My first NBA slate to make picks on in 2024 is a small one, as the league only has six games on the docket for tomorrow. Regardless, my job is to find winners and winners I have found. Road dogs are the flavor of the day. Here are my NBA picks for January 2nd.
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NBA Picks January 2nd
Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Tipoff – 8:00 pm EST
Spread: Celtics -3
Total: 239
I’ve been making some hay taking the Oklahoma City Thunder at home this season, as they have one of the league’s best records in their home barn at 13-5 (hay and barn in the same sentence – brilliant). But in this case, I don’t have to give up points to take the Thunder at home like usual because they are up against the NBA’s best team, the Boston Celtics. I like the Thunder +3, and while both these teams are high scorers, I think the total is too high so I’m taking the Under.
Best Bet: Thunder +3 (-110), Celtics/Thunder Under 239 (-110)
Orlando Magic vs. Golden State Warriors
Tipoff – 10:00 pm EST
Spread: Warriors -3
Total: 232
Let’s take another road dog, shall we? Who would ever have thought taking the Orlando Magic on the road in the Chase Center would be the play, but times have changed. The once-mighty Golden State Warriors are a pedestrian 9-8 at home this season and have lost three straight games, the last two at home. The Magic aren’t so hot on the road, and just lost at Phoenix, but I like them here plus the points. No play on the total – it looks about right to me.
Best Bet: Magic +3 (-110)
If you’d like even more info to help make your NBA bets for January 2nd, check out the NBA Gambling Podcast. They’re dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar.
