NBA Expert Picks and Best Bets | Jan 4

caleb tallman
By:
Caleb Tallman
01/04/2024
NBA
NBA Picks and Best Bets
NBA Best Bets 2023-2024

As Thursday night lights up with exhilarating NBA matchups, the anticipation reaches a crescendo for basketball enthusiasts and sports bettors alike. In the heart of the action, we present a curated selection of compelling sports betting picks for the upcoming clashes. The hardwood battles feature powerhouse teams and dynamic players, promising an evening filled with intense competition and thrilling performances.

From the Frost Bank Center showdown between the Milwaukee Bucks and the San Antonio Spurs to the clash at Chase Center between the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors, each game carries its own narrative of triumph and challenge. Our in-depth analysis navigates through recent team performances, player statistics, and strategic advantages, providing valuable insights for those looking to engage in NBA sports betting.

Whether it's assessing the Bucks' redemption quest after a tough loss or gauging Stephen Curry's scoring potential against the Nuggets, our sports betting picks delve into the nuances of each matchup. The quest for victory, fueled by the desire for playoff contention, adds a layer of intensity to these Thursday night games.

As the clock ticks down to tip-off, embark on this thrilling journey with our expertly crafted NBA sports betting picks, guiding you through the strategic landscape of Thursday night's basketball spectacle. The courts come alive, and the stakes are high – let the games begin!

Milwaukee Bucks vs. San Antonio Spurs Best Bet:

Bucks -9 | -112 at FanDuel

In the upcoming clash between the Milwaukee Bucks and the San Antonio Spurs on January 4, 2024, at Frost Bank Center, the Bucks aim to bounce back after a 122-113 loss to the Pacers. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's stellar performance with 30 points, the Bucks struggled defensively, allowing a 44.3% shooting from the field. The Spurs, on the other hand, suffered a 106-98 loss to the Grizzlies, with Victor Wembanyama contributing 20 points.

With a -9 spread favoring the Bucks according to FanDuel, Milwaukee's offensive prowess, shooting 50.0% from the field, suggests they can cover the spread against the struggling Spurs. San Antonio's defensive challenges, allowing 122.8 points per game, may play into the Bucks' favor.

Basketball enthusiasts can explore the odds on FanDuel for a comprehensive analysis and consider leaning towards the Bucks as favorites to cover the -9 spread in what could be a decisive victory against the Spurs. While San Antonio may put up a fight, Milwaukee's offensive efficiency and defensive improvements position them well to cover the spread and secure a convincing win on the road.

FanDuel sportsbook
Bucks -9 | -112 at FanDuel

Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors Best Bet:

Nuggets -2.5 | -110 at BetMGM

In the impending clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors on January 4, 2024, at Chase Center, the Nuggets, coming off a convincing 111-93 victory against the Hornets, face the Warriors, who secured a 121-115 win over the Magic.

With a -2.5 spread favoring the Nuggets according to BetMGM, Denver's well-rounded performance against the Hornets, led by Jamal Murray's 25 points, demonstrates their offensive prowess and defensive capabilities. The Nuggets, boasting a 24-11 record, are shooting efficiently from the field (49.0%) and are 15th in the league in points per game (115.1).

The Warriors, with a 16-17 record, rely on Stephen Curry's stellar performances, as evidenced by his 36-point contribution against the Magic. However, facing a Nuggets team that excels in both scoring and defense, the +2.5 underdog status for the Warriors suggests a challenging matchup.

Basketball enthusiasts can analyze the odds on BetMGM for a comprehensive evaluation and might lean towards the Nuggets as favorites to cover the -2.5 spread, benefitting from their recent form and balanced team performance, securing a potential road victory against the Warriors.

betmgm sportsbook
Nuggets -2.5 | -110 at BetMGM

Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors Best Bet:

Stephen Curry over 28.5 points | -105 at DraftKings

Considering Stephen Curry's recent performances and offensive consistency, there is a strong indication that he will surpass the 28.5 points threshold in the upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets. Curry has been a scoring powerhouse for the Golden State Warriors, showcasing remarkable shooting accuracy and a prolific ability to accumulate points.

Examining his recent stats, Curry has consistently delivered scoring performances well above the 28.5 points mark. His offensive versatility, three-point shooting prowess, and playmaking skills make him a formidable scoring threat in any matchup. Additionally, Curry often elevates his game against challenging opponents, and historical data suggests that he performs well against the Denver Nuggets.

While the odds from DraftKings slightly favor the under (-125), Curry's recent form and the favorable matchup dynamics suggest a strong potential for him to exceed expectations. It's crucial to consider his ability to capitalize on offensive opportunities, exploit defensive weaknesses, and contribute significantly to the Warriors' scoring efforts.

Taking these factors into account, a prediction leaning towards Stephen Curry going over 28.5 points carries a reasonable level of confidence based on his track record and current form. However, individual game outcomes can vary, and it's recommended to stay informed about any last-minute developments that could impact player performances.

DraftKings sportsbook
Stephen Curry over 28.5 points | -105 at DraftKings

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A huge sports fan; locally, many know me as the guy who does the PA for our high school football team on Friday nights. Having grown up in Michigan, I am a sports fan of all the Detroit teams, and at the college level, I love Michigan State sports. I have covered sports betting, iGaming and casino industry news for many well known websites.