Purdue lays 5.5 to 6 points against Illinois in a Big Ten heavyweight clash featuring two top-11 teams in adjusted net efficiency. Bryan Bash breaks down why the #3 adjusted offense in America deserves more respect than this spread suggests.
Bryan Bash
Rockets vs Pistons Prediction: Detroit’s Elite Defense Gets the 3.5-Point Nod at Home
Detroit lays 3.5 at home against a Rockets team playing on a back-to-back after overtime in Philly. The Pistons are 17-4 at Little Caesars Arena while Houston struggles at 11-13 on the road, but Cade Cunningham’s questionable status is the swing factor in this matchup.
FGCU vs. Lipscomb Prediction: Can the Eagles Break the Bisons’ Home Hex?
Lipscomb lays 6.5 at home against Florida Gulf Coast in an ASUN rematch. The Bisons just beat these same Eagles by seven on the road, and the efficiency gap—particularly FGCU’s #355 defensive rating—suggests this spread has room to grow.
Cavaliers vs. Kings Prediction: Bash’s Best Bet for Friday’s Interconference Slate
Darius Garland is out, but Evan Mobley is fresh off a 14-rebound masterpiece. Check out Bash’s full breakdown of the injury report and his best bet for this Jan 23rd showdown on NBA League Pass.
Celtics vs Nets Prediction: Boston’s Depth Meets Brooklyn’s Structural Flaws
The Celtics lay 8 points at Barclays Center against a Nets team that just lost by 54. Boston’s depth meets Brooklyn’s structural flaws in a matchup that favors the road favorite.
Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks Best Bets: Jokic-Less Nuggets Face Tough Road Test
The Bucks are laying 6.0 points at home against a Jokic-less Nuggets squad, but Denver’s elite road record and Milwaukee’s home struggles make this number too high. Bash breaks down why the Nuggets can stay within the number despite missing their MVP.
Akron vs. Ohio Predictions: Nation’s #4 Offense Hits the Convo
Akron brings a top-5 adjusted offense into Athens to face an Ohio defense ranked 301st nationally. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Zips’ efficiency dominance makes them a strong road favorite despite the MAC conference setting.
Marquette vs. Butler Pick: Can Nigel James Jr. Spark the Road Upset?
Butler lays 7.5 at home against Marquette, and the efficiency numbers suggest the spread might be light. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Bulldogs’ elite shooting and rebounding advantage should lead to a comfortable Big East win at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
SLU vs. St. Bonaventure Pick: Avila’s Billikens Face Reilly Center Test
Saint Louis lays 8.5 on the road at St. Bonaventure in an A-10 matchup featuring a massive efficiency gap. The Billikens rank #22 nationally in adjusted net rating while the Bonnies have dropped four of five. Bash breaks down why the tempo battle and offensive firepower make this spread look generous.
Suns vs Hawks Pick: Phoenix Travels East With Road Vulnerability
The Suns lay 3 in Atlanta on Friday night, but Phoenix’s 13-12 road mark meets the Hawks’ recent offensive explosion. Jalen Johnson just dropped 32 and 15 on Memphis, and Atlanta’s weapons make this spread too narrow in a pace-up environment.