Best Sports Betting Picks Today: NBA, College Basketball Predictions for January 28

We are days away from the big game. 

If you want to place a few bets on basketball in the days leading up to the game in order to give your bankroll a boost, you're not alone. 

That's why we offer a deep dive into Tuesday's NBA and NCAAM games to come up with our best bets.These are not guaranteed winners or a 'lock.' There's no such thing. 

But they are bets that are certainly worthy of taking a deeper look at.

Best Bets Jan. 28: NBA (odds via FanDuel)

Lakers vs. 76ers: Philadelphia ML

If you're thinking this is a game the Lakers should run away with, I'd usually agree with you. 

The Lakers are missing a couple of guys due to injuries, but not their superstars like Philadelphia, i.e., Paul George, Andre Drummond, and Joel Embiid.

But the 76ers are better than their record would indicate. Yes, they miss Embiid and Drummond, but that's nothing new. 

They have guys who can play, which was evident in their recent win over the Cavaliers and Bulls.

As for the Lakers, they'll be playing their third road game in four days and the second game of a back-to-back. It would not be shocking if they were a bit fatigued. 

If you can tolerate the risk, take the 76ers ML (+164 at FanDuel) or the points (+4.5) if an ML bet is too risky for you.

Bucks vs. Trail Blazers: Portland + 6.5 at -112

Milwaukee is easily the better of the two teams in this game. However, they are not a good road team (8-11), and they'll be playing in the second game of a back-to-back. 

Portland is coming off a 118-110 loss to the Thunder on Sunday, which brought an end to a four-game win streak.

The Trail Blazers may not win the game outright, but the stage is set for them to make it much more competitive than people expect. Take Portland and the points.

UCF vs. Kansas: Jayhawks -13.5 (-110)

Kansas is coming off that dreadful finish vs. Houston and will likely be looking to make a statement and remind fans and opponents that they are one of the best teams in the country. 

This is not to say that UCF can't win. But with their shaky defense against a solid Jayhawks offense, don't count on it.

It's a big spread, but Kanas can cover it.

Arizona State vs. Colorado: Sun Devils ML

After a promising 9-2 start to the season, Arizona State fell off the rails once conference play got underway, losing six of eight. 

However, one of their wins was an 81-61 victory over the Buffaloes at home. Like Arizona State, Colorado got off to a good start this season, going 9-2 in nonconference play.
But while the Sun Devils have gone 2-6 since, the Buffs have gone 0-8. Neither team is great, but Arizona State is a little better (just a little).