NBA Betting Picks for New Year’s Day: Top Spreads to Play Today

Happy New Year, sports fans! 

Another game is going to get a lot of attention, like it always does on New Year’s Day. But that does not mean bettors should overlook the five NBA games that are scheduled to take place today— and we’ve got your best bets for them right here.

Can there be a better way to ring in the New Year than putting money down on our best NBA bets? Hmmm…maybe…maybe not…

Houston Rockets vs. Brooklyn Nets

There is no question as to who should win this game—Houston. The Rockets are a top-five offensive and defensive team looking to turn a three-game win streak into a four-game one. Brooklyn plays decent defense, but they have the league's lowest-scoring offense.

But there is no value in betting on the Houston moneyline (-420), so the question becomes whether they’ll cover (-10.5). If you look at their last game, vs. Indiana, which they won by seven, you have to wonder because the Pacers are the second-worst scoring team in the NBA.

Our Pick: Rockets -10.5 at -105 (FanDuel)

Houston took its foot off the gas in the fourth quarter and let the Pacers outscore them 41-21, making the final score look better than the game actually was. Getting Alperen Sengun back will help, although the team will miss Steven Adams.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Dallas Mavericks

As always, the 76ers have had to deal with Joel Embiid’s injury issues this season, but unlike past seasons, they’ve managed to win a few games without him, thanks in large part to the stellar play of Tyrese Maxey. Embiid is listed as a GTD for this game, but is not expected to play.

As for the Mavericks, the struggle has been real in Big D this season. They have struggled to put points on the board (113.7 ppg) and to keep opponents from doing the same (117.7 ppg allowed).

Our Pick: 76ers -1 at -112

Both teams are 1-3 in their last four, with wins their last time out. Dallas has played its best at home (9-9), but the 76ers have been a solid road team (8-6) and have more playmakers than the Mavs. With or without Embiid, this should be an easy win for Philly.

Boston Celtics vs. Sacramento Kings

Expectations were not high for the Celtics coming into the season with Jayson Tatum out. But Boston has been a solid team without him, going 20-12 as of their last game on Tuesday, a win over Utah, 129-119. It helps to have the second-best defense in the NBA (110.8 ppg allowed), of course.

As for Sacramento (8-25), it has been a tough season. There is talent on the roster with guys like Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis (Sabonis and LaVine are out). The Kings rank No. 26 in defense with 122.3 ppg allowed and No. 28 in scoring (111 ppg).

Our Pick: Celtics -9.5 at -115

Boston has a hot hand at the moment, with four wins in their last five games. The Kings are not playing their best, losing their last two by 41 points (vs. the Clippers) and by 24 (vs. the Lakers). The Celtics should have no problem edging this Sacramento team out by 10+ points.