The NBA regular season continues on Sunday, January 14 with a five-game slate. The Pacers and Nuggets get the day started with a clash in the afternoon, while the Clippers face the Timberwolves later in the evening in a battle between Western Conference contenders. Our NBA betting experts have you covered with spread picks and player props from both of those games in their best bets.
Find our expert NBA best bets and picks below.
NBA Best Bets Today
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
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  | 3:30 p.m. | |
| 3:30 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
| 7 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Pacers vs. Nuggets
By Joe Dellera
The Nuggets play the Indiana Pacers today in a clear Pace-up spot against one of the league’s worst defenses (albeit a slightly better one over the past month).
One of the primary issues for the Pacers today is that the Nuggets are flat out bigger than them. It’s a tough matchup for the Pacers from a physical perspective.
Indiana has no one to match up with Michael Porter Jr. at all. He’s scored 17 and 19 points against Indiana the last two seasons, and this season he has averaged 17.7 points per game at home while exceeding this 15.5-point line in 65% of games.
MPJ’s ability to score at every level with a significant size advantage will pay dividends in this afternoon’s contest, and Nikola Jokic will have no trouble finding him.
Pick: Michael Porter Jr Over 15.5 Points
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Pacers vs. Nuggets
The Indiana Pacers are climbing the Eastern Conference standings with nine wins in their past 10 games, including wins in their two games this week without Tyrese Haliburton. They’ll now try to maintain their impressive form when they visit the defending champion Nuggets.
One intriguing thing about this matchup is how Denver will deal with Indiana’s pace.
Per TeamRankings, the Pacers lead the league with 106.8 possessions per game. In contrast, the Nuggets rank 29th in this category, averaging 100.6 possessions.
However, with an opening total of 239 bet up to 241, the bookmakers are projecting a pace more conducive to the Pacers’ liking.
According to our Action Labs database, the Pacers are 16-9-1 against the spread this season with an opening total of 239 or higher.
The Pacers are a team that might still have their best basketball ahead of them. For example, they have an exceptional inside-out game as they lead the league with an average of 57.1 points in the paint and rank fifth in 3-point field goals (14.3 made 3s per game).
However, they tend to struggle defensively as they rank 26th in efficiency with 115.6 points allowed per game. Nonetheless, as long as there are plenty of opportunities for both teams to get up and down the court, I’ll trust the Pacers to keep this game inside the number.
With my model projecting Indiana closer to a seven-point underdog, we’re getting roughly 3.5 points of value at the current price.
Pick: Pacers +10.5
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Clippers vs. Timberwolves
Clippers were actually +1 dogs at open and are -2 as of this writing.
As road favorites, they're 8-4 against the spread this season and +4.5 in Spread Differential, which is fifth in the league.
In the long term, I'm skeptical of both teams, but I have no real issue drinking the Clippers' Kool Aid now. They've won three straight and eight of nine, while the Timberwolves' hot start has faded to a modest 7-6 stretch since December 20.
Pick: Clippers -2 (-108)
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Clippers vs. Timberwolves
By Joe Dellera
Tonight should feature an exciting game between the Clippers and the Timberwolves, both of whom are surging at the top of the Western Conference.
The Clippers have found their rhythm with James Harden, and he’s been dynamite lately as the facilitating leader of the offense. Over his last 10 games, Harden is averaging 10.3 assists on 15.3 potential assists. Ordinarily, that conversion rate would be a bit alarming, but with the Clippers' elite shot makers between Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the conversion rate should be higher.
The Timberwolves are elite defensively, but they have allowed significant assist performances from Jalen Brunson, Luka Doncic and De’Aaron Fox this season.
There are some -135s out there, which are fine, or bet Harden for 10+ assists at +125, but reduce your risk.
Pick: James Harden Over 8.5 Assists
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