NBA weekend betting preview: Closing out January

We are at an interesting point in the NBA season. Teams have played more than half of their games, but we have still not reached the All-Star break or even the trade deadline, both in February. 

There have been some surprising teams like Memphis, and it seems like we are past the worst with regards to health and safety protocols being a nightly thing. Fingers crossed!

This weekend the NBA is still competing with NFL — at least on Sunday — and it is kind of a light weekend but here are some games to keep an eye out for. 

Friday, January 28th

Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
7:30 PM ET

Boston has talent. Depending on who you ask, Jayson Tatum might be a top-5 player and Jaylen Brown is not far behind. The question is, with those two, why don't the Celtics win more? They are 9-14 on the road this season and taking on an Atlanta team that has flopped after showing so much promise a year ago in the playoffs. I am not sold on Trae Young as being the second coming of Steph Curry, and this team continues to tinker. Trading Cam Reddish was one move to make, but it is not going to make them more competitive against a team like Boston. 

Take Boston  (as long as they are the underdog)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets
7:30 PM ET

The Lakers might draw buzz wherever they go, but the Hornets are the ones that are buzzing right now. Sure, L.A. has a better chance to win a title in 2022, but Charlotte is one of the most exciting teams in the NBA this season. They score a ton (see the 158 they just dropped on Indiana) and their lack of defense means that no lead is safe. With LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, they are just fun and the Lakers with all of their experience are a nice measuring stick. Lakers big man Anthony Davis is back (for now) but I still think the home side is the way to go. L.A. is playing on Friday too which is a definite advantage for Charlotte. 

Take Charlotte. 

Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies
8:00 PM ET

Memphis has been one of the best teams in the NBA in January. I think most saw this as a team on the rise, though perhaps not as quickly as they have during this season. Still, until they are winning in the playoffs it is hard to get too excited about Memphis. The same can be said of the Jazz, who are looking to break through in the playoffs for the first time with their current group. This game is probably more meaningful for the Grizzlies, who play like they have something to prove every night. For Utah, a win at Memphis might be a helpful playoff seeding thing at most. I love the way that Memphis can match up with Utah, and Ja Morant will be the best player on the floor, not Donovan Mitchell.

Take Memphis (up to -3)

Saturday, January 29th

Brooklyn Nets vs. Golden State Warriors
8:30 PM ET

We are definitely losing some star power for this one with Kevin Durant out with a knee injury. James Harden is questionable and predicting whether Kyrie Irving will play or not is difficult, though Chase Center's rules state that members of visiting teams are not required to be vaccinated. Golden State will be missing Draymond Green and possibly Klay Thompson as they manage him carefully. That might leave Steph Curry as the lone star. Whether that is the case or not, the Warriors are still the way to play it. GS is 22-4 SU and 17-9 ATS at home this season. Brooklyn, even with Harden and Irving, is unlikely to upset. 

Take Golden State (up to -6)

Sunday, January 30th

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Atlanta Hawks
1:00 PM ET

Both of these teams are hoping for a second half that is better than the first. For L.A. it may be as simple as better health. With Anthony Davis back they will not have to rely on Russell Westbrook as much and that is a good thing. For Atlanta, they struggled for a chunk of last season too before turning it on after a coaching change that led to a run to the Eastern Conference Finals. I do not think they can pull that tactic again, but they have to try and do something to shake things up. I am not sure getting rid of Reddish is enough. For this game, I am leaning toward L.A. I think the Hornets will get them on Friday but they bounce back in this spot. 

Take Los Angeles (-3 or better)