NBA picks today: Thursday's best bets include Heat vs. Bulls play [1/8/2026]

Bulls +6.5 (+100)

• Edge: 6.0%
• Probability: 56%
• Matchup: Heat vs. Bulls (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has identified value on Bulls +6.5 at +100 odds. A 56% probability produces an edge of 6.0%, making this the strongest play for today's NBA slate.

Cavaliers vs. Timberwolves under 239.5 points (-106)

• Edge: 3.3%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Cavaliers vs. Timberwolves (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

Cavaliers vs. Timberwolves under 239.5 points carries a 3.3% edge and a probability of 54.8% at -106 odds, according to our model.

Pelicans ML (-118)

• Edge: 3.3%
• Probability: 57.4%
• Matchup: Pelicans vs. Wizards (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Pelicans ML at -118 odds shows a 3.3% edge, supported by a 57.4% probability in simulations.

Clippers ML (-138)

• Edge: 3.2%
• Probability: 61.2%
• Matchup: Clippers vs. Nets (7:30PM ET, Friday)

A 3.2% edge and 61.2% probability make Clippers at the moneyline at a value play in the Clippers vs. Nets matchup, per our model.

Raptors +8.5 (-105)

• Edge: 3.2%
• Probability: 54.4%
• Matchup: Raptors vs. Celtics (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Raptors +8.5 at -105 odds presents a 3.2% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 54.4%.

Mavericks ML (-185)

• Edge: 2.5%
• Probability: 67.4%
• Matchup: Mavericks vs. Jazz (9:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model finds value on Mavericks to win at -185 odds, supported by an edge of 2.5%.

Timberwolves -3.5 (-102)

• Edge: 2.2%
• Probability: 52.7%
• Matchup: Cavaliers vs. Timberwolves (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has uncovered value on Timberwolves -3.5 at -102 odds. A 52.7% probability produces a 2.2% edge, making this a strong play for today's NBA action.

Pelicans vs. Wizards under 240.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 2.2%
• Probability: 54.5%
• Matchup: Pelicans vs. Wizards (7:00PM ET, Friday)

A 2.2% edge on a 54.5% probability makes under 240.5 points at -110 odds a solid value play in today's Pelicans vs. Wizards matchup.

NBA best bets summary: Thursday, 1/8/2026

As of 7:34PM ET, here are our top NBA bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Heat vs. Bulls	Bulls +6.5	+100 @ BetMGM	6.0%	56%
Cavaliers vs. Timberwolves	Under 239.5 Points	-106 @ FanDuel	3.3%	54.8%
Pelicans vs. Wizards	Pelicans ML	-118 @ FanDuel	3.3%	57.4%
Clippers vs. Nets	Clippers ML	-138 @ FanDuel	3.2%	61.2%
Raptors vs. Celtics	Raptors +8.5	-105 @ DraftKings	3.2%	54.4%
Mavericks vs. Jazz	Mavericks ML	-185 @ DraftKings	2.5%	67.4%
Cavaliers vs. Timberwolves	Timberwolves -3.5	-102 @ BetMGM	2.2%	52.7%
Pelicans vs. Wizards	Under 240.5 Points	-110 @ FanDuel	2.2%	54.5%

List of upcoming NBA games to bet on [1/8/2026]

• Cavaliers vs. Timberwolves (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Heat vs. Bulls (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Mavericks vs. Jazz (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Raptors vs. Celtics (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• 76ers vs. Magic (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Pelicans vs. Wizards (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Clippers vs. Nets (7:30PM ET, Friday)

Using Dimebot for betting research

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Conclusion

Our NBA best bets are locked and loaded for January 8, 2026, featuring plays such as Bulls +6.5 and under 239.5 points in the Cavaliers vs. Timberwolves matchup. 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 drawn from 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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