Best Sports Betting Picks Today: College Basketball, NBA Predictions for January 7th

Bowl season is largely behind us, but bettors need not feel left out in the cold waiting for the CFP games Thursday and Friday. 

Not when there’s plenty of NBA and college basketball action to bet on.

Instead of having to wait for the weekends or Bowl Season, there are multiple games scheduled daily. With hundreds of player props for each one, the possibilities are almost endless! The following are some of our best bets for Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Best Bets for Jan. 7: NBA

Phoenix Suns vs. Charlotte Hornets

• Suns -4.5 (via bet365) 

The Suns have had some struggles this season (16-18 SU, 12-22 ATS), but the Hornets have struggled even more (7-27 SU, 18-16 ATS). Phoenix will win this game; there is no reason to think otherwise. But can you trust them to cover the spread when they have done a poor job of it this season?

Against a team as bad as Charlotte—yes, even though the Hornets are playing at home (5-13 SU, 9-9 ATS).

• Kevin Durant, OVER 24.5 Points at -115 (via bet365) 

Durant had a solid night against the 76ers on Monday, but with just 23 points, he broke a five-game streak where he scored OVER 24.5 points per game. Charlotte doesn’t have a defense that can slow him down. The Hornets are 15th in scoring defense, allowing 112.5 points per game, and 18th in defensive rating. 

KD has averaged 24.5 points per game vs. the Hornets over the course of his career, but he’ll go OVER that number tonight.

Best Bets for Jan. 7: NCAAM

No. 1 Tennessee vs. No. 8 Florida

Florida will have home-court advantage and will be looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season their last time out (vs. Kentucky). Tennessee, on the other hand, remains undefeated and is coming off a 24-point win over Arkansas. 

This is a classic matchup of two teams that are among the best at what they do: Florida—offense (No. 5, 88.3 points per game) and Tennessee—defense (No. 2, 55.9 points per game allowed). Look for Florida to come out strong; the Gators may even hold a lead at halftime. 

But Tennessee’s defense will take over in the second half. This is a rare occasion where you’ll find an undefeated team ranked No. 1 in the country as an underdog. Take advantage of it, and take the Vols ML at +145 (via Caesars).

NCAAW: No. 1 UCLA vs. Purdue

UCLA is undefeated (15-0), has a top-ten defense, a top 20 offense, and shoots almost 50% from the floor. Purdue has yet to win a conference game (0-3), has a .500 record (7-7), a mediocre offense (No. 164, 66.9 points per game) and a poor defense (No. 313, 72.1 points per game allowed).

There is no reason to think the Boilermakers can keep up with the Bruins. It may take them until the second half, but the Bruins will cover the spread. 

Take UCLA -25.5 at -110.