 3-point percentage, limiting teams to just 34%. Surprisingly, Phoenix has made itself a legitimate contender in the West, and on its home floor, it only gets more dangerous for visiting teams. Back the Suns when they’re at home.

Fade Cavaliers in Conference Games

The Cavaliers may be sitting comfortably in the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, but if you’ve watched this team play, it’s safe to say their performance doesn’t match the record at all. Yep, you read that right. They might be in playoff contention, but covering spreads in Eastern Conference games? They’re so bad at it, they couldn’t hit water if they fell out of a boat. Fading them in these matchups is basically guaranteed money in your account.

Cleveland is sitting at 8-20 ATS when facing Eastern Conference teams. So, if they’re winning, where’s the catch? Simple: Defense. The Cavaliers are giving up a league-worst 38.6% from beyond the arc. In today’s perimeter-heavy game, that’s a big red flag. They’re basically handing opposing teams the chance to keep games tighter than they should be, making it easier for them to cover the spread. So, if you’re betting on Cleveland, this is a trend you need to keep an eye on.

Target Rebounding Player Props Against Mavericks

The Mavericks kicked off its season with plenty of speculation surrounding them, between injuries and having a decently-vetted lineup. However, now, halfway through the season, it’s clear that no expectations have been met, and they don’t look like they will be anytime soon.

With injuries piling up for the Mavericks in the big man department, there’s a huge opportunity for bettors to take advantage of opposing player rebound props. With Cooper Flagg and Daniel Gafford both dealing with ankle sprains, and Anthony Davis, being the glass house he is, now managing a damaged finger and possibly on the trade block, the Mavericks have no interior presence right now. With an average of just 23.9 rebounds a game, they’re wide open for opposing players to rack up the boards.

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