NBA picks today: Thursday's best bets include Hornets vs. Lakers play [1/15/2026]

Lakers ML (-185)

• Edge: 5.1%
• Probability: 70%
• Matchup: Hornets vs. Lakers (10:30PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has identified value on Lakers to defeat Hornets at -185 odds. A 70% probability produces an edge of 5.1%, making this the strongest play for today's NBA slate.

Magic -5.5 (+100)

• Edge: 3.9%
• Probability: 53.9%
• Matchup: Grizzlies vs. Magic (2:00PM ET, Thursday)

Magic -5.5 carries a 3.9% edge and a probability of 53.9% at +100 odds, according to our model.

Celtics ML (-130)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 60.1%
• Matchup: Celtics vs. Heat (7:30PM ET, Thursday)

Celtics ML at -130 odds shows a 3.6% edge, supported by a 60.1% probability in simulations.

Pistons ML (-270)

• Edge: 3.0%
• Probability: 76%
• Matchup: Suns vs. Pistons (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

A 3.0% edge and 76% probability make Pistons at the moneyline at a value play in the Suns vs. Pistons matchup, per our model.

Thunder ML (-170)

• Edge: 2.5%
• Probability: 65.4%
• Matchup: Thunder vs. Rockets (7:30PM ET, Thursday)

Thunder ML at -170 odds presents a 2.5% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 65.4%.

NBA best bets summary: Thursday, 1/15/2026

As of 2:05AM ET, here are our top NBA bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Hornets vs. Lakers	Lakers ML	-185 @ BetMGM	5.1%	70%
Grizzlies vs. Magic	Magic -5.5	+100 @ DraftKings	3.9%	53.9%
Celtics vs. Heat	Celtics ML	-130 @ BetMGM	3.6%	60.1%
Suns vs. Pistons	Pistons ML	-270 @ FanDuel	3.0%	76%
Thunder vs. Rockets	Thunder ML	-170 @ DraftKings	2.5%	65.4%

List of upcoming NBA games to bet on [1/15/2026]

• Grizzlies vs. Magic (2:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Suns vs. Pistons (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Thunder vs. Rockets (7:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Celtics vs. Heat (7:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Bucks vs. Spurs (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Jazz vs. Mavericks (8:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Knicks vs. Warriors (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Hawks vs. Trail Blazers (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Hornets vs. Lakers (10:30PM ET, Thursday)

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Conclusion

Our NBA best bets are locked and loaded for January 15, 2026, featuring plays such as Lakers ML and Magic -5.5. 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 sourced 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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