NBA Basketball Picks

Houston lays 10.5 at Brooklyn on New Year’s Day, and the Nets’ injury chaos plus their 4-12 home record make this spread look too narrow. Bash breaks down why the Rockets should cover against a dysfunctional Brooklyn squad.

The 76ers are laying just a point on the road in Dallas, but with Embiid questionable, Oubre out, and the Mavericks competitive at home, that single-point spread feels fragile. Bash breaks down why Dallas +1.0 offers value in a tight New Year’s Day matchup.

Miami travels to Detroit without Tyler Herro on New Year’s Day. The Pistons are laying 5.0 at home, and with Cade Cunningham orchestrating against a depleted Heat backcourt, this spread feels justified. Bash breaks down why Detroit’s efficiency and home dominance should carry them to a comfortable cover.

The Nuggets are getting 6.5 points at Toronto without Nikola Jokic, and while Denver’s compromised, their 12-5 road record and Jamal Murray’s 25.2 PPG keep them competitive against a Raptors team that’s been inconsistent at home. Bryan Bash breaks down why the points are the play on New Year’s Eve.

The Bucks are laying 10.5 points at home against a depleted Wizards squad, but Milwaukee’s 8-8 home record and Washington’s ability to stay competitive make this double-digit spread feel stretched. Bash breaks down why the Wizards plus the points is the play on New Year’s Eve.

The Magic are laying 4 points on the road against a struggling Pacers team that’s 6-27 and can’t protect home court. Bryan Bash breaks down why Orlando’s talent advantage should be enough to cover despite the road spot.

Chicago just lost Josh Giddey and Coby White to injuries, and the market is only giving New Orleans 1.0 on the road. This is a fade spot on a wounded Bulls squad that got blown out by 35 in their last game. Bash breaks down why the Pelicans’ talent edge should dominate on New Year’s Eve.

The Thunder are laying 16 points at home against the Trail Blazers, but Portland’s offensive firepower with Deni Avdija (25.6 PPG) and Shaedon Sharpe (22.1 PPG) keeps this closer than the market expects. Bryan Bash breaks down why the number feels stretched.

Cleveland lays 5.5 at home against Phoenix on New Year’s Eve, and the Cavaliers’ offensive balance and depth advantage should be enough to cover. With Grayson Allen doubtful for the Suns, Phoenix’s rotation gets compromised while Cleveland’s top-end talent led by Donovan Mitchell’s 29.5 PPG creates the efficiency gap needed to win by more than a bucket.

The Knicks and Spurs both sit at 23-9, but New York’s offensive versatility and San Antonio’s injury concerns make this +1.5 line too generous for the road dog. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Knicks have the edge in this New Year’s Eve matchup.