The NBA regular season is back in full swing with a solid slate of games this Tuesday, with a total of six matchups on the docket scheduled for today, featuring an excellent nationally televised doubleheader on NBC, as Heat vs. Timberwolves takes center stage at 8:00 p.m. ET, followed by Mavericks vs. Kings at 11:00 p.m. ET.
Our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified NBA picks for five of tonight's matchups.
Continue below for our NBA picks, odds, props, and predictions for Tuesday, January 6.
NBA Picks, Odds, Props, Predictions: Tuesday, January 6
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 11 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. Pacers
The absence of Donovan Mitchell will certainly hurt Cleveland's chances in this spot, with the Cavaliers so heavily reliant on his consistent scoring outputs.
Meanwhile, the Pacers' current losing streak is reaching comical levels at 12 straight, but with Rick Carlisle sitting on 999 career wins, you know the team is beyond desperate to get in the win column.
I will be sprinkling on the Pacers moneyline in this spot as well, but my best bet for this game is on Indiana +5.5.
Pick: Pacers +5.5 (-110)
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Magic vs. Wizards
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: Wizards First Half Moneyline (+170)
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Lakers vs. Pelicans
This is a nice buy-low opportunity on a Pelicans team that NOBODY wants to bet on right now.
Over the last 10 games, the Pelicans rank 28th in net rating. However, the Clippers only rank two spots ahead of them during that span at 26th.
You simply can’t trust Los Angeles to cover spreads as big as -5.5 right now with all their defensive issues.
Pick: Pelicans +5.5 (-110)
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Heat vs. Timberwolves
By Bet Labs
This NBA totals system is built on the idea that strong traveling teams can drive pace and scoring in matchups where the market leans too heavily toward the under.
By focusing on regular season games outside of division play, the system avoids slower rivalry environments and taps into contests that tend to be more open and less physical.
It targets overs specifically when the betting public and money trends show a clear lean toward the under, creating a contrarian opportunity where expectations are suppressed but conditions for scoring remain strong.
The away team must be early enough in its season to still carry energy and identity, and it must also be coming off a decisive win, a signal that its offense and confidence are functioning at a high level.
When these elements align, strong road teams often set the tone, push pace, and elevate scoring beyond market expectations, making the over more attractive precisely when it is being overlooked.
Pick: Over 238.5 (-110)
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Mavericks vs. Kings
By Joe Dellera
The Mavericks get a soft matchup against the Kings on Tuesday night, and I’m looking to some of their depth.
The Mavericks have ruled out Dereck Lively for the season, and now PJ Washington is listed as doubtful for this game as well.
Without them, Washington in particular, Naji has seen an uptick in his scoring this season.
Without PJ, Naji is up to 17.7 points per game and has exceeded this line of 12.5 in 5-of-6 games.
The Kings’ defense is fourth-worst in the league, and Dallas should be able to speed up their average pace.
Naji also relentlessly attacks the paint, an area where the Kings allow the second-most points in the league per game.
Pick: Naji Marshall Over 12.5 Points (-115)
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