The NBA regular season is back in action with an excellent slate of games this Monday, with a total of seven matchups on the docket scheduled for today. So, our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified NBA picks for five of Monday's matchups.
Continue below for our NBA picks, odds, props, and predictions for Monday, January 26.
NBA Picks, Odds, Props, Predictions: Monday, January 26
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 3 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 9:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
76ers vs. Hornets
By Bet Labs
This NBA system identifies regular season matchups where efficient but undervalued teams face opponents with poor defensive metrics.
When a team’s underlying performance indicators, such as Pythagorean strength, exceed public perception, the betting market often undervalues them against weak defensive opponents who allow high scoring efficiency.
These games typically feature modest moneylines that signal balance but overlook the defensive mismatch.
Slight movement toward the undervalued side reinforces that bettors are slowly recognizing the edge, yet the market remains mispriced.
Over recent seasons, this pattern has rewarded teams whose true performance levels are masked by variance while exploiting opponents that consistently fail to contain efficient offenses, creating a steady opportunity on the moneyline.
Pick: Hornets Moneyline (-140)
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Magic vs. Cavaliers
By Joe Dellera
The Magic face off against the Cavaliers in the second game of a baseball set tonight, and I’ll be looking to fade Paolo Banchero as a distributor here.
The Magic will have most of their key players, but will be missing Franz Wagner.
This means Paolo will share the floor with Suggs, Bane, and Black.
With that combo, Banchero is not needed as a facilitator. Rather, he’s used as a finisher to convert on opportunities.
Franz is the only player on this roster that he may feel any need to defer to, and he’s not going to be on the floor tonight.
Last time out, Banchero had two assists on eight potentials.
So, even if we carried that over, he’d need an above average conversion rate to clear this line.
Without Franz, but with Suggs, Banchero is averaging just 3.8 assists per game and has gone under this line in 4-of-5.
Pick: Paolo Banchero Under 4.5 Assists (-105)
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Lakers vs. Bulls
By Kyle Murray
My model likes LeBron James to perform in this matchup against the Bulls, who have played at the 7th-fastest pace in the NBA.
That is a nice pace-up spot for the Lakers and should lead to a favorable game environment, which makes sense, as we have a high total set at 237.5 and a tight 1.5-point spread.
My model projects LeBron for 25.1 points in Chicago tonight.
Pick: LeBron James Over 22.5 Points (-115)
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Trail Blazers vs. Celtics
By Bet Labs
This NBA system captures regular season games where visiting teams show renewed energy and focus after a disappointing home loss.
When a team transitions from playing at home to the road following a poor result, motivation and effort tend to rise, particularly in non-conference matchups where travel can reset rhythm and concentration.
Teams with a solid overall record often channel frustration from a narrow defeat into improved play away from home, benefiting from reduced pressure and sharper preparation.
By targeting quality teams coming off home losses in unfamiliar settings, this approach leverages the psychological edge of redemption and the tendency for capable squads to perform better when seeking to rebound on the road.
Pick: Trail Blazers Moneyline (+260)
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Warriors vs. Timberwolves
By Bet Labs
This NBA system identifies value in large favorites that the betting public tends to fade.
It focuses on regular season games where the favorite opens with a significant spread yet receives limited betting support, often below 40%.
These are spots where the market overreacts to recent performances, particularly when the opponent is coming off a strong win by a large margin.
Public bettors often chase momentum and undervalue elite teams laying points, assuming the line is inflated.
Historically, these contrarian favorites outperform expectations as sharp money backs the undervalued side while casual bettors load up on the underdog.
This system exploits those perception gaps, capitalizing on strong teams that are capable of covering despite public skepticism.
Pick: Timberwolves -7.5 (-105)
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