NBA Betting Picks for Tuesday 1/9/24: Will the Raptors' Tear Continue?

The 82-game NBA regular season offers us a wide variety of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, and totals. The Association features 1,230 regular season games, which can make sifting through the odds an overwhelming task.

However, various advanced statistics can help narrow the choices. numberFire's NBA power rankings and daily projections paired with advanced stats from the NBA can help give the inside track to winning big.

While utilizing some of the mentioned tools, which NBA odds from FanDuel Sportsbook look like the best bets today?

Please note lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published.

NBA Best Bets

Minnesota Timberwolves at Orlando Magic

Magic +5 (-108) Over 217 (-108)

The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Orlando Magic have been among the NBA's biggest surprises this season with the Timberwolves holding the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and the Magic in a position to make the playoffs with -420 odds, per FanDuel's NBA playoff odds. The squads collide on Tuesday.

The Timberwolves are in danger of slipping out of first place after going 1-3 over their previous four games. Following a three-game losing streak, the Magic have won back-to-back games. Plus, they have stayed consistent against the spread (ATS) with a 5-1 record over their last six contests. As five-point underdogs, will Orlando come up with another cover?

With Minnesota touting the top defensive rating in the Association, the Magic's offense could stumble as they have the 10th-worst rating. Orlando's ability to attack the rim (fifth-most points in the paint per game) could be stifled by Rudy Gobert and Co. The T-Wolves give up the seventh-fewest points in the paint per game while leading the league in opponent two-point percentage.

Gobert (108.5 defensive rating) and Karl-Anthony Towns (109.5 defensive rating) have been an elite defensive frontcourt that could help slow Orlando's paint attack led by Paolo Banchero (23.1 PPG) -- 77.3% of his shots are two-pointers.

The Magic have the fifth-worst three-point percentage and attempt the fourth-fewest threes per game. However, they have recently hit their stride from beyond the arc, shooting a blistering 48.8% while averaging 19.7 three-point makes per contest over the last three games. Of course, continuing to hit shots from deep will only help open up the paint. This has translated to great scoring nights as Orlando is averaging 124.7 PPG during the the three-game stretch.

Caleb Houstan has recently emerged as a knockdown shooter, making 15 of 27 attempts from three (55.5%) over his last three games. He's also averaged 30.3 minutes per game during the stretch compared to his season average of 14.0 minutes per contest. Banchero has been like the Human Torch with 36.7 PPG while shooting 45.3% from the field and 55.0% from deep over his last three games.

Considering Orlando's big jump in scoring numbers over the last week, they could find enough success on offense to cover the spread.

Along with a cover, the over could be a wise pick with the 217 total; the -108 odds only sweetens the deal.

The Magic have the fourth-best defensive rating, but their numbers are not that impressive in several categories. For example, they have the 15th-best mark in allowed effective field goal percentage (eFG%) and the 14th-worst mark in opponent field goal percentage (FG%).

Minnesota's leading scorer -- Anthony Edwards (26.8 PPG) -- could also be poised for a big game. He has totaled 32.3 PPG over his last 12 games, and Edwards could get matched up with Orlando's Houstan, who has a 116.7 defensive rating.

The free throw line could also allow the Wolves to put up points as they attempt the 10th-most shots per game while the Magic give up the 6th-most free throws per game.

The over feels quite likely with both offenses averaging over 112.0 PPG and having potential advantages for tonight's collision.

Toronto Raptors at Los Angeles Lakers

Raptors +5 (-112)

Since trading OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, the Toronto Raptors are 3-1 outright and ATS. They continue their six-game road trip with a clash against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.

The Lakers are in turmoil with a 3-7 record over their last 10 game. Drama has even ramped up surrounding coach Darvin Ham. After losing four consecutive games while going 1-3 ATS, Los Angeles temporarily silenced the critics by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 106-103 on Sunday. However, this could be short-lived with the rolling Raptors paying a visit.

LA has some injury concerns for Tuesday as Rui Hachimura (11.6 PPG) is doubtful and LeBron James (25.2 PPG) is questionable with an ankle injury. If James cannot go, the Lakers could lack the scoring to keep up with Toronto.

The Raptors' trade has yielded big results on the offensive end as they are averaging 125.8 PPG over the last four games (115.0 PPG on the season). They even produced against 2 top 10 defensive ratings against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies; Toronto averaged 120.0 PPG over the two-game span.

The additions of Barrett and Quickley have dramatically improved the Raptors' three-point attack thus far. Over the previous four contests, Toronto is shooting 40.5% from deep. This is a night and day difference compared to their season mark of 35.3% (seventh-worst). Barrett has been the big contributor so far with 21.0 PPG during the four-game span while shooting 53.8% from the floor and 52.6% from three. Plus, he comes off a 37-point eruption while draining 5 of 8 three-point looks.

Los Angeles has some weak defenders in the backcourt, including Austin Reaves (116.7 defensive rating). Barrett and Quickley could continue to make their presence felt with both players totaling over 17.0 PPG since landing in Toronto.

The Raptors truly look like a different team since the trade and could become an enticing selection to make the postseason (+270). With the Lakers' struggles, give me Toronto to cover on the road.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.