Free Picks: NBA Best Bets and Money Line Picks 1/14/22

Well, the way things have been going for me in the NBA, I would have to say last night was an improvement. The surest team to bet right down are the Memphis Grizzlies, and they ended a losing streak for me, by finally covering in the last minute of the game to hit Best Bet No.1. However, the Brooklyn Nets decided to “rest” Kevin Durant, and told the rest of their players to just show up but don’t bother to try. They were blown out by Oklahoma City 130-109, on their home floor. To the Thunder’s credit, they always play hard and they managed to hit 20 three pointers against the hapless Nets. So, that 1-1 split ran our Best Bets of the Day record to 6-11. We went 3-2 on the Money Line upping our total to 24-16. Let’s see how frustrated we can get with tonight’s slate of games.

Papa Dudes Best Bet for the NBA Today

Boston Celtics 21-21 at Philadelphia 76ers 23-17 (-3.5) : This a big-time rivalry between these two old rivals. The Celtics have won three in a row and are fighting for a playoff spot. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have been a dynamic duo and are averaging almost 50 points per game between them. The Sixers had their 7-game winning streak snapped against Charlotte on Wednesday night, and are looking to get back on track tonight. Joel Embiid is having a monster of a season averaging over 27 points and 10 rebounds per game. I like the spread and I’m taking Philly.

PAPA DUDES BEST BET: 76ers -3.5

Atlanta Hawks 17-23 at Miami Heat 26-15 (-4): I’m betting simple logic on this one. This is the second of back-to-back games between these two teams and the Heat won 115-91 over the Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday. They are the much better team and why wouldn’t they be able to win by more than 4 in Miami tonight?

PAPA DUDES BEST BET: Miami -4

Money Line and Score Projections for the Rest of the NBA Slate

Orlando Magic 7-35 at Charlotte Hornets 23-19 (-10.5): Hornets are better, spread is too high. – THE PICK: Charlotte 124 Magic 114

Toronto Raptors 20-18 (-8) at Detroit Pistons 9-31: Raptors are playing well, but Pistons will play hard. – THE PICK: Toronto 116 Detroit 110

Phoenix Suns 31-9 (-5.5) at Indiana Pacers 15-27: Suns are fighting for the best record in the West. THE PICK: Phoenix 121 Indiana 110

Golden State Warriors 30-11 at Chicago Bulls 27-12 (-4): Both teams are coming off of bad losses. THE PICK: Chicago 117 Golden State 115

Cleveland Cavaliers 24-18 (-3.5) at San Antonio Spurs 15-26: Never know what Spurs team will show up. THE PICK: Cleveland 121 Spurs 115

Dallas Mavericks 22-19 at Memphis Grizzlies 30-14 (-3): Very tempting to take the Grizzlies as my Best Bet. THE PICK: Memphis 122 Mavs 112

Houston Rockets 12-31 at Sacramento Kings 17-27 (-5): Kings should win but wouldn’t bet a nickel on them. The PICK: Kings 124 Rockets 117