NBA Moneyline Picks for Every Game Tonight: Cavs Crush Nuggets

Get the NBA insights you need to bet smarter and make every bucket count. Don’t just watch the games - own the night!

Ryan Murphy - Managing Editor at Covers.com
Ryan Murphy • Managing Editor
Jan 2, 2026 • 12:09 ET • 4 min read
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after being fouled and making the basket.
Photo By - Imagn Images. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after being fouled and making the basket.

It’s a massive Friday night on the hardwood! With ten games on the slate for January 2, 2026, the NBA is delivering everything from heavyweight cross-conference clashes to divisional grinds. I’ve scoured the latest moneyline odds at bet365 to help you find an edge.

Whether you're building a parlay or simply searching for a single game NBA pick, here are my moneyline picks for every game tonight.

NBA moneyline picks for January 2, 2026

Game Pick
Nets Nets vs Wizards Wizards Nets -120
Spurs Spurs vs Pacers Pacers Spurs -240
Nuggets Nuggets vs Cavaliers Cavaliers Cavaliers -800
Hawks Hawks vs Knicks Knicks Knicks -320
Magic Magic vs Bulls Bulls Magic -190
Hornets Hornets vs Bucks Bucks Bucks -245
Blazers Trail Blazers vs Pelicans Pelicans Blazers -110
Kings Kings vs Suns Suns Suns -850
Thunder Thunder vs Warriors Warriors Thunder -370
Grizzlies Grizzlies vs Lakers Lakers Lakers -165
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Nets Brooklyn Nets (-120) vs Wizards Washington Wizards (+100)

Pick: Brooklyn Nets

This is a battle for positioning at the bottom of the East, but Brooklyn has shown more defensive spine lately. While Washington is always a threat to get hot from deep at home, the Nets’ depth and the scoring consistency of Cam Thomas (21.4 points per game) should be the difference. Expect a close one, but Brooklyn has the late-game execution advantage here.

Spurs San Antonio Spurs (-240) vs Pacers Indiana Pacers (+195)

Pick: San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs enter this matchup with a sparkling 24-9 record, establishing themselves as legitimate contenders in the West. Indiana has struggled with consistency and defensive rotations, which is a recipe for disaster against a disciplined San Antonio squad.

Even on the road, the Spurs’ efficiency should overwhelm a Pacers team that often relies too heavily on high-octane transition play.

Nuggets Denver Nuggets (+550) vs Cavaliers Cleveland Cavaliers (-800)

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers

The odds tell the story here. Cleveland has been solid at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse this season (12-8) and the Nuggets are sure to struggle with Nikola Jokic sidelined with a hyperextended knee. The Cavs’ twin-tower defense and explosive backcourt make them a nightmare matchup for an undermanned Nuggets team that is just trying to stay afloat while their MVP recovers.

Hawks Atlanta Hawks (+260) vs Knicks New York Knicks (-320)

Pick: New York Knicks

The Knicks at Madison Square Garden on a Friday night? Good luck, Atlanta. New York’s physical identity and rebounding dominance usually travel well, but they’re especially potent at home, where the Knicks pull down nearly three more rebounds per game.

Yes, Trae Young loves the big stage of MSG, but a quad injury has the All-Star guard day-to-day and could limit his effectiveness if he suits up tonight. The Knicks' ability to grind out possessions and limit the Hawks’ second-chance opportunities makes them the smart moneyline play.

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Magic Orlando Magic (-190) vs Bulls Chicago Bulls (+160)

Pick: Orlando Magic

Orlando’s defensive identity is for real. They’ve climbed to 6th in the East by making life miserable for opposing guards. While the Bulls have the offensive firepower to keep it interesting at the United Center, the Magic’s length and ability to switch everything should stifle Chicago’s rhythm. Take the Magic to keep their momentum rolling.

Hornets Charlotte Hornets (+200) vs Bucks Milwaukee Bucks (-245)

Pick: Milwaukee Bucks

The 14-20 Bucks have been well below .500, but they still possess the high-end talent to handle a developing Hornets squad. Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel is having a fantastic rookie campaign, and a "homecoming" game in Wisconsin might give him an extra spark, but a healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo in a bounce-back spot at home is usually a lock.

Blazers Portland Trail Blazers (-110) vs Pelicans New Orleans Pelicans (-110)

Pick: Portland Trail Blazers

The "Pick'em" of the night! Both teams are struggling to stay afloat in the West, but Portland has looked slightly more cohesive over the last week, posting impressive wins over Boston and Dallas. The Pelicans have dealt with a revolving door of injuries that has hampered their offensive flow and enter tonight's match with four rotation players on the shelf.

In a game that could go either way, I'm leaning toward the Blazers' slightly better health and shooting.

Kings Sacramento Kings (+525) vs Suns Phoenix Suns (-750)

Pick: Phoenix Suns

Sacramento has hit a rough patch, winning just eight of their first 33 games. Heading into Phoenix to face a Suns team that is finally clicking is a tall order. The Suns have found their rhythm, and their offensive spacing is currently among the best in the league. Don't bother staying up late: Phoenix should take care of business easily at the Footprint Center.

Thunder Oklahoma City Thunder (-370) vs WarriorsGolden State Warriors (+290)

Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder

The 29-5 Thunder are undisputedly the best team in basketball right now, playing a brand of positionless, high-speed ball that is terrifying to opponents and a delight to anyone living in "The Big Friendly".

While the Warriors and Steph Curry can never be discounted at Chase Center, OKC’s youth, speed, and defensive versatility make them the rightful favorites. The Thunder are just too deep and too motivated right now.

Grizzlies Memphis Grizzlies (+140) vs Lakers Los Angeles Lakers (-165)

Pick: Los Angeles Lakers

While their 8-6 record at Crypto.com Arena shows the Lakers aren't quite invincible at home, the star power of Luka and LeBron usually finds a way in tight games.

Memphis arrives following a 40-point masterclass from Ja Morant, but the Grizzlies are dealing with a depleted frontcourt with Zach Edey sidelined and former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope listed as day-to-day. Expect a high-scoring affair where LA’s elite playmaking eventually wears down a gritty but outgunned Memphis squad.

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Ryan Murphy Managing Editor at Covers
Managing Editor

Ryan Murphy began his love affair with sports journalism at the age of nine when he wrote his first article about his little league baseball team. He has since authored his own weekly column for Fox Sports and has been a trusted voice within the sports betting industry for the past eight years with stops at XL Media and Churchill Downs. He’s been proud to serve as Managing Editor at Covers since 2022.

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