NBA picks today: Friday's best bets include Kings vs. Suns play [1/2/2026]

Kings +11.5 (-102)

• Edge: 6.3%
• Probability: 56.8%
• Matchup: Kings vs. Suns (9:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has identified value on Kings +11.5 at -102 odds. A 56.8% probability produces an edge of 6.3%, making this the strongest play for today's NBA slate.

Nuggets +12.5 (-105)

• Edge: 5.6%
• Probability: 56.9%
• Matchup: Nuggets vs. Cavaliers (7:30PM ET, Friday)

Nuggets +12.5 carries a 5.6% edge and a probability of 56.9% at -105 odds, according to our model.

Kings ML (+475)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 21%
• Matchup: Kings vs. Suns (9:00PM ET, Friday)

Kings ML at +475 odds shows a 3.6% edge, supported by a 21% probability in simulations.

Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans under 243.5 points (-106)

• Edge: 3.1%
• Probability: 54.5%
• Matchup: Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans (8:00PM ET, Friday)

A 3.1% edge and 54.5% probability make Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans under 243.5 points at a value play in the Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans matchup, per our model.

Hawks vs. Knicks under 245.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 3.0%
• Probability: 54.2%
• Matchup: Hawks vs. Knicks (7:30PM ET, Friday)

Hawks vs. Knicks under 245.5 points at -105 odds presents a 3.0% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 54.2%.

Nets ML (-116)

• Edge: 2.7%
• Probability: 56.4%
• Matchup: Nets vs. Wizards (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model finds value on Nets to win at -116 odds, supported by an edge of 2.7%.

Trail Blazers ML (-110)

• Edge: 2.7%
• Probability: 55.1%
• Matchup: Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has uncovered value on Trail Blazers ML at -110 odds. A 55.1% probability produces a 2.7% edge, making this a strong play for today's NBA action.

Grizzlies vs. Lakers under 238.5 points (-106)

• Edge: 2.3%
• Probability: 53.7%
• Matchup: Grizzlies vs. Lakers (10:30PM ET, Friday)

A 2.3% edge on a 53.7% probability makes under 238.5 points at -106 odds a solid value play in today's Grizzlies vs. Lakers matchup.

NBA best bets summary: Friday, 1/2/2026

As of 2:06AM ET, here are our top NBA bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Kings vs. Suns	Kings +11.5	-102 @ DraftKings	6.3%	56.8%
Nuggets vs. Cavaliers	Nuggets +12.5	-105 @ BetMGM	5.6%	56.9%
Kings vs. Suns	Kings ML	+475 @ BetMGM	3.6%	21%
Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans	Under 243.5 Points	-106 @ FanDuel	3.1%	54.5%
Hawks vs. Knicks	Under 245.5 Points	-105 @ FanDuel	3.0%	54.2%
Nets vs. Wizards	Nets ML	-116 @ FanDuel	2.7%	56.4%
Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans	Trail Blazers ML	-110 @ BetMGM	2.7%	55.1%
Grizzlies vs. Lakers	Under 238.5 Points	-106 @ FanDuel	2.3%	53.7%

List of upcoming NBA games to bet on [1/2/2026]

• Spurs vs. Pacers (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Nets vs. Wizards (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Nuggets vs. Cavaliers (7:30PM ET, Friday)
• Hawks vs. Knicks (7:30PM ET, Friday)
• Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans (8:00PM ET, Friday)
• Magic vs. Bulls (8:00PM ET, Friday)
• Hornets vs. Bucks (8:00PM ET, Friday)
• Kings vs. Suns (9:00PM ET, Friday)
• Thunder vs. Warriors (10:00PM ET, Friday)
• Grizzlies vs. Lakers (10:30PM ET, Friday)

Using Dimebot for betting research

Learn how Dimebot helps you quickly access projections, trends, and explanations—without digging through multiple tools or pages.

Conclusion

Our NBA best bets are locked and loaded for January 2, 2026, featuring plays such as Kings +11.5 and Nuggets +12.5. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate NBA insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are rooted in current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

Note: Clicking links to our sportsbook partners may earn us a referral fee. Learn about how we review products and services.