Michigan State’s 12.5-point spread against Northwestern looks justified when you examine the massive defensive and rebounding advantages. The Spartans’ elite defense and glass control should overwhelm the Wildcats at the Breslin Center.
Bryan Bash
Cavaliers vs Timberwolves Prediction: Minnesota’s Efficiency Edge Makes This Spread Too Tight
The Timberwolves are laying just 2.5 points at home against the Cavaliers, but once you dig into the matchup data and efficiency gaps, Minnesota’s defensive structure and home-court advantage suggest a wider margin than this tight spread indicates.
Santa Clara vs. Gonzaga Prediction, Odds, Best Bet | Jan 8, 2026
Gonzaga lays 15.5 against Santa Clara in a WCC showdown at McCarthey Athletic Center. The efficiency gap is massive – Gonzaga ranks #2 nationally in adjusted net efficiency while Santa Clara sits at #58. Bryan Bash breaks down why this double-digit spread makes complete sense.
Pacers vs Hornets Prediction: Charlotte Lays 4 Against a Broken Indiana Squad
Charlotte lays 4 points at home against a Pacers team that’s 1-16 on the road and riding a 13-game losing streak. With Indiana missing key rotation pieces and Charlotte boasting three 20-point scorers, Bash breaks down why this spread doesn’t account for the full efficiency gap.
Pelicans vs Hawks Prediction: Atlanta’s Double-Digit Spread Faces Depth Reality
The Hawks are laying 10.5 at home against the struggling Pelicans, but without Trae Young and a 6-11 home record, can Atlanta cover the double-digit spread? Bash breaks down why this margin feels stretched.
Bulls vs Pistons Prediction: Why Detroit’s Dominance Makes This Double-Digit Spread Playable
The Pistons are laying 10.5 points at home against a Bulls team missing Josh Giddey, and while double-digit spreads always demand respect, Detroit’s 27-9 record and 13-3 home mark against Chicago’s road struggles make this number more playable than it looks.
Magic vs Nets Prediction: Why Orlando’s Injury Crisis Makes Brooklyn Live at Home
The Magic are laying 2 points on the road at Brooklyn, but without Franz Wagner’s 22.7 PPG and Jalen Suggs, this line looks exploitable. Orlando is 8-11 on the road, and the Nets just dropped 127 on Denver with Michael Porter Jr. going for 27-11-5. Bash breaks down why Brooklyn’s live at home.
Raptors vs Hornets Prediction: Why Toronto’s Road Efficiency Should Hold This Tight Number
The Raptors are laying 2.5 on the road in Charlotte, and the market is telling us this should be competitive. But Toronto’s depth and offensive balance should be enough to cover the short number, even without Jakob Poeltl. Bash breaks down why the Raptors’ road efficiency holds value against a Hornets team coming off an emotional high.
Bucks vs Warriors Prediction: Why Golden State’s Home Edge Matters More Than Milwaukee’s Star Power
The Warriors are laying 6.5 points at home against the Bucks, and the market is telling you Golden State has a real edge. With Curry and Butler leading a balanced attack and Milwaukee struggling to 7-11 on the road, this line makes sense. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Warriors’ home-court advantage and offensive depth should be enough to cover against a Giannis-dependent Bucks squad.
Suns vs Grizzlies Prediction: Phoenix Lays Road Number Without Full Context
Phoenix lays 4.5 on the road against Memphis, but the Suns’ 9-10 road record and the Grizzlies’ home competitiveness make this spread feel stretched. Bash breaks down why Memphis covers at FedExForum.