NBA Picks: Expert Picks Against the Spread, NBA Player Props, Best Bets & Parlays.
Today's NBA expert picks, player props, NBA best bets and parlays. All of our NBA predictions are against the spread. (ATS) Bookmark this page as it will be updated daily.
Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction, 1/3/2026 Preview and Pick
by Guy Bruhn - 1/2/2026
The Houston Rockets are scheduled to play the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Houston heads into this game with a mark of 20-10 on the season. Dallas has a record of 12-22 for the season. This games report has current odds, betting trends, and free picks against the spread.
Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Clippers Prediction, 1/3/2026 Preview and Pick
by Tony Sink - 1/2/2026
The Boston Celtics are scheduled to meet the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Boston will enter this contest with a mark of 20-12 on the year. Los Angeles has a mark of 11-21 on the season. We have included an expert NBA pick and best bet for todays game ATS.
Utah Jazz vs Golden State Warriors Prediction, 1/3/2026 Preview and Pick
by Josh Schonwald - 1/2/2026
The Utah Jazz are scheduled to go head to head with the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Utah will enter this matchup with a mark of 12-20 this season. Golden State has a win-loss mark of 18-16 this year. This matchup report has Vegas lines and an expert NBA basketball pick for your daily winner.
Charlotte Hornets vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, 1/3/2026 Preview and Pick
by Parlay's Pundit - 1/2/2026
The Charlotte Hornets are set to play the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Charlotte enters this one with a win-loss mark of 11-22 this year. Chicago has a win-loss mark of 16-17 for the campaign. We have included an expert pick and parlay for todays game against the spread.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Miami Heat Prediction, 1/3/2026 Preview and Pick
by Tony Sink - 1/2/2026
The Minnesota Timberwolves are scheduled to meet the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Minnesota comes into this matchup with a record of 21-13 on the year. Miami has a mark of 18-15 on the year. This matchup report includes odds, betting trends and a free pick against the spread.
Atlanta Hawks vs Toronto Raptors Prediction, 1/3/2026 Preview and Pick
by Josh Schonwald - 1/2/2026
The Atlanta Hawks are scheduled to take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Atlanta enters this matchup with a win-loss mark of 16-19 this season. Toronto has a win-loss mark of 20-15 this season. This matchup report includes betting lines and our pick of the day for this game.
Portland Trail Blazers vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction, 1/3/2026 Preview and Pick
by Tony Sink - 1/2/2026
The Portland Trail Blazers are on the docket to go head to head with the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Portland enters this matchup with a win-loss mark of 14-20 for the year. San Antonio has a win-loss mark of 24-9 for the season. This Matchup report includes Vegas odds and a free basketball pick for tonight.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Prediction, 1/3/2026 Preview and Pick
by Guy Bruhn - 1/2/2026
The Philadelphia 76ers are scheduled to go head to head with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Philadelphia enters this contest with a win-loss mark of 17-14 on the campaign. New York has a win-loss mark of 23-10 for the year. This report includes betting odds and our expert NBA picks for todays game.
Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction, 1/2/2026 Preview and Pick
by Josh Schonwald - 1/1/2026
The Denver Nuggets are on the docket to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Friday, January 2, 2026. Denver comes into this matchup with a win-loss mark of 22-9 for the campaign. Cleveland has a record of 17-16 this year. This matchup report includes betting lines and our pick of the day for this game.
Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks Prediction, 1/2/2026 Preview and Pick
by Parlay's Pundit - 1/1/2026
The Atlanta Hawks are on the docket to meet the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Friday, January 2, 2026. Atlanta comes into this one with a mark of 15-18 this season. New York has a mark of 22-9 on the campaign. We have included an expert pick and parlay for todays game against the spread.
Orlando Magic vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, 1/2/2026 Preview and Pick
by Tony Sink - 1/1/2026
The Orlando Magic are set to go head to head with the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Friday, January 2, 2026. Orlando steps onto the court with a record of 18-14 for the season. Chicago has a record of 15-16 this season. This Matchup report includes Vegas odds and a free basketball pick for tonight.
Sacramento Kings vs Phoenix Suns Prediction, 1/2/2026 Preview and Pick
by Tony Sink - 1/1/2026
The Sacramento Kings are on the docket to play the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on Friday, January 2, 2026. Sacramento will take the court with a win-loss mark of 8-24 so far this year. Phoenix has a record of 18-13 so far this season. We have included an expert NBA pick and best bet for todays game ATS.
Brooklyn Nets vs Washington Wizards Prediction, 1/2/2026 Preview and Pick
by Guy Bruhn - 1/1/2026
The Brooklyn Nets are on the docket to take on the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Friday, January 2, 2026. Brooklyn will play this game with a win-loss mark of 10-19 for the campaign. Washington has a win-loss mark of 7-23 on the season. This report includes betting odds and our expert NBA picks for todays game.
Charlotte Hornets vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction, 1/2/2026 Preview and Pick
by Guy Bruhn - 1/1/2026
The Charlotte Hornets are scheduled to take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Friday, January 2, 2026. Charlotte enters this contest with a mark of 11-20 on the year. Milwaukee has a win-loss record of 13-19 on the year. This games report has current odds, betting trends, and free picks against the spread.
Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, 1/2/2026 Preview and Pick
by Josh Schonwald - 1/1/2026
The Portland Trail Blazers are on the docket to meet the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Friday, January 2, 2026. Portland comes into this matchup with a win-loss record of 13-19 so far this season. New Orleans has a mark of 8-25 for the year. This matchup report has Vegas lines and an expert NBA basketball pick for your daily winner.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors Prediction, 1/2/2026 Preview and Pick
by Guy Bruhn - 1/1/2026
The Oklahoma City Thunder are scheduled to go head to head with the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Friday, January 2, 2026. Oklahoma City comes into this one with a win-loss mark of 27-5 this season. Golden State has a win-loss record of 16-16 on the season. This report has odds and your NBA predictions for todays game against the spread.
San Antonio Spurs vs Indiana Pacers Prediction, 1/2/2026 Preview and Pick
by Tony Sink - 1/1/2026
The San Antonio Spurs are scheduled to go head to head with the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, January 2, 2026. San Antonio heads into this contest with a mark of 23-8 for the campaign. Indiana has a record of 6-26 so far this year. This matchup report includes odds, betting trends and a free pick against the spread.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, 1/2/2026 Preview and Pick
by Josh Schonwald - 1/1/2026
The Memphis Grizzlies are scheduled to go head to head with the Los Angeles Lakers at crypto.com Arena on Friday, January 2, 2026. Memphis steps onto the hardwood with a win-loss mark of 15-17 this season. Los Angeles has a mark of 20-10 for the campaign. This game report has an NBA basketball pick, betting odds, and trends for tonights key matchup.
Houston Rockets vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction, 1/1/2026 Preview and Pick
by Tony Sink - 12/31/2025
The Houston Rockets are on the docket to go head to head with the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Houston comes into this contest with a mark of 19-10 this year. Brooklyn has a mark of 10-19 for the year. This matchup report includes odds, betting trends and a free pick against the spread.
Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Clippers Prediction, 1/1/2026 Preview and Pick
by Tony Sink - 12/31/2025
The Utah Jazz are on the docket to play the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Utah will enter this matchup with a record of 12-19 on the year. Los Angeles has a record of 10-21 for the year. This Matchup report includes Vegas odds and a free basketball pick for tonight.
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Please note that the NBA picks above for tonight's games are not computer based picks. All of these articles are written by our talented staff. If you have any comments or suggestions please email service@docsports.com
NBA Picks
The NBA is considered by many to be the best league for sports betting. Yes, the NFL is king in terms of popularity and wagering volume per game but nothing beats NBA basketball over the course of a season. Why? There are many opportunities to make NBA picks every night. NBA lines move more often and are not as sharp as football lines which are under the microscope all week. NBA odds have a much shorter lifespan meaning there are greater opportunities to find value. That gives Doc's basketball handicappers exponentially more opportunities to offer daily free NBA picks and be even more selective when offering expert NBA picks.
Free NBA Picks and Expert Predictions
You can find Free NBA picks throughout the Doc's Sports network including this free NBA predictions page; on our Doc's NBA Experts page; and on the Youtube channels of our expert NBA handicappers. We now also have a very popular NBA video section that is updated daily with several videos during the NBA season. Check the video link on the top navigation. Those ready to take advantage of our Free $60 in member selections can click the button at the top of this page and start receiving free expert predictions.
Get your NBA Picks Today, and Everyday!
Doc's offers expert NBA picks today and every day of the NBA season! Sure, there are the days when the NBA card consists of only tanking teams competing for the right to draft the next Zion Williamson. These teams are bad and their competition for an audience is Seinfeld reruns or maybe getting an extra hour of sleep. At Doc's we don't see this as trash basketball, we see this as a huge opportunity to make money...on trash basketball. Each day during the basketball season is an opportunity to make valuable and profitable predictions
What are NBA Picks Against the Spread?
Most NBA bettors are going to make NBA picks against the spread. This is also known as NBA picks ATS. Sportsbooks give each NBA team a handicap of X amount of points. That means if books think the Lakers are 4 points better than the Celtics they will offer a line of Lakers -4. If a Doc's handicapper has reason to believe the Lakers are much more than 4 points better, his pick against the spread would be to take the Lakers -4. This is how all bets on the spread work unless bookmakers consider both teams to be evenly matched, in which case the line is a pick, AKA pick'em. At Doc's the majority of our NBA selections are against the spread. However, there can be outstanding value on betting NBA totals.
What are NBA Over/Under Picks?
The pace of the game, as well as which team dictates the pace, is a key factor when handicapping basketball games. When pace is an especially strong signal, it may dictate a pick on the over/under. An NBA over/under pick is another way of referring to a prediction on an NBA game point total. NBA total lines are usually well above 200 in today's NBA making them harder for the betting public to find value. For example, the 2004 Detroit Pistons team was very consistently within 5 points of the 90 they averaged. In today's NBA, greater scoring means greater variance. However, professional basketball handicappers can use this to their advantage as the sportsbooks also try to keep track of the higher scoring NBA totals. Doc's sports NBA total picks are some of the best in the business and our total prediction write-ups are insightful. Along with offering our NBA expert picks, we provide free selections that are intended to help bettors with their handicapping legwork.
What are NBA Parlay Picks?
Parlay picks are sucker bets they say! Never bet and NBA parlay they say! Bettors that speak in these absolutes clearly haven't learned how to find value betting basketball. Sure, the payout on parlays at most sportsbooks have gone down to the point where putting two of your picks together for the sake of winning more is not a good investment. But what if your parlay picks could be made on the same game? That is called a correlated NBA parlay. Many sportsbooks offer the ability to make NBA bets against the spread and total in the same game. So if you have a great read on a game and expect one team to quit and fall behind, you may decide to make an NBA parlay prediction. At Doc's our experts will offer a free parlay pick in rare cases. It is not common because we need to find value for our customers on both lines before they move. If our parlay prediction is indeed on the same game, we need to confirm there is value regardless of the fact that you can't line shop the odds on a parlay. Both bets in a parlay must be made at the same sportsbook. If there is a free selection on the total over of -14 and under 200 it was offered knowing that those lines can be found at most Las Vegas sportsbooks and online.
What are NBA Playoff Predictions?
Once the regular season is over the NBA tends to resemble the national football league in many ways. Bettors have much more time to make their NBA playoff picks as teams travel to each other's arenas and rest between series. Making successful NBA playoff predictions is as much about when you bet as it is who you bet on. A series might not start for days. That means an NBA spread may move quite a few points especially as the public bets closer to the action. If we see value in a playoff prediction it will rely heavily on getting the line we are quoting in said NBA pick. In the words of the great Tony George, "We are betting numbers, not teams!" That may not be more relevant than when making picks on the NBA playoff games.
What were Yesterdays Expert NBA Picks Results from our Handicappers?
For transparency in this spot we will list all of the previous days picks and analysis. This will be updated daily at around 5AM Eastern Time.
Results for Thursday 1st of January 2026
| Handicapper | Units | Dollars |
| Doc's Sports | 0 | $0.00 |
| Robert Ferringo | -1 | $-120.00 |
| Craig Trapp | 2 | $200.00 |
| Scott Rickenbach | 4 | $400.00 |
| Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy) | 4 | $400.00 |
| Raphael Esparza (VSI) | -4 | $-440.00 |
| Vernon Croy | 0 | $0.00 |
| Scott Spreitzer | 0 | $0.00 |
| August Young | 4 | $400.00 |
| Strike Point Sports | 0 | $0.00 |
| Jason Sharpe | 0 | $0.00 |
| Griffin Murphy | -7 | $-770.00 |
| Nick Menken | 0 | $0.00 |
Thursday 1st of January 2026
Doc's Sports
Passing for today.
Robert Ferringo
2-Unit Play. Take #526 Sacramento (+10) over Boston (10 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 1)
It doesn’t make a ton of sense that the Kings would play well here. But the Kings kind of show up at weird times. They handled Dallas in their last home game and beat the Rockets on Dec. 21. The Kings have back-to-back blowout losses. But since an ugly stint in early November they really have been able to avoid routinely losing by 10+. Boston has been playing better against a weak schedule. They are 0-3 ATS in their last three games as a favorite of 9.0+ and I think they win but don’t cover here.
1-Unit Play. 5-POINT TEASER: Take #526 Sacramento (+15) over Boston (10 p.m.) AND Take #528 L.A. Clippers (-7.5) over Utah (10:40 p.m.)
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Craig Trapp
2-Unit Play. Take #525 Boston Team Total Over (118.5) points (10 p.m., Thursday, January 1)
The Celtics' offense has been hot over the last 3 games, averaging 125.6 points per game. Their three-point shooting continues to stay hot tonight against the weak defense of Sacramento. Take the Celtics' team total over tonight.
Craig
Scott Rickenbach
4-Unit Play. Take #523 Philadelphia (-$135) at Dallas (8:40 p.m., Thu, Jan. 1)
At first glance one might be inclined to back the Mavericks here. After all, they have a revenge from a recent loss at Philly in which they blew a lead and watched the 76ers take over in the 4th quarter. However, the key here is that Embiid did not even play in that game and yet Philly still won! For this one he is listed as probable and I do expect him to play considering he has some rest under his belt. Note that he has averaged 30.6 ppg and 8.6 rpg in his last 5 games and truly bolsters this Philly team on both ends of the floor with his presence on the hardwood. The Mavs have lost 6 of 8 and their only 2 wins in this stretch were by a combined total of just 3 points. The point is that the Mavericks could very easily be on an 8-game losing streak and I like the Sixers straight-up here. Yes we could take them ATS but then we need them to win by 3 or more to cash our ticket. I will go with the money line here and lay a little extra juice to make sure that any Sixers win also cashes our ticket at the betting window. 4* PHILADELPHIA -$135
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
4-Unit Play. #528. Take LA Clippers -12.5 over Utah Jazz (Thursday @ 10:40pm est)
Great 7*NBA Winner on the Pelicans Over and great 8*NHL Winner on Tampa Bay. We roll with the Clippers here. They lost to these Jazz earlier this year. The final score was 129-108 and this was back in October, but man, these Clippers have changed and things have turned around. Maybe taking Chris Paul out was the best thing that can happen to this team. I mean, the Clippers now have won 5 in a row, they are 11-21, they beat the Kings, Pistons, Portland, Houston and Lakers. I mean, what else does this team need to do? That's great. With the Jazz coming in having lost to the Celtics, but mainly with the Clippers seeking revenge, the fact that the Clippers know they almost gave up 130 points to this team last time, look for the Clippers to step up here for a fantastic blowout win.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
NBA BASKETBALL
4 Unit Play. Take #527 Over 232.5 Utah at LA Clippers (10:40p.m., Thursday January 1)
Tony George
Passing for today.
Vernon Croy
Passing for today.
Scott Spreitzer
Passing for today.
August Young
4-Unit Play - (525) Boston Celtics -9.5 -110 over Sacramento Kings (1/2 | 10:00PM EST) Boston is well positioned to cover this number based on matchup and consistency. The Celtics have been one of the most reliable teams at creating separation with elite half-court offense and strong point-of-attack defense, especially against teams that rely heavily on perimeter scoring. Sacramento can struggle defensively versus disciplined offenses and has been less consistent on the road, particularly when forced to defend for a full shot clock. With Boston’s depth, rebounding edge, and ability to sustain scoring runs, a double-digit margin is a reasonable expectation, supporting the -9.5 play.
Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.
Jason Sharpe
Passing for today.
Griffin Murphy
7 Unit Play - Take #526 Sacramento Kings (+9.5) Over Boston Celtics. (10:00p.m, Thursday, January 1st)
Sacramento comes into this game dropping back-to-back games against 2 Western teams like the Lakers and Clippers. The Clippers lit Sacramento up in a 131-90 final on Tuesday, and this definitely was a stinger. Boston is now 20-12 on the year, 7-3 in their last 10 games, and coming off a 129-119 win over Utah on Tuesday. Boston is in the middle of a 5-game road trip, and now playing a 10PM EST tip-off should really wear this team down in the 2nd half. With Sacramento getting blown out in two games in a row, the market sees pure vulnerability with this Kings team, while Boston is the hot asset. This is typically the strongest ingredient for a reversal. Also note, Sacramento has 8 wins on the year, 5 of those wins have come at home. All looks way too pretty for Boston, whilst it looks like a disaster for the Kings. We reverse flip, as we believe the midnight wall strikes and Boston wears out in the second half of this one. Home court advantage, nearly getting double digits, and a massive timezone edge. Let’s roll with the Kings as our NBA play of the week!
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
Passing for today.
Doc's Sports
Passing for today.Robert Ferringo
2-Unit Play. Take #526 Sacramento (+10) over Boston (10 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 1)It doesn’t make a ton of sense that the Kings would play well here. But the Kings kind of show up at weird times. They handled Dallas in their last home game and beat the Rockets on Dec. 21. The Kings have back-to-back blowout losses. But since an ugly stint in early November they really have been able to avoid routinely losing by 10+. Boston has been playing better against a weak schedule. They are 0-3 ATS in their last three games as a favorite of 9.0+ and I think they win but don’t cover here.
1-Unit Play. 5-POINT TEASER: Take #526 Sacramento (+15) over Boston (10 p.m.) AND Take #528 L.A. Clippers (-7.5) over Utah (10:40 p.m.)
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Craig Trapp
2-Unit Play. Take #525 Boston Team Total Over (118.5) points (10 p.m., Thursday, January 1)The Celtics' offense has been hot over the last 3 games, averaging 125.6 points per game. Their three-point shooting continues to stay hot tonight against the weak defense of Sacramento. Take the Celtics' team total over tonight.
Craig
Scott Rickenbach
4-Unit Play. Take #523 Philadelphia (-$135) at Dallas (8:40 p.m., Thu, Jan. 1)At first glance one might be inclined to back the Mavericks here. After all, they have a revenge from a recent loss at Philly in which they blew a lead and watched the 76ers take over in the 4th quarter. However, the key here is that Embiid did not even play in that game and yet Philly still won! For this one he is listed as probable and I do expect him to play considering he has some rest under his belt. Note that he has averaged 30.6 ppg and 8.6 rpg in his last 5 games and truly bolsters this Philly team on both ends of the floor with his presence on the hardwood. The Mavs have lost 6 of 8 and their only 2 wins in this stretch were by a combined total of just 3 points. The point is that the Mavericks could very easily be on an 8-game losing streak and I like the Sixers straight-up here. Yes we could take them ATS but then we need them to win by 3 or more to cash our ticket. I will go with the money line here and lay a little extra juice to make sure that any Sixers win also cashes our ticket at the betting window. 4* PHILADELPHIA -$135
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
4-Unit Play. #528. Take LA Clippers -12.5 over Utah Jazz (Thursday @ 10:40pm est)Great 7*NBA Winner on the Pelicans Over and great 8*NHL Winner on Tampa Bay. We roll with the Clippers here. They lost to these Jazz earlier this year. The final score was 129-108 and this was back in October, but man, these Clippers have changed and things have turned around. Maybe taking Chris Paul out was the best thing that can happen to this team. I mean, the Clippers now have won 5 in a row, they are 11-21, they beat the Kings, Pistons, Portland, Houston and Lakers. I mean, what else does this team need to do? That's great. With the Jazz coming in having lost to the Celtics, but mainly with the Clippers seeking revenge, the fact that the Clippers know they almost gave up 130 points to this team last time, look for the Clippers to step up here for a fantastic blowout win.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
NBA BASKETBALL4 Unit Play. Take #527 Over 232.5 Utah at LA Clippers (10:40p.m., Thursday January 1)
Tony George
Passing for today.Vernon Croy
Passing for today.Scott Spreitzer
Passing for today.August Young
4-Unit Play - (525) Boston Celtics -9.5 -110 over Sacramento Kings (1/2 | 10:00PM EST) Boston is well positioned to cover this number based on matchup and consistency. The Celtics have been one of the most reliable teams at creating separation with elite half-court offense and strong point-of-attack defense, especially against teams that rely heavily on perimeter scoring. Sacramento can struggle defensively versus disciplined offenses and has been less consistent on the road, particularly when forced to defend for a full shot clock. With Boston’s depth, rebounding edge, and ability to sustain scoring runs, a double-digit margin is a reasonable expectation, supporting the -9.5 play.Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.Jason Sharpe
Passing for today.Griffin Murphy
7 Unit Play - Take #526 Sacramento Kings (+9.5) Over Boston Celtics. (10:00p.m, Thursday, January 1st)Sacramento comes into this game dropping back-to-back games against 2 Western teams like the Lakers and Clippers. The Clippers lit Sacramento up in a 131-90 final on Tuesday, and this definitely was a stinger. Boston is now 20-12 on the year, 7-3 in their last 10 games, and coming off a 129-119 win over Utah on Tuesday. Boston is in the middle of a 5-game road trip, and now playing a 10PM EST tip-off should really wear this team down in the 2nd half. With Sacramento getting blown out in two games in a row, the market sees pure vulnerability with this Kings team, while Boston is the hot asset. This is typically the strongest ingredient for a reversal. Also note, Sacramento has 8 wins on the year, 5 of those wins have come at home. All looks way too pretty for Boston, whilst it looks like a disaster for the Kings. We reverse flip, as we believe the midnight wall strikes and Boston wears out in the second half of this one. Home court advantage, nearly getting double digits, and a massive timezone edge. Let’s roll with the Kings as our NBA play of the week!
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
Passing for today.Daily Free Picks Menu
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