NBA picks today: New Year's Day best bets include Jazz vs. Clippers play [1/1/2026]

Today’s NBA picks for New Year's Day are here, with Jazz vs. Clippers and Celtics vs. Kings among the top plays identified by our model across Thursday’s NBA play.

Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, going over the latest basketball odds to unearth legitimate betting edges. The result? Data-backed picks that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.

List of NBA picks tonight [1/1, updated 9:34PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s top 10 basketball bets, ranked by edge for Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Jazz +13.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 56.3%
• Matchup: Jazz vs. Clippers (10:30PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has identified value on Jazz +13.5 at -102 odds. A 56.3% probability produces an edge of 5.8%, making this the strongest play for today's NBA slate.

Kings +9.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 55.3%
• Matchup: Celtics vs. Kings (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

Kings +9.5 carries a 4.8% edge and a probability of 55.3% at -102 odds, according to our model.

Kings +9.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 55.3%
• Matchup: Celtics vs. Kings (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

A 4.8% edge and 55.3% probability make Kings +9.5 vs. Celtics at a value play in the Celtics vs. Kings matchup, per our model.

Trail Blazers ML (-110)

• Edge: 4.0%
• Probability: 56.4%
• Matchup: Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Trail Blazers ML at -110 odds presents a 4.0% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 56.4%.

Pelicans -1.5 (-102)

• Edge: 3.9%
• Probability: 54.4%
• Matchup: Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model finds value on Pelicans -1.5 at -102 odds, supported by an edge of 3.9%.

Magic ML (-174)

• Edge: 3.0%
• Probability: 66.5%
• Matchup: Magic vs. Bulls (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has uncovered value on Magic ML at -174 odds. A 66.5% probability produces a 3.0% edge, making this a strong play for today's NBA action.

Hawks vs. Knicks under 245.5 points (-105)

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

A 3.0% edge on a 54.2% probability makes under 245.5 points at -105 odds a solid value play in today's Hawks vs. Knicks matchup.

Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans under 241.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 2.9%
• Probability: 54.1%
• Matchup: Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model projects value on under 241.5 points at -105 odds. A 54.1% probability produces a 2.9% edge, making the under the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

Spurs ML (-205)

• Edge: 2.8%
• Probability: 70.1%
• Matchup: Spurs vs. Pacers (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Spurs to defeat Pacers at -205 odds shows a 70.1% probability and a 2.8% edge.

NBA best bets summary: Thursday, 1/1/2026

As of 9:34PM ET, here are our top NBA bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Jazz vs. Clippers	Jazz +13.5	-102 @ DraftKings	5.8%	56.3%
Celtics vs. Kings	Kings +9.5	-102 @ BetMGM	4.8%	55.3%
Celtics vs. Kings	Kings +9.5	-102 @ BetMGM	4.8%	55.3%
Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans	Trail Blazers ML	-110 @ BetMGM	4.0%	56.4%
Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans	Pelicans -1.5	-102 @ BetMGM	3.9%	54.4%
Magic vs. Bulls	Magic ML	-174 @ FanDuel	3.0%	66.5%
Hawks vs. Knicks	Under 245.5 Points	-105 @ FanDuel	3.0%	54.2%
Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans	Under 241.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	2.9%	54.1%
Spurs vs. Pacers	Spurs ML	-205 @ DraftKings	2.8%	70.1%

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

• Celtics vs. Kings (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Jazz vs. Clippers (10:30PM ET, Thursday)
• 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)

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Conclusion

Our NBA best bets are locked and loaded for January 1, 2026, featuring plays such as Jazz +13.5 and Kings +9.5. 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 grounded 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.

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