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Best NBA prop bets Jan. 11: Bet on Edwards to stay hot, Jaquez to relish expanded role

There are only four NBA games on Saturday, and my focus is on the two late ones.

The pregame narrative: In Minnesota, I like Anthony Edwards to continue firing at will from the 3-point line — but Zach Edey looks like a fade. And in Portland, look for visiting forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. to continue to produce from a starting role.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Jan. 11.

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Best bet: Jaquez over 18.5 points/assists (-113)

The Miami Heat are beginning to see what life is like without Jimmy Butler, and for an inexperienced player like Jaquez, the future is now.

The 2023 first-round draftee has stepped back into a starting role in the past three games and handled himself quite well:

Jan. 6 (at Kings): 16 points, 10 assists
Jan. 7 (at Warriors): 18 points, 1 assist
Jan. 9 (at Jazz): 20 points, 7 assists

In that span, Jaquez is shooting 55.3% from the floor and 40.0% from 3-point range (on 3.3 attempts/game).

Though he’s only averaging 9.5 points and 2.7 assists (12.2 PA) on the season, it’s not fair to use those numbers as a yardstick for Jaquez tonight. He sees more opportunities as a starter, naturally, and that puts this prop line within his range.

In seven starts this year, Jaquez has averaged 15.0 points and 3.7 assists (18.7 PA).

The Portland Trail Blazers should be a good matchup for Jaquez to stay hot. Portland ranks 26th in defensive rating and allows the fourth-highest opponent field goal percentage (47.7%).

Also, opposing small forwards average 4.4 assists against Portland (fourth-most in the NBA), per Betting Pros.

Key stat: Jaquez has gone over 18.5 points/assists in five of seven starts this year.

Quick picks

Edey under 15.5 points/rebounds (-113): After missing a couple of games due to migraine issues, Zach Edey has yet to bounce back in the box score.

Tonight’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves likely won’t make life any easier on him.

Minnesota is a lock-down defensive squad, holding opponents to the fourth-fewest points and eighth-fewest rebounds per game.

The T-Wolves have defended the paint particularly well in recent games, too. Their tied for the third-fewest opponent points in the paint over their past 15 games.

Edey has gone under this total in three of four games since his return, averaging 5.5 points and 4.8 rebounds. The 7-foot-4 Canadian is still favoured to win Rookie of the Year, but that doesn’t mean he’s in for a big night on Saturday.

Edwards over 3.5 threes (-130): Edwards is a volume shooter from beyond the arc, and the Memphis Grizzlies seem to encourage that sort of behaviour.

Memphis’ opponents attempt 39.6 threes per game, which is the fourth-most in the NBA. That has only equated to a 34.3% shooting percentage, but I still think this makes sense as a volume play.

Edwards has attempted 11+ threes in four straight games, cashing this bet each time.

He’s averaging 4.3 threes on a career-high 10.0 attempts this year.

Last game, Edwards went 4-of-11 from deep against the Orlando Magic, who allow a league-low 30.9 attempted threes per game.

Edwards might just be matchup-proof.

Picks made at 11:10 a.m. ET on 01/11/2025.

Raptors vs. Pistons same-game parlay predictions Jan. 11: Bet on Barnes, Duren in +410 SGP

Saturday night’s NBA slate features the Detroit Pistons hosting the Toronto Raptors.

The pregame narrative: Detroit has fared well against Toronto lately, and I expect that trend to continue in a win for the home team. Scottie Barnes and Jalen Duren props round out this +410 ticket.

Check out my Raptors vs. Pistons same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 11.

Raptors vs. Pistons predictions

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Parlay: Pistons -1.5 + Barnes over 18.5 points + Duren over 10.5 points (+410)

Pistons -1.5 (-195): The Raptors might not be winning many games, but they know how to put on a good tank. And with this year’s draft class, who can blame them?

Toronto used to have one of the top ATS records in the league. The team’s current ATS record (21-16-1) is still nothing to sneeze at, but it’s tapered off since the start of the season.

First 16 games: 11-5-0 ATS
Past 14 games: 4-10-0 ATS

The Pistons have been one of this year’s pleasant surprises thus far. They currently sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a .500 record (19-19). Last season, no team was worse, as Detroit finished dead last in the NBA with a .171 winning percentage.

Detroit is 8-2 in its last 10 games with impressive victories over the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, covering the spread in all three.

The Raptors have gone four straight meetings versus the Pistons without victory, and with the current states of each team, I don’t see them snapping the streak tonight.

SGP legs

Duren over 10.5 points (-125): Duren’s production has dipped a touch from last season, but I still like him to have a good night in a plus matchup.

Toronto has struggled against opposing bigs all season, and its recent games have shown no improvement:

Jarrett Allen (Jan. 9): 18 points, 8-of-9 shooting
Karl-Anthony Towns (Jan. 8): 27 points, 9-of-14 shooting
Brook Lopez (Jan. 6): 16 points, 6-of-10 shooting

Duren has seen his minutes increase over the past three weeks, averaging north of 27 minutes per game, largely due to his quality of play on the court.

He’s also cleared this mark in his previous four games against Toronto, averaging 16.75 PPG over that stretch.

The Raptors allow the sixth-most points per game to opposing centres (23.5), per Betting Pros.

Barnes over 18.5 points (-134): Since returning from injury, Barnes has proven why he’s the face of the franchise.

The fourth-year forward has averaged 22.3 PPG over his last nine games, shooting 53.0% from the floor over that stretch.

In a rebuilding year for the Raps, it’s encouraging to see Barnes is still playing with confidence and aggression — even when the team results don’t follow.

Detroit allows the seventh-most points per game to opposing power forwards (23.4).

In Barnes’ previous two games versus the Pistons, he finished with 22 and 31 points, respectively, averaging 36.5 minutes per game.

Picks made at 10:07 a.m. ET on 01/11/2025.

Nets vs. Nuggets same-game parlay predictions Jan. 10: Bet on Jokic, Claxton in +250 SGP

Friday night’s NBA action wraps up in the Mile High City, where the Denver Nuggets host a shorthanded Brooklyn Nets squad.

The pregame narrative: Brooklyn just lost three straight home games by 14-plus points, so this one could get ugly. But I still like Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton to produce for the visitors, while Nikola Jokic has been money from beyond the arc all season.

Check out my Nets vs. Nuggets same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 10.

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Parlay: Jokic 2+ threes + Simmons 8+ assists + Claxton 6+ rebounds (+250)

Jokic 2+ threes (-155): Whenever I’m researching a same-game parlay involving the Nuggets, I have to at least check the price on this prop.

More often than not, it comes out looking like a value to me.

Jokic has seriously upped his 3-point volume this year, averaging 4.8 attempts per game (his career average is 3.0).
Has the added volume hurt his efficiency? No, actually, it’s had the opposite effect. Jokic is shooting a league-best 47.3% from deep (his career average is 35.9%).
The three-time MVP has 2+ threes in 22/31 games this season (71.0%).

Jokic has one game this year where he didn’t attempt a 3-pointer, and that was on Oct. 29 against the Nets.

In fairness, Brooklyn is a relatively stingy squad in this facet, yielding the third-fewest attempted 3s per game (36.1).

Then again, the Nets also allow the third-highest opponent 3-point percentage (37.7%).

Jokic has been too effective this year to go silent beyond the arc again. He’s listed as questionable with an illness, but if he plays, he should cash this bet.

SGP legs

Simmons 8+ assists (-134): This pick asks Simmons to outperform his season assists average (6.9), but Denver provides a plus matchup that should give him a good chance.

The Nuggets allow the third-most assists to opposing point guards (10.3/game), per Betting Pros, as well as the most assists overall (29.5/game).

Denver plays at the fifth-fastest pace in the NBA, which is a primary driver of those data points. More possessions lead to more opportunities for assists.

As stated, this line requires an above-average output from Simmons. But he’s been solid against this line recently.

In his past 13 games, Simmons has averaged 7.3 APG and hit this milestone eight times.

Claxton 6+ rebounds (-420): Claxton posted a season-high 12 rebounds against the Nuggets back in October, and that’s when he was coming off the bench.

The 6-foot-11 centre has enjoyed a starter’s role for the better part of two months, and he routinely hits this mark.

6+ rebounds in 22/31 games this season
7.4 RPG since Dec. 1

Maybe you’re asking yourself if it’s worth it to add a -420 leg to an SGP. In this case, the Claxton leg takes this ticket from +170 odds to +250, and that’s compelling enough for me.

Since March 2023, Claxton has hit this mark in all five games against the Nuggets, averaging 10.2 rebounds.

Picks made at 3:40 p.m. ET 01/10/2025

Best NBA prop bets Jan. 10: Back Jayson Tatum and fade Paul George

Tonight’s seven-game NBA slate features Jayson Tatum and Paul George as compelling prop targets.

The pregame narrative: Tatum’s matchup looks like a plus, and the struggling George is a fade for me.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Jan. 10.

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George under 21.5 points (-120): In terms of backcourt positions, the New Orleans Pelicans have struggled more with point guards and are tasked with stopping a good one tonight in Tyrese Maxey.

Maxey will be the Philadelphia 76ers’ offensive catalyst and should continue to get huge volume with star Joel Embiid sidelined.

Over the past two games without Embiid, Maxey has taken a combined 52 shots (including 28 threes).

As for George, the scoring simply hasn’t been there this season — with or without Embiid.

He scores more with the former MVP out, but is only 3-8 against this line in those 11 games (per StatMuse).

Overall, George has cleared this line four times in 24 games in what has been a disappointing debut season with the Sixers.

Tatum over 26.5 points (-118): This is a big number for anyone, but it’s still below Tatum’s season average (28.1 PPG).

The Boston Celtics superstar has scored 30-plus points 16 times, topping this line in 20 of 34 contests overall. That’s good for a 58.8% success rate.

While imperfect, that alone has the odds working in our favour. The matchup is the cherry on top.

The Sacramento Kings allow the fourth-most points to power forwards and the most 3-pointers.

They’ve been crushed beyond the arc this season (27th in opponent 3-point percentage), and no team attempts more 3s than Boston.

Tatum should score and boost his output with work from beyond the arc.

The 26-year-old is averaging career highs in made 3s (3.8) and attempts (10.5).

Picks made at 2:13 p.m. ET on 01/10/2025.

Best NBA prop bets Jan. 10: Back Vucevic and Tatum, fade George

Tonight’s seven-game NBA slate features Jayson Tatum, Paul George and Nikola Vucevic as compelling prop targets.

The pregame narrative: Vucevic has a smash spot, Tatum’s matchup looks like a plus, and the struggling George is a fade for me.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Jan. 10.

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Best bet: Vucevic over 30.5 points/rebounds (-117)

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Vucevic has double-doubled in both meetings versus the Washington Wizards this season (12 and 14; 19 and 12).

The Chicago Bulls centre enters tonight’s game against the Wizards with these averages:

20.2 pts (17/36 vs. 19.5 line)
10.1 rebs (12/36 vs. 11.5 line)
30.3 pts/rebs (17/36 vs. 30.5 line)

He also has multiple games landing on exactly 30 points/rebounds.

In terms of price, the rebound prop is most enticing because it’s a slight plus-money offer (+102).

But that’s for a reason, as Vucevic has only collected 12-plus boards in a third of his games — although he’s done it twice versus Washington.

While he hasn’t topped a 19.5-point total against them, this still looks like a 20/10 game for him with room for upside.

Getting to 20/10 simply means hitting his season averages. But Washington is a plus matchup even if Vucevic didn’t exactly exploit it offensively in his previous two meetings.

The Wizards allow the most points per game to centres, per Betting Pros, and are inside the top 10 for most rebounds allowed to the position.

These are the bottom two teams in the NBA in opponent scoring, and Washington gets throttled in the paint, where Vucevic thrives.

Going the combo route adds some cover in the event he explodes offensively or dominates the glass.

But it’s entirely possible he does both and blows past this line.

Key stat: Tonight’s projected total of 243 points is easily the highest of the night.

Quick picks

George under 21.5 points (-115): In terms of backcourt positions, the New Orleans Pelicans have struggled more with point guards and are tasked with stopping a good one tonight in Tyrese Maxey.

Maxey will be the Philadelphia 76ers’ offensive catalyst and should continue to get huge volume with star Joel Embiid sidelined.

Over the past two games without Embiid, Maxey has taken a combined 52 shots (including 28 threes).

As for George, the scoring simply hasn’t been there this season — with or without Embiid.

He scores more with the former MVP out, but is only 3-8 against this line in those 11 games (per StatMuse).

Overall, George has cleared this line four times in 24 games in what has been a disappointing debut season with the Sixers.

Tatum over 26.5 points (-110): This is a big number for anyone, but it’s still below Tatum’s season average (28.1 PPG).

The Boston Celtics superstar has scored 30-plus points 16 times, topping this line in 20 of 34 contests overall. That’s good for a 58.8% success rate.

While imperfect, that alone has the odds working in our favour. The matchup is the cherry on top.

The Sacramento Kings allow the fourth-most points to power forwards and the most 3-pointers.

They’ve been crushed beyond the arc this season (27th in opponent 3-point percentage), and no team attempts more 3s than Boston.

Tatum should score and boost his output with work from beyond the arc.

The 26-year-old is averaging career highs in made 3s (3.8) and attempts (10.5).

Picks made at 12:19 p.m. ET on 01/10/2025.

Thunder vs. Knicks prop picks Jan. 10: Fade Brunson, bet on Gilgeous-Alexander’s assists prop

For the second consecutive Friday, the Oklahoma City Thunder square off against the New York Knicks.

The pregame narrative: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson are two of the best point guards in the game, and I’ve got prop bets on both of them tonight. I’m also taking the over on Isaiah Hartenstein’s rebounds/assists prop.

Check out my Thunder vs. Knicks prop picks for Jan. 10.

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Best Bet: Brunson under 23.5 points (-110)

The Thunder are about as tough of a matchup as Brunson could face right now, and that’s the main reason I’m looking to fade him.

In their past 15 games, the Thunder have the NBA’s No. 1 defensive rating (102.7).

OKC has also allowed the fewest points per game (103.1) and the lowest opponent field goal percentage (43.2%) in that span.

Point guards are scoring just 21.3 PPG vs. OKC this year, which is the lowest average in the league, per Betting Pros.

The Thunder are undersized, but they make up for it with quickness and aggressiveness on defence. No team has forced more turnovers than OKC this year (18.7 per game).

Last week, Brunson scored 22 points against the Thunder on 9-of-23 shooting. Not great.

Though he’s averaging 25.0 PPG on the season, this looks like a solid spot to bet on Brunson turning in a below-average performance.

Key stat: Brunson is averaging 21.0 PPG at home this season, hitting this under in nine of 16 games.

Quick picks

Hartenstein over 16.5 rebounds/assists (-110): Hartenstein feasted against the Knicks last Friday, snagging 14 rebounds to go with seven assists (21 RA).

Is there any extra motivation for the 7-footer to perform against his old team? Maybe, but that’s not really what this is about.

Hartenstein should be the Thunder’s primary rebounder on a nightly basis (at least while Chet Holmgren is out). He’s four-plus inches taller than each of OKC’s other rotation players.

In the first Thunder/Knicks game of the season, Hartenstein and Knicks centre Karl-Anthony Towns accounted for 36 of the game’s 83 rebounds (43.4%). And with KAT listed as questionable tonight, even more of those boards could funnel to Hartenstein.

Keep in mind that Hartenstein is an unselfish big, too. He averages the second-most passes per game on OKC and has four-plus assists in six of his past seven.

Gilgeous-Alexander over 5.5 assists (+100): Hopefully Hartenstein isn’t hogging all the assists, because this is a very playable number for SGA.

Though he’s averaging 30-plus points for a third straight season, the Canadian superstar still dishes the rock plenty.

Gilgeous-Alexander averages 6.1 assists per game and has cleared this total in six of his past eight — including a seven-assist effort against the Knicks on Jan. 3.

He’s also averaging 12.5 potential assists per game, which equates to his total passes that lead directly to a shot.

For context, all 25 NBA players averaging at least 11.0 potential assists per game are also averaging at least 5.5 assists.

Picks made at 10:56 a.m. ET 01/10/2024.

Thunder vs. Knicks prop picks Jan. 10: Fade Brunson, bet on Gilgeous-Alexander’s assists prop

For the second consecutive Friday, the Oklahoma City Thunder square off against the New York Knicks.

The pregame narrative: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson are two of the best point guards in the game, and I’ve got prop bets on both of them tonight. I’m also taking the over on Isaiah Hartenstein’s rebounds/assists prop.

Check out my Thunder vs. Knicks prop picks for Jan. 10.

Thunder vs. Knicks prop picks

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Best Bet: Brunson under 23.5 points (-109)

The Thunder are about as tough of a matchup as Brunson could face right now, and that’s the main reason I’m looking to fade him.

In their past 15 games, the Thunder have the NBA’s No. 1 defensive rating (102.7).

OKC has also allowed the fewest points per game (103.1) and the lowest opponent field goal percentage (43.2%) in that span.

Point guards are scoring just 21.3 PPG vs. OKC this year, which is the lowest average in the league, per Betting Pros.

The Thunder are undersized, but they make up for it with quickness and aggressiveness on defence. No team has forced more turnovers than OKC this year (18.7 per game).

Last week, Brunson scored 22 points against the Thunder on 9-of-23 shooting. Not great.

Though he’s averaging 25.0 PPG on the season, this looks like a solid spot to bet on Brunson turning in a below-average performance.

Key stat: Brunson is averaging 21.0 PPG at home this season, hitting this under in nine of 16 games.

Quick picks

Hartenstein over 15.5 rebounds/assists (-132): Hartenstein feasted against the Knicks last Friday, snagging 14 rebounds to go with seven assists (21 RA).

Is there any extra motivation for the 7-footer to perform against his old team? Maybe, but that’s not really what this is about.

Hartenstein should be the Thunder’s primary rebounder on a nightly basis (at least while Chet Holmgren is out). He’s four-plus inches taller than each of OKC’s other rotation players.

In the first Thunder/Knicks game of the season, Hartenstein and Knicks centre Karl-Anthony Towns accounted for 36 of the game’s 83 rebounds (43.4%). And with KAT listed as questionable tonight, even more of those boards could funnel to Hartenstein.

Keep in mind that Hartenstein is an unselfish big, too. He averages the second-most passes per game on OKC and has four-plus assists in six of his past seven.

Gilgeous-Alexander over 5.5 assists (-114): Hopefully Hartenstein isn’t hogging all the assists, because this is a very playable number for SGA.

Though he’s averaging 30-plus points for a third straight season, the Canadian superstar still dishes the rock plenty.

Gilgeous-Alexander averages 6.1 assists per game and has cleared this total in six of his past eight — including a seven-assist effort against the Knicks on Jan. 3.

He’s also averaging 12.5 potential assists per game, which equates to his total passes that lead directly to a shot.

For context, all 25 NBA players averaging at least 11.0 potential assists per game are also averaging at least 5.5 assists.

Picks made at 9:22 a.m. ET 01/10/2024.

Best NBA prop bets Jan. 9: Expect big nights from Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards and Bam Adebayo highlight Thursday’s top NBA prop picks.

The pregame narrative: I expect both to do damage on the offensive end and also have a play on Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Jan. 9.

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Best bet: Adebayo over 17.5 points (-121)

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I’ve been playing Adebayo props lately, and I see no reason to stop in a juicy matchup against the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz struggle to defend the paint, where Adebayo provides plenty of scoring, and are overall a dreadful defensive team:

30th in defensive rating
26th in points allowed/game
4th-most PPG allowed to centres

Adebayo has struggled offensively (16.2 PPG, his lowest total since 2019-20) but this line is light for me.

Miami’s big man has scored more lately, perhaps a result of positive regression and Jimmy Butler being sidelined.

Adebayo has cleared this line in four of his last five games.

Interestingly, the one time he didn’t came against Utah — a complete clunker that was his worst game of the season (four points, 0-of-6 from the field).

No signs point to a repeat of that performance for a player who should be motivated tonight.

Key stat: Adebayo is 8-7 against this line since Dec. 1.

Quick picks

Dinwiddie over 20.5 points/assists (-125): Dinwiddie has played 15 games without superstar Luka Doncic this season.

He’s gotten 25+ minutes in 10 of those games, going 7-3 against this line (per StatMuse).

Dinwiddie has logged 30+ minutes in four of his last six games (all without Doncic).

One of those games was Dec. 28 against the Portland Trail Blazers, who get hammered by guards. Dinwiddie didn’t disappoint, dropping 17 points with four assists.

In the Dallas Mavericks’ following game, he scored a season-high 30 and he’s coming off a 19-point effort.

Without Doncic (and Kyrie Irving), there’s scoring upside here. And a closer matchup that keeps Dinwiddie on the court is certainly a more plausible outcome sans the two stars.

Portland, on a back-to-back, is one of the worst teams in the NBA at defending guards.

The Blazers allow the most points to PGs and third-most to SGs, per Betting Pros.

Edwards is cooking

Edwards over 3.5 threes (-108): Edwards gets an Orlando Magic team that defends wings exceptionally well.

Orlando holds opponents to the fewest 3-pointers made and attempted per game in the NBA. And they have the No. 1 defensive rating in the Eastern Conference.

I can’t ignore Edwards’ recent form, though.

The Minnesota star recently aired out some frustrations to the media about having to distribute more amid a scoring slump for the underperforming Timberwolves.

He’s responded with a vengeance since then.

Jan. 4 vs. Pistons: Edwards scored a career-high 53 points on 31 attempts. Nearly half of those shots were 3-pointers (15) and he drilled 10 of them.

Jan. 6 vs. Clippers: Edwards followed with a 37-point performance on 14-of-29 shooting, going 6-of-13 from long range.

Jan. 7 vs. Pelicans: He scored 32 in his most recent game, hitting 7-of-11 threes.

Edwards had only attempted double-digit threes twice in 15 games before this outburst.

It appears he’s back to the same ultra-aggressive mentality he had earlier in the season when he routinely chucked up 10-plus triples a game. Sign me up at this price for a 3.5 line any day.

Edwards is averaging 4.3 triples/game, third in the NBA.

Picks made at 12:50 p.m. ET on 01/09/2025.

Raptors vs. Cavaliers same-game parlay predictions Jan. 9: Bet on Mitchell and Allen, fade Barnes

The struggling Toronto Raptors visit the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers on an 11-game winning streak.

The pregame narrative: Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell see favourable matchups, and I expect the duo to take advantage. To round out the +380 SGP, I am fading Raptors star Scottie Barnes.

Check out my Raptors vs. Cavaliers same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 9.

Raptors vs. Cavaliers predictions

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Parlay: Allen over 13.5 points, Mitchell 3+ threes, Barnes under 12.5 rebounds & assists (+380)

Allen over 13.5 points (-143): Allen has dominated the paint in recent games and gets a favourable matchup tonight.

Last night, the six-foot-11 centre exploded for 25 points against a stellar Oklahoma City defence. Moreover, he is averaging 19.3 points in his last six games.

The Raptors are lacklustre at protecting the rim, allowing 51.2 PPG from inside the paint. Historically, Allen has feasted against this backcourt.

He has eclipsed 13.5 points in five straight games against Toronto, with a 23-point performance in November.

The dynamic frontcourt tandem of Allen and Evan Mobley has been integral to Cleveland’s 11-game winning streak, and I expect Kenny Atkinson to get the most out of them in this matchup.

SGP legs

Mitchell 3+ threes (-220): Considering the Raptors are bad at defending the deep ball, this prop feels like a layup.

Mitchell averaging 3.8 three-pointers (fourth-most in the NBA) and is shooting a career-best 41% from beyond the arc.

Spida has struggled against tougher competition (shot 2-for-7 from three vs. OKC), but the Raptors are a big step down.

Toronto, defensively, gives up three-pointers at a 36.5 clip (seventh-highest).

Made 3+ three-pointers in three of his last four against the Raptors.

Mitchell has cashed this wager in 15 of his last 20 games. Coming off a poor shooting performance, the Raptors should present him with the perfect bounce-back opportunity.

Barnes under 12.5 rebounds + assists (-120): Barnes’ supporting stats have taken a hit with the Raptors roster returning to full strength.

The trio of Barnes, R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are finally sharing the court, which has moved Barnes away from the playmaker role and into his primary role as a power forward.

He failed to surpass this number in each of the three games since Quickley returned.

With Cleveland as 15-point favourites and it being the second game of a back-to-back, it’s possible Barnes sits out for large chunks of the fourth quarter.

Picks made at 11:05 a.m. ET 01/09/2025.

Hornets vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions Jan. 9: Bet on LeBron James, LaMelo Ball at +280

The Charlotte Hornets head to California for a meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The pregame narrative: The Lakers are a strong home side so I’ll back them to win on Thursday. Prop picks on LeBron James and LaMelo Ball round out this +280 SGP.

Check out my Hornets vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 9.

Hornets vs. Lakers predictions

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Parlay: Lakers ML + James over 23.5 points + Ball over 12.5 rebounds/assists (+280)

Lakers moneyline (-315): Los Angeles is a much better team at home than on the road.

Home: 12-5
Away: 8-11

The Lakers have won three of their last four at Crypto.com Arena, with the loss coming against the 32-4 Cleveland Cavaliers.

Anthony Davis is once again on the injury report but is listed as probable and should be suiting up. He’s often on the injury report but has only missed two games this season, so I’m not concerned.

Charlotte won its last game against the Phoenix Suns but lost 10 consecutive before that.

The Lakers are 8-point favourites, which I believe they can cover, but I’ll buy some insurance in this parlay and take them to win straight up against a struggling Hornets team.

SGP legs

James over 23.5 points (-159): In Year 22, James can still fill up the net. He’s averaging 23.8 points on 50.7% shooting.

On Wednesday, the King gets a soft matchup and I expect him to take advantage.

Charlotte allows the third-most points to power forwards (25.1/game), per Fantasy Pros.

LeBron can pass like a guard but don’t forget his ability as one of the best slashers the game has ever seen. According to 3stepsbasket.com, James is shooting 61% at the rim in his age-40 season.

The Hornets are tied for the 10th-worst paint defence, allowing opponents to shoot 62.8% from inside of six feet.

Additionally, LeBron is more efficient at home:

Home: 24.5 PPG, 53.2 FG%
Away: 23.3 PPG, 48.6 FG%

Ball over 12.5 rebounds/assists (-139): To start, Ball averages 12.7 rebounds/assists. That is right around the number needed here.

But he’s been even better at filling the stat sheet lately, averaging 14.5 RA in his past 10 games — and cashing this bet seven times.

This is also an intriguing matchup as the Lakers allow the sixth-most assists per game (9.7) to point guards.

And Ball has had success in this spot before. He’s averaged 15.4 RA in five career meetings with the Lakers.

Picks made at 8:48 a.m. ET 01/09/2025.