With eight NBA matchups scheduled for Tuesday, January 1, bettors have exciting opportunities on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are my top betting picks for today’s NBA card.

Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games:

Magic at Pistons, 7 PM EST
Bulls at Wizards, 7 PM EST
Pelicans at Heat, 7:30 PM EST
Jazz at Knicks, 7:30 PM EST
Nets at Raptors, 7:30 PM EST
Mavericks at Rockets, 8 PM EST
Hawks at Nuggets, 9 PM EST
76ers at Kings, 10 PM EST

The Rockets have struggled down the stretch in recent games, blowing late leads against the Timberwolves and Heat. Despite some solid performances from Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, Houston has been unable to execute in crucial moments, mainly when their three-point shooting isn’t falling. Despite missing Luka Doncic, the Mavericks have shown resilience with strong contributions from P.J. Washington and Spencer Dinwiddie. Dallas has the advantage in offensive execution, especially given the Rockets’ recent struggles. Based on the latest Mavericks injury developments, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson will each return from a one-game absence, and Dereck Lively II is trending positively. Look for Dallas to cover the +5.5 spread on the road.

The 76ers come into this matchup riding a four-game winning streak, including three consecutive wins on the road. With Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid leading the charge, Philadelphia has found a solid rhythm despite missing Embiid in this game due to injury. Sacramento has shown inconsistency lately, though they did snap their six-game losing streak with a win over the Mavericks. However, the Kings will have to contend with a surging 76ers squad, and even without Embiid, Philadelphia should be able to cover the +6.5 spread in Sacramento. In Monday’s matchup, the Kings will be tested more significantly against the 76ers than a Mavericks team that missed six rotation players, including four starters.

Denver remains one of the top teams in the NBA, especially with Nikola Jokic continuing his MVP-caliber performances. The Nuggets are currently on a four-game win streak, showcasing their well-rounded play on both ends. Atlanta, riding a four-game winning streak of their own, faces a difficult challenge when they travel to Denver, where the Nuggets dominate. Denver defeated the Hawks 141-111 earlier this month, and despite Atlanta’s recent improvements, their defensive weaknesses are likely to be exposed again. While the Nuggets will be without Aaron Gordon due to injury, their depth, led by Jokic, should still be enough to overwhelm Atlanta. With the Nuggets’ offensive firepower and solid defense, they are in a strong position to cover the -5.5 spread at home, continuing their dominance.

Miami is primed to extend their recent strong play with the return of Jimmy Butler, who has missed the last five games due to illness. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are mired in a 10-game losing streak and are still without key players Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, making it difficult to find consistent success. Despite standout performances from CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray, New Orleans has struggled to finish games and execute offensively without their stars. With its deep roster and Butler’s leadership, Miami has a solid offensive and defensive foundation to lean on. With Butler back in the lineup, the Heat should be able to overpower the undermanned Pelicans. Expect Miami to comfortably cover the -8.5 spread, as their depth and Butler’s impact on both ends of the floor will be too much for New Orleans.

The Magic have continued to compete at a high level despite missing key players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner due to injuries. Jalen Suggs has stepped up, averaging solid numbers, and rookie Tristan da Silva has been a key contributor, scoring 14.3 points per game over the last seven games. Orlando’s defense has been a stabilizing force, with strong team rotations and the ability to make key stops in crucial moments. Although Detroit has had a productive road trip, the Pistons have been inconsistent, especially on defense, which has hindered their ability to string together wins. Even without two of their most important players, Orlando’s resilience makes them a strong contender to cover the +1.5 spread on the road against an inconsistent Pistons team.

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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is grant-afseth) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.