Best Sports Betting Picks Today: NBA in Paris, College Basketball Predictions for January 25

It’s the day before the conference championship games, and you’re thinking it would be nice if you could give your bankroll a little boost. So, you decide to check out some of the basketball action taking place on Saturday! But between the NBA and college schedules, where do you start?

We suggest you start by checking out our best bets for Saturday, Jan. 25. 

Best Bets Jan. 25: NBA in Paris (odds via DraftKings)

San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers: Spurs +110

OVER 27.5 Points at -110

OVER 4.5 Steals + Blocks at -154

This contest is almost unfair. The Spurs have one of the best young players in the game today, Victor Wembanyama, and he’s getting to play in front of a home crowd. But it’s not like any old ‘home’ crowd, like playing in San Antonio or when most players play in their hometowns or cities where they went to college.

He’s flying over an ocean to play in front of a fanbase that only gets to see him play on television. He will be the most motivated player on the planet for this game, much like he was for the first one Thursday (Spurs won 140-110; Wembanyama’s stats: 30 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, six blocks).

Indiana is going to play better (actual) defense this time, and Wembanyama may not have as big of a game as he did on Thursday—but I don’t see him disappointing a crowd in his home country.

Indiana will play a better game this time around, but there will be no stopping Wembanyama in France. The Spurs will win this game outright.

As for Wembanyama’s props, history shows him not being as productive in the game following a big performance. But this is not just any old game following up Thursday’s 30-point night. It’s the second game in front of his home. He has a country cheering for him in this game—him, not the Spurs.

He may not get over 30 points again, but he’ll go over 27.5 points. 

Regarding his defensive prop, it would not be unusual for him to record OVER 4.5 blocks. He’s not an avid stealer, but it’s not uncommon for him to record one or two here and there. Consider including steals as a form of insurance for this prop. Take the OVER.

Best Bets Jan. 25: NCAAM (odds via bet365)

Tennessee vs. Auburn: Vols -5 at -110

If you watch one college basketball game before March Madness, you’ll want to make it this one: a former No. 1 team (Tennessee) facing the team that moved into the No. 1 slot when the Vols fell out. Auburn is 17-1 and undefeated in conference play. Tennessee is 17-2 and 4-2 in conference play.

So, it should be a great game…and one Auburn will win. Yes, even if Johni Broome misses a third straight game. The team looked like it didn’t miss a beat against No. 15 Mississippi State (88-66) and came out on top vs. No. 23 Georgia (70-68).

Tennessee’s defense will keep it interesting, but the Vols will not be able to keep up against Auburn’s top-ten offense, with or without Johni Broome.

Houston vs. Kansas: UNDER 127.5 at -110

This is another great matchup, with No. 7 Houston facing off with No. 12 Kansas. We are talking about the No. 1 defense in the country (Houston) playing the team with the No. 16 defense (Kansas), and neither team tends to play at a fast pace. The total is low, but the final score in this one will be lower.