NBA Predictions & Preview For Thursday, January 9th

For a change, we’ve got a busy Thursday coming up on the NBA front, with eight games on the schedule. That leaves plenty of spots to hit some winning plays. Here are your NBA predictions and preview for Thursday, January 9th.

NBA Predictions & Preview For Thursday, January 9th

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Orlando Magic

Start Time – 7:00 PM EST

Tomorrow (or Friday) could be an exciting night in Orlando, as the Magic’s star forward Paolo Banchero is reportedly returning to the court for the first time since tearing his oblique in October. For a team with too many of its key players on the sidelines, this would be an obvious boost.

Even if Banchero isn’t back until Friday, I still like the Magic to cover the spread for us tomorrow against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their 13-5 home record is fifth best in the NBA, and Minnesota is mediocre on the road.

Best Bet: Orlando +4.5 (-110)

Miami Heat vs Utah Jazz

Start Time – 9:00 PM EST

The Utah Jazz are a dismal 2-13 at home this season and have lost eight straight games in the Delta Center this season. They are the NBA’s worst team at home, despite historically having a home-court advantage of over four points a game, the best in the NBA.

Yet, I’m getting in on the Jazz at home tomorrow night against the Miami Heat. Miami should only be favored by a couple of points here, so the value is on the Jazz end of the spread.

Best Bet: Utah +5.5 (-110)

Overall Record: 69-51 (58%)
Profit (based on $100/bet): $1199.15
Return on Investment: 10%