NBA Expert Betting Picks (Thursday Jan. 30): Best Bets for Raptors vs. Cavaliers, Jazz vs. Nuggets

NBA Expert Betting Picks (Thursday Jan. 30): Best Bets for Raptors vs. Cavaliers, Jazz vs. Nuggets article feature image
Credit:

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images. Pictured: Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets.

There are six games on Thursday's NBA schedule and our experts are betting on two specific matchups:

  • 7 p.m. ET: Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers 
  • 10:30 p.m. ET: Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets 

See the bets they’re making below.


Odds as of Thursday afternoon and via FanDuel, where Action Network users get a risk-free bet up to $500.


Brandon Anderson: Raptors at Cavaliers

  • Spread: Raptors -10.5
  • Over/Under: 222.5
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET

The only two non-Warriors teams to win an NBA championship in the past five seasons are not exactly trending in the same direction. The Cavaliers are going nowhere fast, pitching a tent, and calling it home.

The Raptors, on the other hand, are defending their title like champions should. They come to play every night and take care of business against the little guys.

Toronto has won nine of its past 10, while the Cleveland is 2-8 over the same stretch. The Raptors beat these Cavs by 20 twice in December and weren’t even healthy then. The Raps are close to full strength now and should handle the Cavs with ease again.

Some teams struggle as big favorites, but Toronto is 5-0 this season as a 9.5-point favorite or better. Why mess with perfection?

The PICK: Raptors -10

John Ewing: Jazz at Nuggets

  • Spread: Nuggets -1.5
  • Over/Under: 215.5
  • Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

The Jazz lost on Wednesday in San Antonio and have a quick turnaround as they travel to Denver to face the Nuggets tonight.

Since 2005, road teams on the second night of a back-to-back have gone 2,781-2,743-99 (50.3%) against the spread. There is no value fading road teams on a back-to-back, likely because home court advantage is overrated.

However, teams in this situation have consistently struggled when playing in Denver.

Since 2005, road teams on a back-to-back facing the Nuggets have gone 84-104-6 (44.7%) ATS. Denver is 5,280 feet above sea level and the thin air adds additional stress on athletes, which compounds fatigue issues faced by playing two games in two nights.

The Jazz are at a disadvantage playing consecutive games, Denver has an edge being at home.

The PICK: Nuggets -1.5

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