The big news in the NBA Wednesday was James Harden finally getting his wish by being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and despite Harden going to another Eastern Conference contender, no one was happier than Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons.
Simmons’ name was being heard in trade rumors, but he’s happy to stay put on a 76ers team which finally appears to be unlocking its potential and that has created some betting value in Simmons’ player props.
We break down the basketball odds for that and more with our best free NBA picks and predictions for Thursday, January 14.
NBA Picks for Today
Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers
Reports out of Philadelphia are that 76ers guard Ben Simmons was ecstatic that he wasn’t traded as part of a James Harden deal. He and the rest of the team feel the Sixers can finally take the next step and compete for a championship. and that Simmons was hoping be a big part of that. So, with Simmons flying high, we’re expecting a big night out of the Philly point guard when they welcome the Miami Heat to town.
Philadelphia looks like it is starting to actually reach its potential, as Daryl Morey did the obvious thing and surrounded Simmons and All-NBA center Joel Embiid with shooters. With some of the pressure taken off Simmons to be a scorer, he can just play his game. The Sixers’ point guard is averaging 12.6 points, with 8.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists per contest.
That said, Simmons' scoring has fluctuated quite a bit at times this season, so his best player prop for this game looks to be his Rebounds + Assists total, which sits at 15.5 - a number which he has gone Over in six of his last seven games.
While the Sixers are dealing with some COVID issues, theirs are nothing compared to the Heat, whose entire team looks to be on the injury report. In fact, its’s a little surprising Miami will have the eight players required to play the game. But as for now, the game is on, and Simmons should take advantage of his depleted opponent.
PREDICTION: Ben Simmons Over 15.5 Rebounds + Assists (-115)
Charlotte Hornets vs Toronto Raptors
It has been a tough go for the Toronto Raptors during the early parts of this new NBA season. After losing Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka this offseason, the Raptors then learned they wouldn’t get real home games this season, having to set up shop in Tampa. And things have just not looked right on the court through 10 games, with the team sitting at 2-8. But the Raps might not be as bad as their record indicates and they’ll try to build some momentum when they host the Charlotte Hornets Thursday.
The Raptors are coming off back-to-back heartbreaking one-point losses and as a result, are tied for the NBA’s worst record. Despite this, the Raps are actually just 18th when it comes to net rating. Additionally, they're starting to shoot better from 3-point range and their defense, which was supposed to be a strength heading into the season, has come around.
Charlotte is playing its second game in as many nights after the Dallas Mavericks ended their four-game winning streak. The Hornets are another strong defensive team, ranking seventh in D-rating.
Mix those defenses with two offenses that have been inconsistent to put it nicely, and there is a good chance this is a low-scoring contest. Additionally, the Under has cashed in the Raptors' last two games and is 11-2 in their last 13 games as a home favorite. While the Under is 8-2 in the Hornets' last 10 games overall. That trend is a good bet to continue.
PREDICTION: Under 221.5 (-110)
Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs
The post-James Harden era begins for the Houston Rockets Thursday night in San Antonio. The short-handed Rockets will be looking for just their second win in their last six games, while the Spurs come home after a strong five-game road trip that saw them go 4-1.
The Spurs have climbed back to a half-game behind Dallas for top spot in the Southwest, thanks in large part to their depth. San Antonio has seven players averaging double-digit scoring, and one of those players is Patty Mills.
Gregg Popovich has unlocked Team Australia’s version of Mills, and the backup point guard is letting it fly from deep. Mills is shooting 47.3 percent from 3-point range on 6.7 attempts in just over 25 minutes per game. He now faces a Rockets team that ranks 22nd in opponent 3-point percentage.
While the Rockets might finally start responding to rookie head coach Stephen Silas now that Harden is gone, Mills and the Spurs are still a tough assignment in this spot. Bet Mills to go Over his made threes total.
PREDICTION: Patty Mills Over 2.5 Made Threes (-120)
Top NBA Consensus for Today
Want to know who today's biggest NBA betting and consensus bets are right now? Check out our top NBA consensus picks.
Yesterday's picks: 2-1 (+0.82 units)
Season record to date: 33-25-1 (+5.96 units)
NBA Betting Card for January 14
- Ben Simmons Over 15.5 Rebounds + Assists (-115)
- CHA-TOR Under 221.5 (-110)
- Patty Mills Over 2.5 Made Threes (-120)
NBA Parlays
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