The NBA regular season is back in action with a relatively light slate of games this Thursday, with a total of only four matchups on the docket scheduled for today, featuring an excellent nationally showdown on NBA TV, as Heat vs. Bulls takes center stage at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified NBA picks for all four of tonight's matchups.
Continue below for our NBA picks, odds, props, and predictions for Thursday, January 8.
NBA Picks, Odds, Props, Predictions: Thursday, January 8
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 9 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. | ||
Cavaliers vs. Timberwolves
By Joe Dellera
The Timberwolves face off against the Cavaliers on Thursday night, and this is a spot where I want to target Naz Reid.
This has been a favorable matchup for Reid against Cleveland's double bigs. It’s tough to cover him, especially if he can align with Jarrett Allen's minutes.
Reid has averaged 14.3 field goal attempts per game against Cleveland over the last few seasons — a notable uptick from the 10.7 he's averaged in the rest of his matchups this season.
This checks out compared to the shot profile allowed by the Cavaliers. They are very poor at defending catch-and-shoot opportunities, along with above the break 3s — two things that Naz is excellent at.
Reid is averaging 14.3 points per game this season. So, we simply just need him to hit his season-average.
Pick: Naz Reid Over 13.5 Points (-115)
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Pacers vs. Hornets
By Bet Labs
This NBA system identifies value in conference games where favorites are struggling but still favored by the market.
When a team has recently underperformed yet remains favored, it suggests the betting line reflects long term strength rather than short term results.
These situations often create buying opportunities on quality teams that are due for positive regression after a rough stretch.
Facing familiar conference opponents adds familiarity and stability to performance expectations, while moderate spreads and balanced totals keep volatility in check.
This approach capitalizes on the overreaction to recent form, betting on strong teams to rebound once market sentiment has dipped too far against them.
Pick: Hornets -3.5 (-110)
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Heat vs. Bulls
By Bet Labs
This NBA system focuses on first half moneyline opportunities where strong teams often start slow against inferior opponents.
During the regular season, underdogs with modest Pythagorean ratings face elite opponents with high win records who may be pacing themselves or conserving energy early in games.
These matchups frequently occur when the superior team is in cruise control, relying on second half adjustments rather than urgency in the opening quarters.
Meanwhile, the underdog typically plays with early intensity and effort, creating value in short term situations before talent disparity takes over.
By isolating first halves against top competition, this system leverages motivational imbalance and situational focus to identify profitable early game edges.
Pick: Bulls First Half Moneyline (+165)
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Mavericks vs. Jazz
By Bet Labs
This NBA system targets regular season matchups where fatigue and overvaluation intersect to create an edge for visiting teams.
Home teams that have played multiple games in a short span, often three to five within five days, tend to experience a drop in energy and defensive consistency despite the advantage of being on their own court.
The market often overlooks this subtle fatigue effect, assuming comfort at home offsets physical wear, but in reality, quick turnarounds and short rest lead to slower rotations, weaker transition defense, and less efficiency late in games.
Visiting teams facing these tired hosts, particularly when they are more rested and enter the matchup with focus and travel rhythm, tend to outperform expectations against the spread.
This setup consistently rewards bettors who recognize that rest and intensity outweigh location when home favorites are running on fumes.
Pick: Mavericks -7 (-110)
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